Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): honda gc160 5.0 hp, honda gc160, adjustment screws

Question
This engine is on a power washer. It got quite wet. Three weeks later would not start. Two things seem to be a problem one..the micro switch to shut down the engine may be damaged so I disconnected that. Since with it attached there was no spark. As well, there was no fuel flowing to the carb. I drained and cleaned the carb and reinstalled it and after that the fuel ran profusely. When I had removed the carb I had loosened off the 'needle valve' that is inside the bowl section in the middle around which the float is attached to clean it. Is this valve to be tight? I tightened it ..no fuel, but don't know how much it should be turned back? If in fact that is the problem. No other adjustments were made.
Would much appreciate any suggestions

Answer
Hello Dave:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. If you are Asking About the Brass Jet, then it is Supposed to be Tightened. If you are Asking About the Carburetor Float Needle Valve (the Float Pushes this Needle Valve Up to Stop the Gas Flow, then it Moves Freely as the Float Moves Up and Down. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug.  Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.  Now Setting the Air Mixture Screws:  ****Turn the Idle Air and Main Air Mixture Screws In Until SNUG **Do Not Jam** Then Reverse Both Screws 1 1/2 Turns. Holding the Throttle Full Open, Start the Engine. Turn the Main Air Mixture Screw Clockwise Until Proper Revs are Obtained. Occasionally you May have to Turn this Counter Clockwise to Achieve the Proper Revs. Now Allow the Engine to Idle. Set the Engine Idle Screw (Not Idle Air) so the Engine will Stay Running if Required. Now Set the Idle Air Mixture Screw so there is No Hesitation when Throttling from Idle to Full Throttle. Reset the Engine Idle if Required.**** Did you Loosen the Governor Arm from the Governor Shaft when you Removed the Carburetor? If Yes, then  If you Removed the Govrnor Arm to Remove the Carburetor, then Reset the Governor. **To Reset the Governor; Loosen the Governor Arm Bolt and Turn the Governor Shaft Clockwise Until it Stops. Using the Governor Arm Hold the Carburetor to Full Throttle. Now with the Shaft Full Clockwise and the Governor Arm and Carburetor Held at Full Throttle, Tighten the Governor Arm Bolt. If the Engine Still Runs Full Throttle, then Reverse the Rotation of the Governor Shaft, but Still Hold the Carburetor at Full Throttle with the Governor Arm. If it Still Runs at Full Throttle, then Check the Internal Governor.** If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John