Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B & S Vanguard eng. running rich, husquvarna, needle valve

Question
I have a Husquvarna mower w/ 21 hp vanguard eng. I've had it in a shop 5 times . I mow 6 or 7 times and the eng starts to smoke and run rough. they take it in and clean out the carb and the same thing happens again. It has a gas line filter so I feel dirt has to come from inside the carb. I've been asking for a new carb but they won't put one on saying the cost is to high. So I'm stuck with an engine that keeps fowling up. Eng Model #385777,   type 0349-E1,  code 04041611  What do I do ?

Answer
Hello Gearge:

The Problem is Caused by the Carburetor Float Needle Valve Not Seating Properly and Allowing the Gas to Slightly Flood the Engine. Is this Engine Under Warranty? If Yes, then Contact Briggs at 866-927-3349 (between 7am and 5pm Central Time US) and Request the New Carburetor Yourself. From your Description, I Suggest you Install a Manual Cut Off Valve and Manually Cut the Gas Flow Off when the Engine is Not in Use. Does the Crankcase Overfill with Oil? Does the Gas in the Tank Seem Lower if the Mower Sits for a Few Days? The Carburetor (Part # 841412) Costs $130.40us Dollars, Plus Shipping. I have had to Replace the Carburetor Needle Valve Several Times in the Same Carburetor to Locate a Needle Valve that would Seat Properly. I Usually Install a Manual Cut Off Valve in All the Riding Mowers. The Needle Valves have Become a Common Problem these Days. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, then 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John