312-A Wheel Horse Carb question

[Red Dragon 0]

I got a Wheel Horse 312-A Model 21-12KE03 with the M12S Engine and part number 4705362 Kohler Carburetor. I'm got a kit for the carburetor and it comes with a Bowl baffle. The carb didn't have one in it and it doesn't really look like it would fit but the diagrams I found online show it having it. Does this carb use this Bowl baffle or not. Also I put a new Gasket from the kit on the Bowl Retainer screw that holds the bowl on but the screw leaks a little gas out of the bowl, any tips on how to fix this?

[MalMac 1,332]

As far as the gasket goes, I do believe some of the Magnums did not use a baffle. Good chance your leaking is from very small hard to see pin holes in the bowl or hair line cracking. All of this right around the hole that the bolt goes through. Best way to fix it is just replace the bowl.

[rmaynard 16,344]

I have tried going without the bowl baffle/splash shield and found that when I would go over a bump or rough terrain,the carb would flood out. The kits available today are the same for either the Carter or Walbro version of the Kohler carburetor.  As far as the retainer screw gasket, if the screw already has an aluminum washer on it, don't use the gasket. If there is no washer, use it. 

[953 nut 60,253]

    The Walbro Carburetors with a brass float need the baffle and the ones with a plastic float didn't have one.

[Red Dragon 0]

well its a Kohler crab and I ask because if the baffle is added under the float, it covers the o-ring around where the bowl goes on the carb or is that how it is suppose to be?

[Red Dragon 0]

Any help? does the baffle go over the o ring?

[oldredrider 2,553]

The O ring seats first, then the baffle goes over the O ring.