Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda snowblower carb problem, honda snowblower, cable clamp


Question
I have a brand new 928 9 hp Honda snoblower that ran perfectly the first hour. It starts on the first pull at zero degrees. But now the motor runs at very high speed, and the choke-slow-fast lever seems out of adjustment. Moving the lever from slow to fast has no effect, and the only way to slow the engine down enough to blow snow is to push the lever to full choke position. I took off the air inlet cover and access plate and can see that all the cables are operating smoothly; nothing is pinched, gas is new. The dealer is too far away to take it in for a look. Thanks in advance for any advice. This site is the greatest!!!
Larry in SF, CA

Answer
Hi Larry,

Yes, it does seem like the throttle cable is out of adjustment.  Even though the cable moves, it may have slipped in the carb clamp and is not working correctly.  Look at the carb intake and watch the throttle plate [inside the carb opening] as you close the control lever.  If the plate doesn't close when the lever is set at slow, then it probably has slipped.  To adjust, loosen the screw at the carb cable clamp and with the plate in the closed position and the throtle lever in the slow position, tighten the clamp screw.
If none of this applies and the control seems correct, then we will look elsewhere.  Let me know how you make out.

Good Luck,
Michael