Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): snowblower, craftsman snowblower, screw adjustment

Question
Hi Michael--
I have a Craftsman snowblower that I bought used last year.  I was using it today and it ran fine for about the first hour or so.  I filled it with gas, ran it for about another five minutes and it quit running.  It starts right back up on the first pull but will only run on full choke.  Even the next setting on the choke will cause it to sputter and die.  I drained the gas and refilled with new gas but it still does the same thing.  Any ideas or suggestions?  Any help would be great.
Thanks a bunch!!
Ryan

Answer
Hi Ryan,

Try a carb mixture screw adjustment.  If no better, I would suspect that the carb most likely has water, dirt, debris or gummed fuel inside.  Drain the carb float bowl and try different gas.  Otherwise, 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.  A carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael