Tecumseh Snow King

[belvedere]

I have a Poulan Pro snowblower with a 8.5hp Tecumseh. I was out using it, and had run it about 20 min. Suddenly, it started surging badly, just like it was running out of gas. I stopped and checked, and it wasn't empty, but I filled it anyway. When I started it, the surging stopped, but it ran rough. Applying a little choke seems to make it run a tad better, but the difference is small. Between that, and filling it with gas stopping the surging, I'm inclined to think it's fuel-related, but wanted to check with the experts. Again, it ran fine, and the problem started suddenly. Thanks!

[motorhead64]

Most likely, your carburetor is a bit grimy and is running a tad lean as a result. Sometimes, if it is not too bad, a little Sea Foam added to your tank...an ounce or two for a full tank...it will smooth out over time. The lean condition is why it is now running better with a little choke applied. If the Sea Foam doesn't improve the situation, you will have to remove the carburetor and give it a good cleaning. If you don't have a fuel filter below the tank, it's a good idea to install one now. It will catch any stuff that finds its way into your fuel tank, and keep it from getting in your carburetor. MH

[belvedere]

Update: I poured in some cleaner, and didn't notice any difference - still ran rough. I decided to pull the shroud off and remove the carb. When I knelt down to work on it, I saw a large screw caught down below, that had fallen out from somewhere. Uh-oh! I started to remove the shroud, and as I moved it, I saw the carb move with it! Both carb mounting screws were gone (well, one I had found down below), and the carb was held in place only by the two screws to the shroud! My eagle-eyed 10-year-old was out with me, and she walked the driveway/sidewalk and found the other screw and one nut. I later found the other nut, but we were unable to find the mounting gasket. Oh well, no big deal...I'll pick one up tomorrow.

It sure wasn't what I expected to find, but I guess it just goes to show how much vibration there is on these engines. Thanks for the reply, MH, and I plan to add an inline fuel filter like you advised...an easy way to prevent problems.

[rogerf]

Hallo belvedere

If you have trouble finding your gasket you could always buy some paper gasket material from Autozone or similar place and make one at home. It does help if you can find the original gasket to use as a pattern. However I have had success without a pattern to help by using carbon paper and a pad of newspaper to create the outline from the carburetor itself. Inlet manifold gaskets are usually simple enough to make without problems.

I've made a few now - it saves me an hours drive, that's if the one I need is in stock. ( It gets really frustrating if it's "in stock" on the phone, but not when you get there after giving the part number! )

Cheers, Roger

[motorhead64]

You're right...vibration is a big problem with many snow blowers. It's a good idea to check the critical screws and nuts often to make sure they haven't backed off. Most fasteners will benefit from an application of medium strength Loctite to keep them tightly in place. Fasteners subjected to high heat will benefit from anti-seize compound. MH