Abby's Guide to Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more)
Username Password
Discussions Reviews More Guides
Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type

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

Search For:
Richie


Bring On The White Stuff

Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562

Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Original Message   Feb 2, 2005 4:47 pm

I had reservations about doing this on a new snowblower, but I have to tell you, this engine runs even smoother than it did before.  After the new carb was installed, I figured it didn't need to be started using full throttle as you normally would have to do.  After two hits of the primer, I raised the throttle to just over the idle position, and it started on the first pull.  In fact, it was much easier to warm up with the modified carb than it was with the original one.  I found I didn't have to manipulate the choke settings to keep it running as I did before. 

After a good warm-up, I raised the throttle to maximum and adjusted the high-speed main fuel mixture.  When the engine smoothed out, I lowered the engine speed to the idle position, only to find it was idling at 1,550 RPM's.  Amazing, because the EPA carburetor had to idle at 2,300 RPM's.  I did a fine adjustment to the low-speed mixture until it was at its smoothest.  What was most obvious to me was just how smooth it ran at any speed.  Normally there was just enough vibration that it would translate to the very long chute on this snowblower, but not anymore.  Aside from the noise these snowblowers make when running, if you grabbed the handle bars, you were only able to detect the slightest amount of vibration.

The only surprise I did notice was that after the carburetor was fully set, the maximum engine speed had increased to 3,500 RPM's.  I did make a minor adjustment to the governor to bring the speed back down to 3,400 RPMs, what it was set at prior to all of this.  Having to lower the governor setting, made it apparent to me just how much power gets robbed from the EPA carbs.  I suppose I have to look at it as the engine having that much more power available when the automatic governor kicks in when under a heavy load.  I'll put this machine up against a 10 hp snowblower any day of the week.



Richie
Replies: 9 - 18 of 29Next page of topicsPreviousNextNext page of topicsAllView as Outline
Richie


Bring On The White Stuff

Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #9   Feb 2, 2005 6:49 pm
I paid $74 for it because I didn't want to modify my original carburetor, which is cleaned out now and storaged.  However, this same carb rebuilt has gone for more than what I paid for this brand new one.  It is a precise duplicate in every way except that instead of having the non-adjustable main under the bowl, it has the adjustable screw type.  The bowl drain valve is still there.  Also, if somehow you were able to look down the throat of the carb, the "green" colored plastic jet is now brass.  Marc (MMl4) put me onto this person, thank you Marc.  This carb dealer knew exactly what was on my mind and had no problem accommodating me.  I'd also have to say that due to the carburetor box enclosure, unless you were on your knees and looking up under the carb, you would have no idea I did this.  If the machine requires a warranty repair, I'll deal with it at that time.  For now, I have a snowblower that runs much superior to what it was originally, and at every stage of RPM, and without a doubt, more available power.  As for fuel consumption, honestly, I really didn't notice it used much at all before.  If I notice it uses more or less, I'll be sure you let you all know.   


Richie
TheKneebiter


Joined: Oct 22, 2004
Points: 233

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #10   Feb 2, 2005 7:20 pm
can you give me the dealers number or website ? i would like to get a carb for a couple of my ope's.. thanks
This message was modified Feb 2, 2005 by TheKneebiter


Dave___in___CT


Deliberate often...
...decide once...


Location: West-Central Connecticut
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 3159

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #11   Feb 2, 2005 7:41 pm
Whoooo.... Hoooo.... !


Underground market for OPE carbs !   


Dave...

Whether you think you can or you can't... you're right.
Henry Ford

   BCS Tractor & snowblower

Marshall


As Long As There Are Tests, There Will Be Prayer In Public Schools. ;- )

Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 7730

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #12   Feb 2, 2005 7:45 pm
Shhh, don't tell the carb Police!
nibbler


Joined: Mar 5, 2004
Points: 751

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #13   Feb 2, 2005 7:55 pm
spottedpony wrote:

Richie, if you've kept any track of fuel usage before the carb change, i think we'd all be interested to hear about any differences in fuel consumption after the swap. im betting it'll use less fuel while performing better.


