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ZWAG
Dec 28, 2008, 09:29 AM
I have A Craftsamn 10HP riding mower and it doesn't idle smoothly. The idle goes up and down at idle speed and while cutting the grass. I cleaned out the carb and changed the spark plug, this did not help it to run or idle any better. I live in Florida so I use the mower every week, it is not just sitting around. I am thinking it is still a carb problem what are your thoughts on fixing this problem.

Thanks ZWAG:rolleyes:

ballengerb1
Dec 28, 2008, 10:26 AM
Sometimes cleaning a carb isn't enough. You can rebuild the carb, Briggs and Stratten kits are available through Sears and others. Before doing the rebiuld try adding a half can of SeaFoam carb cleaner to the tank and running the engine as usual for a week or two.

crigby
Dec 28, 2008, 02:28 PM
Hi,
If it is a Briggs engine and an older engine, there will be a low speed adjustment screw beneath the air cleaner. It is an aluminum screw that points straight up. Care must be taken when bottoming it out as it is soft metal(it has a spring on it to hold it at the adjusted point.) In(down) and back out one and one-half turns is the starting point. Before you do that you may want to remove and look at the blunt, pointed tip to see if there is a groove from previous overtightening. It would be a ring around the conical part. If so then that willaffect the low speed metering and it should be replaced. It is available separately or in the whole kit, though few dealers will stock it separately.
If it is a newer Briggs the screw will be at 10 o'clock next to the intake manifold, but offers little adjustment range and would be a sign that something is still dirty. The EPA is allowed to use any adjustment available to try to make an engine fail emissions testing, so most are hidden or gone.
Peace,
Clarke

KISS
Dec 28, 2008, 03:09 PM
Before you do any of the above make sure the thing that the governor is attached too moves very freely. Sparay part with carb cleaner until it moves very freely.