Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh 7 HP Compression, carburetor body, mud bug

Question
I picked up an old '71 MTD 3 Wheel Mud Bug (ATV). It has a 7HP Tecumseh H70 motor on it. I pulled the carb off and cleaned everything that would unscrew or come off/out of the carb. I did this because it would not start. It has excellent spark, and there is gas getting into the bowl, but it doesn't seem to be feeding the motor. After cranking for a while, I immediately pulled the plug and it was dry as far as I could tell. I sprayed starting fluid (I know not to use too much) into the motor through the carb and the motor fires and runs for a few seconds until the starting fluid is gone and then it shuts off. I have a compression tester, checked it and it is at 60. What should it be? Could the compression be low enough not to let it start or could the carb just be jacked up somehow? Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello Dan:

Oh Yes I Know the Mud Bug All too Well. LOL. I Used to Own One. If the Engine Starts and Runs on Starter Fluid, then Lets Get the Carburetor Clean First. Did you Soak the Carburetor in Carburetor Cleaner. If Not, then the Carburetor is Not Clean.  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 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. 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. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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