I find that  gas consumption is more a measure of how hard I'm working the engine. The second last snow fall we had was about 20cm ( 8in) of light fluffy stuff. I went through about 20 driveway's and did 1 refill. By the time I got back to my place I still had about 1/2 tank. The previous time had been about 15cm ( 5in) of wet stuff with some ice. I went through 3 tanks and limped home on the fourth with less than 1/4 of a tank left. In the first case the engine hardly ever sounded like it was working. In the second case it was giving its lowed ptched "battle cry" and digging in to do a lot of heavy lifting particulary at EOD..
Richie


Bring On The White Stuff

Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #14   Feb 2, 2005 8:28 pm
Hi Nibbler,

I agree with you about fuel consumption being directly related to how hard these machines work.  I also know exactly what that "under load" sound is that you mentioned, no doubt when the automatic governor is trying to do its job.  The only time this machine made that noise was when I did my EOD with about 20"+ left by the snow plows.  Then again, the engine almost died causing me to have to yank back on a 250 lb. machine.  Shortly after that is when the engine started surging, which really ticked me off.  At least today,  when I tested the engine with the new carb under load in 6" or 7" of wet snow, it never came close to putting the machine under a load.  My old Toro with the 5 hp engine would have easily given up..LOL.  I'll be sure to see if I notice a fuel difference as you and SpottedPony have suggested. 

Richie
Majorxlr8n


Location: Freehold NJ
Joined: Aug 6, 2003
Points: 1092

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #15   Feb 3, 2005 12:45 am
How about sharing the new carb part number so others can perform the swap?  Sounds like there is interest...

Marty

Richie


Bring On The White Stuff

Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #16   Feb 3, 2005 7:04 am
Majorxlr8n wrote:
How about sharing the new carb part number so others can perform the swap?  Sounds like there is interest...

The carburetor is on the machine and the carb box is installed and would be difficult to try to get a part number off at this time.  I will look it over and see if I can find any.  I didn't bother writing things like that down because I assumed nobody would go to such lengths as I have to get their OPE running well.  Boy was I presumptuous on that one     It was also my understanding this carburetor was a custom thing and obviously not something off the shelf.  Other than the fact it is the same carb designed for an 8 -10 HP engine, the jetting can't be stock.  What I can tell you is that the carb looked precisely as my original.  My "turn knob" choke linkage just screwed right to it.  Most importantly, I have no clue what jetting is in this thing, that's something I won't be able to determine.  The original carb had a main jet that had a green plastic tube that you could see extending into the throat of the carb, this one has a brass one.  

If you can get the jetting part numbers, you would be able to make the switch much cheaper than I did.  I myself didn't want to modify my original carb in any way, rather just get a brand new reverted one.     

This message was modified Feb 3, 2005 by Richie


Richie
TomP


Once you go Mac you never go back!


Location: Central New Jersey
Joined: Aug 4, 2003
Points: 648

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #17   Feb 3, 2005 5:49 pm
Richie:

Since it is custom do all the replacement/rebuild parts need to come from your contact?

I have a Powerlite that cycles with the idle.  How would I determine if your contact has something where the idle mixture can be adjusted?

Snow Team:

Simplicity 1060 DLXE - Toro Snow Commander / 3650 - Honda HS520
robmints


Joined: May 13, 2003
Points: 4691

Re: Replaced Standard Snowblower Carburetor with Adjustable Type
Reply #18   Feb 3, 2005 7:37 pm
M and D

They have mucho stuff. Maybe call and ask.
Replies: 9 - 18 of 29Next page of topicsPreviousNextNext page of topicsAllView as Outline
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Guide   •   Discussions  Reviews  
AbbysGuide.com   About Us   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy   Contact Us
Copyright 1998-2024 AbbysGuide.com. All rights reserved.
Site by Take 42