Thank u, just bought a Troy-Bilt off my neighbor she said it was brand new😂 turns out it's a 95 model with an 8 and a half Tecumseh I got her running but it was surging also the auger belt was broken and a spring for the tensioner as well you literally taught me how to be a small engine repairman in three videos😂
I've watched you do this fix a few times over the years but never needed it. Well, the day finally came when my engine stopped wanting to idle, and after remembering this trick it's back to purring like a kitten. Sweet.
Don - Thanks for this very helpful tip! It worked perfectly just like you said it would on my Tecumseh engine. I always turn to your videos when I have a small engine service or maintenance issue. Your videos have helped so many of us who want to keep their machines working well. Please continue to make your videos as they are saving us tons in repair charges.
Nice and informative. I have fixed snowblowers,lawnmowers, riding lawnmowers, rototillers and anything with an engine on it. I learned when starting a engine with a pull cord you should pull the rope out only half way twice then give it a full pull and it should start right away. Thanks again
Hi, thanks for the guidance! I was too impatient to wait for drillbits, so I used a “hair” from a wire brush to clean out the holes. Guess what? It worked!
If there is one, it'll be located below the fuel tank on the right side. If there isn't one, I usually add a cheap filter 'screen' and a 90° plastic fuel shutoff ahead of it.
100% helped. Didn’t even do the bits, just took out, carburetor cleaner, put back in and ran great. Truth is, I think it was probably a little loose, maybe backed its way out. Also, reset the idle screw. Thanks so much for the video.
Thank you Don. You make it look easy. Thank you so much for your videos and help. (Some years ago, after leaving my snow thrower outside, with gas, covered in plastic, it surged this way the next winter season. Not knowing what else to do, I replaced the carburetor. Even thus I had problems [gas leaking while sitting (not running) viton seal, plastic float...]. I think this would have solved the problem, and saved me much work and grief. Thank you Don. God[Bible] Bless you much.
I've watched all your surging videos for the Tecumseh engines, from the needle to the carburetor. The carburetor was the fix. Thanks so much for your help. I have an Ariens 926 LE circa 2005?? I put a 27W LED light from Tractor Supply right on top of the auger. Lights up the whole driveway.
Those old Tecumseh engines ran soo nice!! I use to replace the carbs with a fully adjustable unit main and idle mix!! Soooo smooth and well running. Those carbs could be bought in the US for about 12 dollars. 😊
My thoughts exactly. Had a 70's Tecumseh on a mini - bike when I was a kid in the 70's and a 70's Snowblower with a 5 HP up until I sold it about 8 years ago. Carbs were well built, never had any problems with them engines. They run strong and so easy to work on. Had that Snowblower 30 years and still ran like new.
Yes. I have one of the very common 12 HP B&S flathead vertical shaft engines which always idled very rough. The factory carburetor did have an idle mixture "adjustment" but it never did anything meaningful despite knowing that the carburetor was clean. In August I took it upon myself to retrofit a fully adjustable Tecumseh carburetor onto the engine, which actually turned out to be quite easy, and now it runs so good, even cold, that you might be tempted to think it is fuel injected. Tecumseh carburetors (when kept away from ethanol fuel, of course) are great on more than just Tecumseh engines!
It's a nice repair tip for if I came across a Tecumseh engine that I need to fix but I will never use a snowblower in my life because it doesn't snow in my area in Australia. There are places such as Thedbo, Perisher valley,etc which gets enough snow where they need a snow blower,it snows a little bit in the Barrington tops national Park in my area but not in lower lying areas in my district !
Thanks!! I have an Ariens snowblower with a snowtek engine. Hope it’s similar because I have surging. Also, when I prime the engine fuel squirts out of the carburetor…
Hi Donny ! Some caution is in order since the required 0,013 to 0,015 inch drill bit is half the size of the smallest bit in the set linked in the desription as I'm writing this comment. If I'm not mistaken, one would need a 0,3 mm drill bit to do the job. Oversizing the orifice will get the engine to run too rich. Regards !
