Tecumseh 8HP

[JohnD 145]

Sorry, not a WH question so please move it if needed. 

 

I have an 8 HP Tecumseh on my snowthrower.  After a carb rebuild a while back I've noticed that recently it starts to lose power, and I can tighten the needle valve (that' the thing on the bottom of the carb bowl, right?) and it runs fine again.  A few days (hours of operation) I'll notice it losing power and I can do the same thing, so I believe the needle valve is unscrewing due to vibration.  I believe there's a spring on there that should prevent this, but it might be worn out (odd that the rebuild wasn't too long ago).

 

Should I add a dab of lock-tite just get a little more friction?  I'm looking for ideas and I know this group has them! 

[8ntruck 7,383]

Seems like a dab of blue Lock-Tite would be worth a try.

[Handy Don 13,340]

40 minutes ago, 8ntruck said:

Seems like a dab of blue Lock-Tite would be worth a try.

I'd suggest being very careful about this solution. Some Techy bottom needle valves are hollow and draw fuel though tiny holes at the bottom then up through and out tiny holes at the top. There is also often a rubber ring on the valve stem to seal it so fuel doesn't leak. Gum either of these up with loctite and you'll be making more trouble for yourself.

Do it right and get a new spring. Meantime, stretch the one you have to make it a bit longer (¼-⅜" only) as a temporary measure.

[8ntruck 7,383]

 Good points.  The carb on the Techy in my Toro snow thrower is not adjustable.  Come to think of it, the bolt that holds the bowl on my carb does have some fuel passages in it.

 

Stretching the spring is probably a better idea than the Lock-Rite.

[JohnD 145]

Thanks.  I'll give that a try. 

[oldlineman 1,495]

Not sure but if there are threads exposed maybe a jam nut could be an answer. Bob

[pfrederi 18,334]

I think there is an internal O ring (#22). If it is old dried out /hard  it may be letting the needle turn  a new fresh one might create more resistance.