I have a Murray 18 hp Vtwin riding mower that will only run with the choke on full. When the blades are engaged it dies. Does the carb need rebuilt? Thanks

You aren't getting enough fuel. Has any adjustments been done of this carb or did it just slowly start acting like this? I'd dump the bowl, flush it out with SeaFoam and then test the float to see if it properly operates the needle valve.

Hi,
Chances are it needs a good cleaning.
Peace,
Clarke

Agree, since it does run with the choke you stand a chance of cleaning it by giving it a double dose of SeaFoam carb cleaner mixed in fresh fuel. Run it until the tank runs dry. If you still can't run without the coke its time to start taking it apart, not for the faint of heart or those who do not have a schematic diahram of the carb

You aren't getting enough fuel. Has any adjustments been done of this carb or did it just slowly start acting like this? I'd dump the bowl, flush it out with SeaFoam and then test the float to see if it properly operates the needle valve.

There haven't been any adj. to the carb. The problem of having to choke the motor, kept gradually getting worse and worse. Could it be the fuel pump? Thanks.

Hi,
Yes, the pump could easily be the culprit. Disconnect the line from the carb and crank engine over; should give a "healthy" spurt of fuel when it spins.
Peace,
Clarke