Hi Dony thank you very much for your time and post this educational videos. I need your help, I got a troybilt snowblower with a Tecumseh engine, the problem is it start first pull runs for less than a minute shuts off, it won't start again until cools off what could be the issue?
The tip cleaners are actually a type of reamers that cut on their edges, a drill bit is not designed to cut on its edges only the tip, so you are in fact using the better tool for the job. Don knows this but didn’t share that info in this particular video. I’m guessing that is why he ❤ your comment.
You can also use 'welding torch tip cleaners' to ream out clogged carb jets, or slightly enlarge them. For 10 or 15 bucks, you get a whole bunch of different sizes for different types of small engines, too.
So is the air jet supposed to have holes both vertically and horizontally through and down through the jet? I checked one of my old carbs, that I have replaced, and the "tip" of that jet is not open, just like the one I'm working on now. I understand that the jet is supposed to be screwed in tight, but when I back it out, 1 turn, the engine smooths out. Maybe I didn't need to replace the other blowers carb? I already have the micro drills.
I have a question in regards to the governor…. I recently replaced my carb and throttle lever spring with new ones and my engine is running way better the only thing I’m not sure about is if the governor linkage should be moving back and forth kind of like a “surge” when it’s at full throttle…..what could this be?
I thought that screw with the plastic plug was the air/fuel adjustment, and was put there to keep people from messing with it. So, how do I change the A/F ratio? I live at 5,600 ft elevation and my carb is way too rich, when governor kicks in it blows black smoke, plus it sucks gas really fast. Can I get leaner jets? This engine looks exactly like my Craftsman 8.5 hp mod # 247.888500. Can I still buy carb parts for this old beast? It’s I excellent condition.
That screw right there, so very descriptive and exact nomenclature I should be able to find that screw right there on any parts diagram, anywhere good job
@@nospamheredude5838 We have a TroyBilt that's somewhere around 30 years old. It came with the house when we bought the place over 20 years ago. It was well worn even then. Nothing made today like it, it's very heavy duty with a one inch auger shaft and a solid milled auger gearbox. Not a clam-shell affair. The thing even has a differential drive train. The engine is a SnowKing. It has started to surge. I'm going to take a peek tomorrow at the carb to see if the air mixture screw is the same.
Help! I got the drill kit, drilled it out once and went up a size and the drill broke off inside the pin! Cannot get it out, so hole is plugged, and I think I made a mess of the tip of the hole trying to get it out. Is there a part number for the pin so I can order a new one?
@@michaelotoole1807 thanks,I have a set for a long time. Got mine at harbor freight. Curious as to how much he was enlarging it. I start by getting it back to a shiny full dia hole. Thank you for your response, I always learn. Take care.
@@steveriggenbach90 your welcome. may the snow gods be generous to all this year. last year didn't use blower at all. depressing and kind of freaky. didn't even need to put winter tires on my truck.
I thought this was going to be a remake of your video on this issue from 12 years ago but now I see you've enlarged the hole which makes sense. This surging is a reocurring problem with my tecumseh snow king snowblower engine. I tried all that you suggested back then without success. The holes in this jet weren't plugged and I bought the carb kit and rebuilt the carb, no joy. The one step I skipped is cleaning the carb with carb cleaner or soaking it in carb cleaner. I don't have a garage or shed and I can't keep a tub of carb cleaner in the house. Now I buy an after market carb and replace it every 4 or 5 years.
Careful. The tiny drill bit broke off inside the hole, now I have to get a new jet. NOTE: I did not buy the drill bit set Dony receommended, so I may have unfortunately gotten cheaper bits. I don't know why it broke, I was not going side to side, just in and out
Hi , i have the same blower but im.pretty shure i dont have the right sparkplug , anyone can help me with # it a columbia 524 tecumseh, only thing left i can read
I would first take the jet out and clean it before drilling out the jet. Also clean the carb with carb spray and spray into where that jet screws in the carb I had a blockage there and this fixed it
grouse video there Donny mate love it and a good video when your all getting ready for the Snowblower Season over there and cheers from Australia 🐨🐑🦘🌴🇦🇺 or the land down under to your area in Canada 🇨🇦
Is it just me or does that belt look like it needs to be replaced? I changed my belts and it made a night a day difference on how the machine throws snow. Especially if you have wet heavy snow.
why was the engine running fine for so many years only to develop surging now? does the engine wear over time create this problem where you have to enlarge the fixed jet?
Best guess is the version of pump gas we have now, needs more fuel now as its less volatile. Pump Gasoline doesn't even smell the same now as it did 20 years ago. Then there is also the epa emissions that forced the makers to run as lean as possible so the slightest restriction here becomes a surge issue.
Likely engine wear which reduces compression which changes the amount of air/fuel the engine sucks in. Small engines are tuned at the peak of performance and efficiency so a minor change can cause them to surge. People blame the EPA, but it’s also about performance. Being at the point right before it’s too lean is when it makes the most power without wasting fuel.
Watch next; HOW TO Grease Snowblower Augers With Or Without Zerks!
ua-cam.com/video/XuemQ6vfm24/v-deo.html
Thanks Dony. I am now a snow blower repair champ. got the neighbors coming far and wide with their equipment. $$$$
Word of mouth
10 minute fix and she's running smooth again, thanks for showing us this repair Dony!
Thank u, just bought a Troy-Bilt off my neighbor she said it was brand new😂 turns out it's a 95 model with an 8 and a half Tecumseh I got her running but it was surging also the auger belt was broken and a spring for the tensioner as well you literally taught me how to be a small engine repairman in three videos😂
I've watched you do this fix a few times over the years but never needed it. Well, the day finally came when my engine stopped wanting to idle, and after remembering this trick it's back to purring like a kitten. Sweet.
Don - Thanks for this very helpful tip! It worked perfectly just like you said it would on my Tecumseh engine. I always turn to your videos when I have a small engine service or maintenance issue. Your videos have helped so many of us who want to keep their machines working well. Please continue to make your videos as they are saving us tons in repair charges.
Nice and informative. I have fixed snowblowers,lawnmowers, riding lawnmowers, rototillers and anything with an engine on it. I learned when starting a engine with a pull cord you should pull the rope out only half way twice then give it a full pull and it should start right away. Thanks again
Hi, thanks for the guidance! I was too impatient to wait for drillbits, so I used a “hair” from a wire brush to clean out the holes. Guess what? It worked!
Several relatively easy fixes recently with great to know tips. Thanks, Don.
Thanks Dony, easy and awesome fix. I can't wait to try this, my blower is doing the exact surging. Thanks for the tip 😊
is there a fuel filter on the Tecumseh snow blower ?
If there is one, it'll be located below the fuel tank on the right side. If there isn't one, I usually add a cheap filter 'screen' and a 90° plastic fuel shutoff ahead of it.
I spent two afternoons trying to correct this problem. After watching this video, I had it running like new in about twenty minutes. THANKS, Donyboy!
100% helped. Didn’t even do the bits, just took out, carburetor cleaner, put back in and ran great. Truth is, I think it was probably a little loose, maybe backed its way out. Also, reset the idle screw. Thanks so much for the video.
If I Work On Teh.This Is Awesome Info.Thank You
Master Richard. ..
I followed this similar video a few years back with the same fix for the same engine- it definitely works!
Thank you Don. You make it look easy. Thank you so much for your videos and help. (Some years ago, after leaving my snow thrower outside, with gas, covered in plastic, it surged this way the next winter season. Not knowing what else to do, I replaced the carburetor. Even thus I had problems [gas leaking while sitting (not running) viton seal, plastic float...]. I think this would have solved the problem, and saved me much work and grief. Thank you Don. God[Bible] Bless you much.
Your original video on this subject was the only one out there that helped me with this problem. Thanks.
mine is a5.5 bought in 2011 never did like the surging, guess I will go do this now thanks donyboy73
Be careful and patient with micro drill bits. Easy to bend or break. And if break off in the part you're drilling, it's not a good time.
I've watched all your surging videos for the Tecumseh engines, from the needle to the carburetor. The carburetor was the fix. Thanks so much for your help. I have an Ariens 926 LE circa 2005?? I put a 27W LED light from Tractor Supply right on top of the auger. Lights up the whole driveway.
Those old Tecumseh engines ran soo nice!! I use to replace the carbs with a fully adjustable unit main and idle mix!! Soooo smooth and well running. Those carbs could be bought in the US for about 12 dollars. 😊
My thoughts exactly.
Had a 70's Tecumseh on a mini - bike when I was a kid in the 70's and a 70's Snowblower with a 5 HP up until I sold it about 8 years ago.
Carbs were well built, never had any problems with them engines. They run strong and so easy to work on.
Had that Snowblower 30 years and still ran like new.
Yes. I have one of the very common 12 HP B&S flathead vertical shaft engines which always idled very rough. The factory carburetor did have an idle mixture "adjustment" but it never did anything meaningful despite knowing that the carburetor was clean. In August I took it upon myself to retrofit a fully adjustable Tecumseh carburetor onto the engine, which actually turned out to be quite easy, and now it runs so good, even cold, that you might be tempted to think it is fuel injected.
Tecumseh carburetors (when kept away from ethanol fuel, of course) are great on more than just Tecumseh engines!
and how would I know the correct carb to buy in order to change mine out for a new one ?
Following @@diverdave4056
It's a nice repair tip for if I came across a Tecumseh engine that I need to fix but I will never use a snowblower in my life because it doesn't snow in my area in Australia.
There are places such as Thedbo, Perisher valley,etc which gets enough snow where they need a snow blower,it snows a little bit in the Barrington tops national Park in my area but not in lower lying areas in my district !
Nice work Donny! Hello from Alaska.
Another Tecumseh lives to work for another snow storm. Thank you.
Thanks!! I have an Ariens snowblower with a snowtek engine. Hope it’s similar because I have surging. Also, when I prime the engine fuel squirts out of the carburetor…
Is this also the surge fix for newer Ariens snowblowers with the weird little choke and throttle controls?
I tried both your tips and it worked like a charm! Thank you!
Hi Donny ! Some caution is in order since the required 0,013 to 0,015 inch drill bit is half the size of the smallest bit in the set linked in the desription as I'm writing this comment. If I'm not mistaken, one would need a 0,3 mm drill bit to do the job. Oversizing the orifice will get the engine to run too rich. Regards !
Thank you very much for this video, got my snowblower running top notch now 🤘
Hi Dony thank you very much for your time and post this educational videos. I need your help, I got a troybilt snowblower with a Tecumseh engine, the problem is it start first pull runs for less than a minute shuts off, it won't start again until cools off what could be the issue?
sometimes i use tip cleaners for an acetylene torch to clean/slightly ream jets .
The tip cleaners are actually a type of reamers that cut on their edges, a drill bit is not designed to cut on its edges only the tip, so you are in fact using the better tool for the job. Don knows this but didn’t share that info in this particular video. I’m guessing that is why he ❤ your comment.
Amazing! You saved me so much time and effort
Good old Techumseh Snow King. Really solid engines. I didn't know about enlarging that jet, so thanks for this useful video.
You can also use 'welding torch tip cleaners' to ream out clogged carb jets, or slightly enlarge them. For 10 or 15 bucks, you get a whole bunch of different sizes for different types of small engines, too.
So is the air jet supposed to have holes both vertically and horizontally through and down through the jet? I checked one of my old carbs, that I have replaced, and the "tip" of that jet is not open, just like the one I'm working on now. I understand that the jet is supposed to be screwed in tight, but when I back it out, 1 turn, the engine smooths out. Maybe I didn't need to replace the other blowers carb? I already have the micro drills.
I have a question in regards to the governor…. I recently replaced my carb and throttle lever spring with new ones and my engine is running way better the only thing I’m not sure about is if the governor linkage should be moving back and forth kind of like a “surge” when it’s at full throttle…..what could this be?
I thought that screw with the plastic plug was the air/fuel adjustment, and was put there to keep people from messing with it. So, how do I change the A/F ratio? I live at 5,600 ft elevation and my carb is way too rich, when governor kicks in it blows black smoke, plus it sucks gas really fast. Can I get leaner jets? This engine looks exactly like my Craftsman 8.5 hp mod # 247.888500. Can I still buy carb parts for this old beast? It’s I excellent condition.
That screw right there, so very descriptive and exact nomenclature I should be able to find that screw right there on any parts diagram, anywhere good job
Thanks...runs perfect now...
This video randomly shows up today when I wad about ready to smash apart the tecumseh on my log splitter. Thanks, Dony, for saving my sanity
Another top notch help aid. Fortunately, my 33 year old Craftsman unit hasn't developed this malady yet but it's good to know there's a fix if needed.
Pretty sure that the air mixture screw shown in this video isn't on your 33 year old machine.
@@nospamheredude5838 We have a TroyBilt that's somewhere around 30 years old. It came with the house when we bought the place over 20 years ago. It was well worn even then. Nothing made today like it, it's very heavy duty with a one inch auger shaft and a solid milled auger gearbox. Not a clam-shell affair. The thing even has a differential drive train.
The engine is a SnowKing. It has started to surge. I'm going to take a peek tomorrow at the carb to see if the air mixture screw is the same.
Thank you.
If the carb and all the jets are clean, what changes over time that requires a jet to be enlarged?
Dony, nice work buddy always love watching your videos when i have an issue! Thanks for the knowledge.
Many thanks Donny. Worked perfectly, in my case on a brand new replacement carb!
I often have to do this on new oem carbs!
@@donyboy73 I love your channel and its helped me maintain my fleet of snowblowers!
Excellent instruction
what causes the screw to become fouled up? Do you really have to enlarge the holes? Can you simply replace the screw?
Thanks for your help Donny..
Don You Are Awesome. Your Knowledge Is Priceless . 👍
Thanks Don. I'm sure this will come in handy for me in the future!
Thanks for the information Donny
I'm wondering about repacing the air filter on this engine?
So enlarging the air jet helps with surging? I thought surging was because of too much air and enlarging it would allow more air, right?
Thanks Dony, I have something else to try now.
Merci Beaucoup once again!
Thanks Sir! Just ordered my drill kit!
Any video of the throttle control need to see how it is configured with the spring.
Here's an old video ua-cam.com/video/16lQOZF3e84/v-deo.html
Don, Are you actually enlarging the hole in the brass or jut cleaning out deposits?
Enlarging.
Nice work.. Thanks for sharing.👍🏁
It's getting close to Snow ❄️ blower usage time up there in Canada and north America
Noooooooooo......
@@steveharleyfan not fun to be getting the snow blower ready for the winter ❄️ stuff called snow ❄️
Snow King is still my favorite Engine, next to Kohler's K-Series. When does the snow start falling up there Don?
Thank you
Thank you for the video.
I have same one. Why would mine ground out? Runs fine with cover off. Put cover on while running and immediately shuts off. Assuming grounding out.
Check the key wires unplug and tape up the wires
@@naomipettigrew465
Ty. Discovered the wire on throttle stop was broken.
TY for Sharing
Way to go, Donny Boy.
That Amazon link does not ship to the states
Thanks Dony
Help! I got the drill kit, drilled it out once and went up a size and the drill broke off inside the pin! Cannot get it out, so hole is plugged, and I think I made a mess of the tip of the hole trying to get it out. Is there a part number for the pin so I can order a new one?
need that part # too
@jean-felixhoule2410 I ended up buying a replacement part. Those tiny drill bits are very fragile (small Dia) the part was under $10 but hard to find.
Good video!! What about an Ariens snow blower with a Subaru engine?
great job. thanks for sharing.
So I have a tecumseh engine and it idles just fine but when I accelerate it stalls and dies What should I do?
Thank you very much for showing us the fix for this. Rather than Micro drills, may I use welding torch tip cleaners?
I have both, but tip cleaners can't break through the solid crud. I'm going to put the micro drill holder in my drill and go for it!
Thank you. Your awesome
Great tip, you are the best, Have a Nice week end
Great video thanks for sharing have a great weekend
What is this screw called.
Great tip. What is the starting dia of the jet? Are you enlarging or just cleaning the hole?
he is enlarging it. get a set of micro drill bits and find the smallest size that wont fit then drill it out.
