Snowmobile Repair: stalling out, tillotson carburetor, opend

Question
I have an older 77' skidoo and i just had new rings gaskets and such putinto my motor...the moter is strong. when i get it started it will runn for about 2 minutes and the it will come to a sudden stop and it just dies, and other times i can hold it wide opend and push the sled and it will not go....so it eventually floods its self out. i had new points put in it and it should be in time. it seems to over heat in a way...thanks for takeing the time to read this email...if you can help please email me back at flynndidy@aol.com
thanks again.
Joe

Answer
Hello Joe,

  The problem you are having is related to the fuel system. I would imagine the sled has a Tillotson carburetor. They are very hard to adjust, so I would start with a rebiuld kit, and soaking in carb cleaner. After that, try turning the mixture screws all the way in, and then 3/4 turn out. After getting it started, try letting it run for a few minutes. After it's warm, adjust the screws in and maybe out, if necssary. Also, id you can, try running fully synthetic oil in the sled at a 40:1 ratio, unless it is oil injected. Another thing that would help, would be using a spark plug one range hotter. The plugs that seem to work best are Champion Powersports plugs. Hope these ideas help you. LEt me know if you need any help at all. Good luck with the Doo! --Arcticatman