Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh carburetor questions, 8hp tecumseh engine, rattle sound

Question
I have an 8hp tecumseh engine for an older snowblower.  I'm pretty sure my problem is the carburetor.  I can keep the engine going in full-choke, un-choked it runs, begins to rev higher then dies like it's out of gas.  If I spray starter fluid in the intake, I can keep the engine going indefinitely, when I stop spraying the engine will rev, then die.  I've read your posts about seasonal machinery--carbs need to be cleaned or problems occur.  I've cleaned and re-cleaned.  The floats seem to function properly.  The main jet has been cleaned with tag wire.  Very simple carb.  The tapered needle comes from the bottom of the float bowl (screws in and out---in all the way shuts all gas off, out let's gas in).  There's also the shutoff needle connected to the float...seems to work just fine (the wire springs are a little confusing).  I found the following statement on Jackssmallengines.com about tecumseh carbs "Now hold the choke and throttle butterflies so that you can shake the carb without them making a sound. Shake the carb and listen for it to rattle. If you do not hear the rattle, the emolltion tube is stuck. This tube is sealed into the body of the carb during manufacturing and can not be replaced. The carburetor will need to be replaced."  Have you ever heard of that?  Sounds like a ploy to get people to buy new carbs...maybe none of them have a rattle sound so they all need to be replaced? Do I need to replace my carb?  Could my governor lever be causing a problem?  I can't figure it out?   Please help,  Jason.

Answer
Hi Jason,

You are definately on top of the problem and sound knowledgable.  The condition you describe is without a doubt, a lack of fuel flow.  In some cases a carb will just not work and needs replacement.  I never knew why but the tube and Jack's advice you mention may be the reason.  If you have tried everything and are 100% sure that the carb is clean, then carb replacement may be the only alternative.  I assume you do have good fuel flow INTO the carb.

If you can't improve the engine's performance manually with the carb throttle plate, then the governor most likely isn't the problem.  As long as it allows the carb plate to funtion properly then it can be ruled out as the cause.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael