Tecumseh Surging problem

[lefty]

I still have to check for an air leak. I figured I'd check the valves while it's apart already.

[lefty]

Hi Again Lefty

The date code says the engine was the 72nd engine built on the 263rd day of 2006 (September 20th). With the engine being built that late in the year, the machine itself was probably sold a a 2007. The machines I ran into would have been the same sort of vintage. The valve faces and seats showed almost no wear, so I'm convinced the valves were never set properly in the factory. Once I'd ground the valve stems shorter to get the correct clearances, the customer said the engine had never started that easily right from new.

Generally snow blowers never see many hours of use and the electric start tends to hide hard starting problems caused by improperly set valves. Check the valve clearances before taking anything apart, let us know what you find and we'll go from there,

Sky

Wouldn't you know it...it worked. I shaved them down and lapped them in. Spoke the owner subsequently and they disclosed that it never really ran right. I also didn't see much wear...or anything that looked like wear to my virgin eyes. Thanks for the help.

[Skywatcher]

Hi Once Again Lefty

Glad we were able to help you get this one sorted out. In my 37 years of mechanicing I have learned a couple of basic facts.

One: 85% of mechanicing is diagnostics, the other 15% is actually fixing.
Two: 90% of all mechanical problems are usually something simple.

Take care, stay safe and have yourself a great Christmas,

Sky

[lefty]

You as well. Thanks.