echris 1,425 #1 Posted November 10, 2020 I know this is intended for WH discussions, but I'd like get the opinions of the experts here if that's OK. The snow blower I just finished restoring is running great. But there's a bit of a random stumble both at idle and high speed. I've got it to the point where when it's warm, it will start right up even at idle. With the auger engaged and the drive engaged it will try to drag me across the driveway and it doesn't even sound like it's hitting the governor. ( I have to wait for a good snowstorm to really test the governor.) This slight, random stumble is bugging me though. And idea's? Notes: I'm thinking I might need to do a second carb cleaning? It smells like it's running rich. Also, I forgot to retorque the heads bolts after first run. They were really loose when I checked them. Any tips, other than keep playing with the governor spring position? Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #2 Posted November 10, 2020 Welcome to the fun world of fine tuning a Tecumseh! Not sure what you did with your project but try running some seafoam or mystery oil through it 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
echris 1,425 #3 Posted November 10, 2020 That's exactly what I was thinking earlier today. Run some juice through it and see if it helps. She hasn't run in probably 15 years or more. I did a full tear-down and restore on the entire machine, except the engine. The only things I did on the engine was pull the head, full carb rebuild, new muffler, all new gaskets. When I pulled the head, everything was much cleaner than I expected. A bit of carbon around the exhaust valve. That's it. No ridge on the cylinder, no scoring. What do you think about that stumble though? I'm thinking, if when we get that first storm and I throw her in a snowbank and she keeps digging, I'll take the stumble. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,248 #4 Posted November 10, 2020 Most Tecumseh's I've had have a bit of a stumble or miss when running with no load. Set it a little on the rich side to avoid burning the exhaust valve. I assume it has new fuel hose and shut off valve, and the inside of the tank and the screen inside is clean. There is a small hole, just big enough for the brissle of a wire brush to fit inside, in the brass nut that holds the bowl on. If it's clogged the engine won't run right, but you probably knew that. I love Tecumseh snow king engines as they are easy to work on. I have an NOS one here for my Toro in case I need it. Doubt I will though. Bill 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeek 2,286 #5 Posted November 10, 2020 (edited) I used to have that same blower when I lived in the cursed northeast It doesn't sound that bad, but if gets worse or you can't resolve it you can buy a new carb for $15 or less. I did that and it worked great and started much easier. This year I had trouble with a Stihl leaf blower after many years. I took the carb off, threw it in the garbage and put a new one on for $10-15. It even came with the correct presets. Edited November 10, 2020 by Zeek 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oilwell1415 563 #6 Posted November 10, 2020 It's just running a little rich. Not a big deal. You can try to lean it out just a little bit to get rid of the stumble, but keep an eye on the temps. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
echris 1,425 #7 Posted November 10, 2020 The carb only has adjustments for idle and high speed, no mixture adjustment. When I rebuilt the carb, the only thing I didn't do was remove the welch plug. Maybe I'll pull it again to make sure I got everything clean. It sat for years, so the carb was pretty crusty inside. Thanks for all the tips! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites