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

Have an Ariens Platinum Deluxe 24" snowblower and it runs great, as long as the choke is engaged one slot. 

When the choke is off, the engine seems to run OK, but it has a sound of backfiring almost constantly and it emits light blackish smoke through the exhaust.  I also noticed that when the choke is off, it makes no difference what the speed lever is set to; it won't change speed above something like idle.

I guess it's something with the carb but don't know exactly what it will take to fix the problem.  Where to start?

As described earlier, the Briggs engine 15C1 34 2143 F8 appears to have come with a no-name carb. 

Is there a hardier brand or type that can be used on this engine, and will it make any difference?