@@michaelotoole1807 thanks,I have a set for a long time. Got mine at harbor freight. Curious as to how much he was enlarging it. I start by getting it back to a shiny full dia hole. Thank you for your response, I always learn. Take care.
@@steveriggenbach90 your welcome. may the snow gods be generous to all this year. last year didn't use blower at all. depressing and kind of freaky. didn't even need to put winter tires on my truck.
The micro drill sets referenced in the link start at 0.6 mm, which is about 33 thousands of an inch. The video mentions a drill about half that size?
Top work, Donny
Watch out the Trudope Stazi ( plastic cap removal div) 🤭. Will be issuing a warrant for you 😉👍🏴🇨🇦🏴
I thought this was going to be a remake of your video on this issue from 12 years ago but now I see you've enlarged the hole which makes sense. This surging is a reocurring problem with my tecumseh snow king snowblower engine. I tried all that you suggested back then without success. The holes in this jet weren't plugged and I bought the carb kit and rebuilt the carb, no joy. The one step I skipped is cleaning the carb with carb cleaner or soaking it in carb cleaner. I don't have a garage or shed and I can't keep a tub of carb cleaner in the house. Now I buy an after market carb and replace it every 4 or 5 years.
Sometimes I enlarge the bottom jet holes with a torch tip cleaner
@@donyboy73 ok. Thanks
That's for that nice tip!😊
I got one that will start but won't stay going. Does anyone have any advice
Nice work 👍
Careful. The tiny drill bit broke off inside the hole, now I have to get a new jet. NOTE: I did not buy the drill bit set Dony receommended, so I may have unfortunately gotten cheaper bits. I don't know why it broke, I was not going side to side, just in and out
Why does this need to done anyway? I have seen somewhere that the hole is so small because of California emissions regulations, is that right?
Great tips thanks.
Snowblowers don’t generally have filters because they are not operated in dusty conditions.
Good good and good.
Can we ship engines to you for repair? ..Honda GX 160
So, that's a snow blower ! Funny looking thing.
What’s the link for the drill bit?
Link is in video description
Hi , i have the same blower but im.pretty shure i dont have the right sparkplug , anyone can help me with # it a columbia 524 tecumseh, only thing left i can read
Tecumseh engine takes champion rj19lm
Great video Dony!
i drilled it right tru lol
do i need to buy another jet?
I would first take the jet out and clean it before drilling out the jet.
Also clean the carb with carb spray and spray into where that jet screws in the carb I had a blockage there and this fixed it
i always use seafoam in the fuel. it will quickly remove gunk from carburetor to stop surging. as long as it isn't a small rock
Good job brother 👍
Thanks for the tip. I’ve got 4 of them lined up here that are waiting for work to be done on them. Some don’t have this adjustment
my lawn mower was surging but it was an easy fix all i had to do was lower it and then it stopped surging even when it hired
grouse video there Donny mate love it and a good video when your all getting ready for the Snowblower Season over there and cheers from Australia 🐨🐑🦘🌴🇦🇺 or the land down under to your area in Canada 🇨🇦
Is it just me or does that belt look like it needs to be replaced? I changed my belts and it made a night a day difference on how the machine throws snow. Especially if you have wet heavy snow.
Thanks Son, that might be the cure I am after, Cheers
why was the engine running fine for so many years only to develop surging now? does the engine wear over time create this problem where you have to enlarge the fixed jet?
Best guess is the version of pump gas we have now, needs more fuel now as its less volatile. Pump Gasoline doesn't even smell the same now as it did 20 years ago. Then there is also the epa emissions that forced the makers to run as lean as possible so the slightest restriction here becomes a surge issue.
@@luuk-out-below9804 hmm... I hadn't considered that. very interesting.
Likely engine wear which reduces compression which changes the amount of air/fuel the engine sucks in. Small engines are tuned at the peak of performance and efficiency so a minor change can cause them to surge. People blame the EPA, but it’s also about performance. Being at the point right before it’s too lean is when it makes the most power without wasting fuel.
@@80SWoods These are all factors, but when you make something this touchy its prone to malfunction.
@@80SWoods thanks!