Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 8 HP Toro Snowthrower engine problem, hp motor, snow blower

Question
Hi Eric

I think this is the info you requested.

Model #: 190402
       19 Cubic Inches
       0 - design Series
       4 - Horizatal CrankShaft
       0 - Plain BearingDU non flag mnt
       2 - Rope Start

Type #: 0914-01

Code #: 76043010

From Code #:  Manufacturing Info
       1976
       April
       30 day
       10 - assembly line & plant
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Followup To
Question -
I have an old B&S 8 HP motor on my snow blower. I have put a carburetor kit into it about two years ago. Spark plug new this year. I have had it into the shop a number of times but the problem persists. The motor starts on the first pull no matter what the temperature is. It idles fine. When I put the engine under load (engage the auger) it will sputter and clear. The same will happen when I engage the wheels. When it first starts you can motor like crazy. A short while later it will start to sputter. When this happens sometimes the motor dies down and then recovers other times I find if I disengage the wheels and/or auger it will clear itself and away you go. Other times it just dies out completely even if I get the engine load removed before it stops. It will always restart on one pull and run fine repeating the sequence described above. Any insights would be greatly welcomed. Thanks and have a nice day.

Harry
Answer -
How old is the blower.  Sometimes, in older equipment, the carburetor shafts can wear causing intermintent problems like you described.  It sounds like the compression is fine since it always starts on the first pull.

I would start with the carburetor and ignition system.  Send me the model, type and code number so I can tell how old the engine is.

Eric

Answer
These older engines can be much more difficult to fix because several parts may be slightly wore that combine to form the problem.

Since compression is rarely an issue we need to focus our attention on the carburetor and ignition system.  All engines, B & S,  prior to 1981 contained points for the ignition system.  It is possible for the points to cause weird problems like this, especially if the point plunger is wore cause very fine oil deposits in the point area.

Do you know if the points have been serviced or if the system has been converted to electronic ignition?

Once the ignition is ruled out then we move next to the carburetor.  I rarely find wore butterfly shafts in these carburetors, but it is possible.  A wore shaft can leak air or worse it can bind once in a while causing the engine to stall under load.

Have you ever adjusted the governor?  If not, then DO NOT mess with it.

Let me know about the points and governor.  Hopefully we can narrow our focus to a more specific item.
Eric