Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): MTD 8/26 snow thrower, carburetor problems, throttle shaft

Question
I  have an 8yr old MTD 8/26 tecumseh snow blower (serial   #1J104B20193,model # 315E640F900--model#s were faded--it could also be model#315E640E000). I recently  removed the carburetor,cleaned and replaced it on the engine. I may have re-adjusted the air mixing screw on the carburetor- I may have also replaced  the throttle to the governor linkage in the wrong hole. I tried restarting my snow blower which fires &  runs  for  a few seconds only. Once or twice  it backfired &  a flame shot out of the carburetor.
                 Can  you advise me?

Answer
Hello Les:

****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.**** **The Throttle Cable Attaches to the Throttle Control Bracket. The Cable Moves a Slide that Moves a Pivot. The Pivot has the Spring  Attached to it and to the Governor Arm. The Solid Link Connects to the Governor Arm and goes to the Throttle Shaft on the Carburetor.  When the Throttle Cable is Moved it Moves the Pivot and the Pivot Pulls the Spring. The Spring Pulls the Governor Arm and the Governor Arm Moves the Throttle Shaft. Usually the Spring is in the Lower Hole in the Governor Arm and the Solid Link is in the Top Hole of the Governor Arm.** Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf If the Carburetor Problems are Corrected or are Not the cause of the Problem, then Remove the Flywheel and Check the Flywheel Key for Damage. ***Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** The Flywheel Key Times the Flywheel to the Crankshaft. This Times the Plug to Fire at the Correct Point in the Power Stroke of the Engine. If Damaged it will Cause the Engine to backfire Out the Carburetor or the Exhaust. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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