Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): ARIENS MODEL 911029 5.0 HP TECUMSEH ELECT 21 SELF PROPELLED MOWER, carburetor body, briggs stratton

Question
Hi John-  My family has had our Ariens (MODEL 911029 with 5.0 HP TECUMSEH ELECT START) mower for over 12 years. It's been a great mower, but in the last season the Tecumseh engine doesn't seem to be running at the RPM's that it used to.  The engine boggs down when mowing mildly thick grass where it used to just plow right through.

I'm certainly no specialist in mowers, but on other mowers I've been able to make an adjustment to the carburetor (Briggs & Stratton) to increase the RPM's so the mower doesn't bogg down as easily.  

Do you have any recommendations or instructions to fix this problem on this engine.  Any info would be really appreciated.

Answer
Hello Dave:

You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Mower at this Site Addy, http://www.jackssmallengines.com/ and Scroll Down to the Parts Look Up Button and Click this Button. Now Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Select the Model Tab. Now Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Now Double Click on your Model form the 2 Listed in the Results Area. 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. From Your Description, it Sounds like the Carburetor need to be Cleaned and Rebuilt or the Compression is Low. Since the Engine is Running Good Other than a Power Loss when Cutting Grass, I Suggest you Remove, Disassemble and Soak 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 Accidential Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have 2 PDF Site Addys that May Assist you Also. They are; 1- http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf and 2- http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John