Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Snowthrower 5 horsepower Issue, craftsman snowthrower, craftsman snowblower

Question
I have a craftsman snowblower model no. 247.886640 with an electric starter. It's year is 2000, having 5 horsepower. In order to start the engine (if it is a cold start), It is required that we rotate the choke knob to FULL in order to warm the engine off. Once it has warmed up, it is necessary to turn the choke in the off position. Obviously, the engine is supposed to continue running once this choke function is off. However, in my case, when I turn off the choke (even slowly as instructed) the engine shuts off completely. Therefore, I must leave the choke on while I am using snowthrower. *The snowthrower used to work in the fashion described by the instruction manual, but it started to do this wierd thing just this season.


Answer
Hi Thanh,

That happens to mine too.  Usualy the cause, is that the high speed mixture screw  (In most cases, located under the carbs' float bowl.) has vibrated closed a bit.  Try turning it counterclockwise, 1/8 turn at a time, to open the needle and allow more fuel to enter the engine.  The normal initial setting is 1 & 1/2 turns open.  If that doesn't help, then there may be dirt, debris or gummed fuel inside the carb. You will need to remove the carb, disassemble it, clean all the small internal openings and blow it out with compressed air.   Probe each and every hole with a small wire. Adding a carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael