Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): YardMachines Snowblower RPM cycling, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
Hi,

I have a YardMachine 8.5hp snowblower with a Techumseh engine.  It's only 2 years old but this week on the first snow it worked fine for 30 minutes or so and then started to cycle rpm's going high, low, then high again.  A few times it would stall at the low points.  It starts again and will idle ok but as soon as I move the throttle up or it bogs down in snow it starts this cycling mode.  I took out the one needle pin I found and it appeared clean.  It had a small hole through it near the tip which was also clean.  With the engine running I took the pin in and out and the difference did not seem that much.  It seems like it's a gas problem ... am I heading towards a full carb cleaning?  Thanks in advance for any advice.

john

Answer
Hello John:

It Sounds Like you Need to  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. Use the Section of the Following Instructions to Set the Air Mixture Screw (Idle Air). Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. 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