Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): snow thrower, trouble shooting guide, air mixture

Question
hi john there was a nother gentalman here helping me but his account was deleated. i have an older craftman snow thrower its 4cly i now have it running but after ajusting the idle screws and cleaning the carb after running it last night in the snow storm my muffler was getting red hot and shouting some sparks out of it a few back fires then died but start right back up when it did this it did loose a bit of power any ideas the plug and wire have been change and gaped to specs im lost
thanks for any help the modle number is 143635022 agian craftsman 4cyl

Answer
Hello Jeff:

>>Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf  .  >>This Site Addy; http://www.outdoordistributors.com/Tecumseh/tmain.html has a Link to a PDF Trouble-Shooting Guide. Simply Select the Free PDF Download for the Tecumseh Trouble-Shooting Guide.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers . Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing.
>>I am Assuming you mean a 4 Cycle Engine and Not a 2 Cycle Engine. The Abbreviation you Used Usually means "Cylinder", but the Breakdown for the Model Numbers is a 4 Cycle Single Cylinder Engine.
>>For the Engine with the Model Numbers 143.635022, If the Carburetor has the Low and High Air Mixture Screws, then Open the H Mixture Screw 1/4 Turn and Operate the Unit. If the Muffler Stops Glowing and the Engine Runs Good, then the Problem is Solved. If Not, then
>>if the Flywheel Key is Damaged or the Valve Clearance is Not Correct, then the Problem you Described will Occur.
1->>Check the Flywheel Key and Replace it if Damaged.
2->>Set the Valve Clearance.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Setting the Valve Clearances on Non OHV Engines. If you Provided me with the Correct Make and Model of the Engine then the Specifications are Included. If Not I May be Able to Provide the Specifications if you Supply me the Make and Model Numbers.
>>The Most Common Clearances are Listed for this Engine in the Following File. Thanks. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>On this Model Engine I Usually Suggest Reseating the Valves if the Valve Clearance Requires Adjusting.
>>**Remove the Carburetor and the Crankcase Breather/Vent and the Valve (Stem) Cover so you have Access to the Valve Stems, Springs and Keepers.
>>Set 1 Cylinder (on Twin Cylinder Engines) to TDC on the Compression Stroke. Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Check the Clearances. The Intake should be .005in - .007in and Exhaust .008in - .010in. If the Feeler Gauge will Not Slide Between the Valve Tip and the Tappet, then you Must Reset the Clearances.
>>**You Will Require a Small Engine Valve Spring Compressor to Remove the Springs and Keepers from the Valve Stems.** Some Engines Use a Valve Keeper that is like Automotive Keepers (2 Cone Shaped Keepers that Set in the Valve Retainer/Rotocoil Assembly)and the Other Style is a Slotted Retainer that is Moved (once the Valve Spring is Compressed) to the Larger Opening in the Retainer and the Retainer Slips Over the Valve Stem Tip for the Valve to be Removed.
>>Remove the Heads.
>>Set 1 Cylinder so the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke And Check the Clearances Between the Valve Stem Tip and the Tappet. The Clearances are as Follows: Intake Valve Clearance is .005in - .007in and the Exhaust is .008in - .010in.
>>You have to Lightly Grind the Valve Stem Tip and Place the Valve Back Into the Engine (you can Hold the Valve Seated by Hand) and Check the Clearance Until you Reach the Required Clearances.
>>**++** For this Engine Model I Suggest you Reseat the Valves while you are Setting the Correct Valve Clearance. For this you will Need a Small Valve Seat Suction Tool. This can Usually be Purchased for $10.00us and has a Suction Cup that Hold the Valve Head so you can Turn the Valve Back and Forth and Dress up the Valve Seat. Valve Grinding Compound is Approximately $5.00us a Tube and a Tube Last the Shop About a Year. It Doesn't Take a Lot to Reseat 1 Engine.**++**
>> Once the Valve Clearances are Reached and the Valve Seat is Nice and Dull; Re-Install the Valves on that Cylinder and Turn the Other Cylinder to TDC on the Compression Stroke and Set that Cylinders Valve Clearances.  
>>Once that Cylinder is Set, then Assemble the Engine.**
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John