Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): tecumseh/3hp./tuffy tiller, engine stalls, troy bilt

Question
what gap setting for carbuetor which is new,and was adjusted inadvertantly by unhandy person.the engine stalls after several minutes run. can an engine this small be cleaned internally? what do you recommend for cleaning? 1989 troy-bilt tuffy. tecumseh #H30 3538.  

Answer
Hi Dorothy,

The high speed mixture screw is initially set at 1&1/2 turns out.  Then adjust it to give good acceleration and top speed while keeping the screw as far out as possible.  The low speed mixture screw is set at 3/4 turn out, then adjust to give a smooth idle.  If it still stalls, I would suspect dirt or gummed fuel in the carb.  You would need to disassemble it and probably add a carb rebuild kit.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael