Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a Craftsman 5HP made by MTD, it is on it's 6th season and is starting to stall and backfire. You don't even need a big load for this to happen, I have alaways maintained it or had someone do it for me. This problem started last winter, I snapped the auger belt today so I figure while I had it apart maybe I can fix this problem, the plug is new and the carb is clean. It was suggested to me that the last time someone serviced for me that maybe the carb gasket was not put back in. Any suggestions would help, thanks.

Leave the choke on 1/2 activated & see how if it runs. If it runs better, then your engine is running lean. The bowl nut holes MUST be absloutely clear or else it will run lean. Make sure the bolts that secure the carb/intake to the engine are snug. If the bowl gasket is missing, that may cause a problem, but you would have fuel leaking out of it...

Marty