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

Can anyone give me a suggestion for my 3 year old Ariens 724?

It starts fine, always has. But last season I noticed that when it is idling or running under load it idles up and down, the choke does not effect it and the only way that it has a nice steady idle is when it is under a heavy load. There are three other 724s in my neighborhood and none of them sound like this. I have ran out the gas and changed the spark plug to no avail. Also is the friction plate service-able or do I need to have it brought in to the shop? It seems like it only goes forward in the higher settings, reverse is almost no existant.

Thanks!

If it has a Tecumseh engine or the same type of carb used by Tecumseh, there will be a screw at the bottom of the float bowl.  With the machine running, make adjustments to aforementioned screw until the machine smooths out.  No big turns.  Just a little at a time.  Generally if it idles smoothly, it will also run smoothly.  Give it a try and let us know how it goes. 

I have a 4 year old Tecumseh 11.5 HP. The "screw" at the bottom of the bowl drained the gas when I pushed it in so I think my "screw" has another purpose.

Borat  most likely has the pre EPA adjustable carb!

You and I, I think have the non adjustable one!

Renaud,

Turn your fuel off to the carb.

Take out the very bottom screw/bolt.

Through clean out all of the holes!!

Reinstall and see if that helped

                                                        Fred 

Thanks Fred and Borat. I noticed what Borat may have talking about is not a screw, and jersey obviously found the purge for the float bowl. I'll follow your advice Fred and hose out the bowl. It finally stopped snowing here in New Hampshire, first good storm of the year.

Do you have any advice on the friction plate? I have adjusted the cable according to the manual that came with the machine, and by the way it's an 824, not a 724 like I stated, doh!

l would check for an intake leak,  cheak ur intake manifold bolt make sure there tight

your carb probally aint adjustable so clean it well

the low speed idle may be adjustable if so pull screw out and clean well

My Arens has an 8 HP Tecumseh and had the same problem.I cleaned the carborator but only saw 1 jet hole on that center brass nut / hallow bolt with the high speed adlust screw in it that holds the carborator bowl on.The next time I looked with a magnifing glass there was a 2nd tiny hole half way up between the threaded parts that was pluged and was causing all my problems.Be carefull not to enlarge that small hole when cleaning it I used the fine wire in side of a twist tie for a trash bag They tell you not to do that but it worked for me.The engine no longer surges prob. solved Another thing to check is that the gas cap on the tank is venting properly.Try runing with the cap loose or off.