Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 5 HP Craftsman Fuel Bowl Vent Leak, drag resistance, vent hole

Question
John,
I have a 5 hp Sears snowblower model 536.882502. The carb was gummed up preventing starting. I soaked it overnight and reassembled it. I made the mistake of not marking the orientation on the fuel bowl cover.The float retaining pin is crimped which prevented me from accurately checking it. However, it did appear to “float” and not be “soaked” when removing it from the carb cleaner. I put needle valve back in and checked it with float movement. Put the carb back on and as the bowl filled up it eventually leaked. Fuel was coming out of a pin-hole size vent hole?? a little bit above the mixture screw. I dropped the bowl cover down and checked the needle. Seemed ok. Put the cover back on and rotated it 180 .  Same results. Fuel also comes out of that hole when pressing the primer.
I didn’t change the float level adjustment at all.

I did notice that the needle seemed to have a little bit of drag/resistance when re-assembling and checking it.  Is it possible that the needle housing and inlet still have some gunk inside causing the bowl to overfill? Or is it something else? Thanks for any hints.

Also....High speed screw...how many turns out initially??

Ed


Answer
Hello Ed:

The Float Pin that Holds the Float to the Carburetor Should Be Crimped on One End Only. The Float Needle Is Not Seating Correctly. If you have the Single Needle (has a Black Rubber Tip), then Replace the Float Needle. If you have the 2 Piece Float Needle and Seat, then Replace the Float Needle and Remove the Old Seat ( a Flat O-Ring) and Replace it with a New Seat. I have had Many Carburetor that I have had to Soak 2 or 3 Times to Get them Clean. 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 (143.754112). 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. 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