Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 17.5 Hp B&S Twin II I/C, thin crescent, john bridgers

Question
My Murray has engine model 42A707, type 2653 E1, and code 9710095B. I am experiencing loss of power and black smoke when accelerating. John Bridgers said I may have gotten some trash in the carburator and should be cleaned out? What is best way to clean it out. What do you recommend. Please provide as much detail as possible. Thanks for your help. Sincerely, Garth

Answer
Hi Garth
Drop the fuel bowl, remove the float and needle, get a can of carb cleaner and spray up into the main jet hole in the center tube at the bottom of the carb AND the idle jet hole which is the one closer to the carb inlet.  Verify that on both holes you get spray into the carb throat.

Note- removing the bowl will require removing the fuel cutoff solenoid connection, and unscrewing the solenoid which is the retaining device for the bowl.  Requires a THIN crescent or open end wrench.