Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Weed eatin blues, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
I have a 4 stroke Yardman weedeater, model YM26CS.  Today I was using it and all the sudden the motor died (fully warmed up).  I can only get it to run with the choke fully on, and when giving it throttle it will barely increase RPM's (with choke fully on).  If I start to move the choke lever (1/8 of an inch) to turn off the choke the motor immediately shuts off.  Do you have any ideas why this has happened?  I checked the aircleaner, and spark plug and it looks fine.  Plenty of fuel in the tank.  Any guidance on how I can fix this please let me know.  I have never had any problems with this before, the only maintenance I have done on it is change the oil once a year.

Thanks for your time, Travis


Answer
Hello Travis:

From your Description, it Sounds like the Carburetor has Trash Restricting the Carburetor Jet or the Valves Require Adjusting. To Clean the Carburetor, Usually a Breakdown of the Engine and Carburetor is All you Require to have as a Reference to Remove and Clean the Carburetor. If you DO Hit a Snag or Just Require More Detailed Instructions, Do Not Hesitate to Ask, Please. This should Show How the Carburetor is Attached to the Engine. Then Select the Carburetor File to See the Carburetor in Breakdown for Disassembly and Cleaning. **REMEMBER You Do Not have to Remove the Welch Plugs. The Following is the Instructions for Proper Carburetor Cleaning.  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. To Set the Valves; I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://www.emerichsales.com/home.asp and Select Shop Online Parts and Accessories. Now Select the Model Tab. Select the OEM (MTD) and Enter the Model Numbers (41AD26CC401, 41AD26CC701 or 41AD26CC901). Now Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. 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