Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere 316 carburetor surging, carburetor body, john deere 316

Question
hi. I own a John Deere 316 lawn tractor. I found the engine is model #P218G-E/10462B. The serial number is G883419011. I am having terrible engine surging (motor rpms go from low to high and back again...continuously....it is like riding waves on the ocean) for the 1st 1/2 hour of operation but it gets less and less with time. It is driving me crazy. In looking this engine up, I am finding it more associated with 317 and 318 john deere's so it is becoming even more confusing to me. I bought this tractor used and have a book with it which says it is a 1988 model 316. Do you have any ideas on what could be causing this surging and how to fix. ANY and all information would be tremendously appreciated. Thanks ahead of time for any help you can give.

Answer
Hello Charlie:

Usually this is Caused by the Carburetor Jet being Restricted.  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 the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. 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