HOW-TO Adjust Carburetor Float Height

[@donyboy73]

Watch my video on how to spot a defective carburetor float here; Watch "How to spot a defective float" kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIemi2x5a6-dqKc

[@dalemulder3549]

I put about 1 cup of fresh fuel in 78 Bolens and my 82 Ariens each month and let them run until they run dry. I left my Ariens machine outside uncovered while building a shed late this year and when I went to use start it, the fuel was pouring out of the carb and even the primer bulb. Very obviously a float issue. I had rebuilt the carb a few years back and had no problems at all up to this point. When I brought the carb inside, the bowl was a little tough getting off but with some warmth and gentle coaxing it finally popped off. I checked the bottom of the bowl and saw what looked like a clear gel in the bottom. I poked it and it didn't move. I put on my cheaters so I could see better and realized it was about 3/8" of ice and fuel or oil. I cleaned and dried the carb, used wires to clean the orifices on the threaded needle shaft (term?), cleaned the gaskets and then blew the whole assembly out with a soft bit of air. I reassembled and reinstalled the carb. It was late and I didn't want to wake my neighbors so I didn't bother with a test run. When it came time to use the machine, it started right up, smoothed out quickly but took a bit more choke than it did before. It would run for about 3 minutes under load and then quit. I went through this about four times, scratching my head each time. It then occurred to me that the problem was when I removed the bowl the first time. The bowl must have been stuck because the float was frozen to the bottom of the bowl, not so much the bowl seal. So, when I popped the bowl off, I must have pulled the adjustment tab on the float up which would make the carb buildup less fuel in the bowl by shutting off the fuel supply prematurely. I never thought to recheck the foat level before reassemly. I couldn't remember the setting and remembered several of your videos helping me out before. The one thing I needed was that spec. You always provide GREAT detail and information in your videos and you did exactly that in this video. Thanks again for making some of the very best small engine videos out there. You can tell when someone takes pride in their craft and loves sharing their knowedge. Thank you!!

[@grantlandking4361]

Good on you sir for expressing a genuine gratitude to the video creator and for likewise sharing your issues in concise fashion. This type of encouragement is from the heart and leads to feelings of satisfaction and peace of heart. Goal: to teach others, learn to grow, and all in a spirit of love... It casts out all fear says scripture! Peace and thanks friends.

[@grantlandking4361]

You blessed my heart this evening buddy I'm telling you people need to see what appreciation looks like. Thanks again

[@jeffkulp5772]

When I have an engine issue, whether two or four stroke, I always look for Don's videos. He is very informative and thorough. Thank you!!

[@leandres7]

This guy is the best at what he does, every video is so informative. I have learned so much from his channel, thank you.

[@petes9861]

Agreed! I also like the extra details such as mentioning the part numbers of tools and replacement parts used in the videos. Very helpful and appreciated!

[@riversndadesert]

I personally DO NOT SUBSCRIBE to any DIY'rs or How To's but I just say YOU'RE AWESOME and thank you for the detail, not talking to fast,speaking in a clear manner our mower now runs like a champ! Thanks again!

[@GRANDDADDYBEAR]

JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT IT'S VERY INGENIOUS AND THOUGHTFUL OF YOU TO INCLUDE BOTH PROPER OEM TOOLS AND HOME MADE TOOLS IN YOUR DESCRIPTIONS; AND BACKYARD SHADE-TREE ALTERNATIVES IN YOUR DESCRIPTIONS, AND PROCEDURES. IT'S NICE TO WATCH SOMEONE WHO'S ON HIS GAME AND HAS HIS SHIT TOGETHER WHEN HE MAKES A VIDEO, AND MAKES IT WATCHABLE FOR THOSE WITH MECHANICAL ABILITY AND SIMPLE ENOUGH FOR THE LAYMAN. AWESOME JOB, GOD BLESS. ANDREW

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome, make sure you are subscribed

[@burt1758]

​@@donyboy73so the float setting low will take longer for fuel to raise the float. Higher will take less fuel.

[@Reeceezy]

Thanks Dony. We just had three engines get back from the shop for a bill of over two thousand dollars, all had their carbs rebuilt. One of them would not stop flooding and I was able to fix it by adjusting the float. I've only taken apart a carb one time so I have no idea what I'm doing really and this video was able to help me. I really appreciate it.

[@billfresh3776]

just happened to this video accidently. So glad I did. Old rototiller giving me fits after working ok last year. adjusted the float as described...both screws adjusted in all the way...out 1-1/2 turns. started first pull and ran like a champ. thanks for the video.

[@ОлегБ-л8м]

Hi from St. Petersburg (Russia)! As always all is available in simple words, even for those who know English not so good. Thank you very much for your videos. With their help, I repaired my snow blower Craftsman (Faulty camshaft), and two more snow blowers for my friends. In each video there is always something useful and interesting for everyone. You are competent person in this matter. Best regards Oleg

[@charleskibiro9159]

You really helped me. There is no book that explain how to adjust float. I checked so many but they repeat them selves. Thank you sir.

[@edg3851]

1/19 2019 THANK YOU so much for showing the FLOAT ADJUSTMENT TOOL and 11/64 drill bit adjustment !!! My 8 Hp Ariens (oldie) was leaking like nuts. I had taken it apart and cleaned it out and it ran fine at the end of summer. I got it ready for the winter. The COLD NORTHEAST.... today just before a 2 foot snow storm hits, I ran the Blower just to make sure it was ready for this storm. The machine started fine. I ran it not even for a minute then stopped it and noticed gas dripping like nuts from the carburator. It never had this problem before and after watching some YOU TUBE and " your " video I was hoping it wasn't the seat, I didnt think it would be, crossing my finger. I noticed the FLOAT was out of adjustment big-time and the 11/64 drill bit adjustment did the trick and its fine ... thank you !!!! Thank you !!!

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

I have many times had to replace the rubber seat in a Briggs carb to adjust a all plastic float that was not adjusted right. Most I have seen would stop fuel flow way to early starving the engine of fuel. THUMBS UP .

[@benol1000]

Thanks, Donny. Respect from Jamrock. Instructors like you, should be lecturing in College. High degree of clarity to information given, very articulate delivery every time.

[@catfishjenkem2226]

Man this is great !!! I have been fighting the new carb on my 45 year old horse troybuilt tiller . I finally got it running right but it floods when you turn on fuel . Tecums engine

[@Volusiaev]

Been a subscriber for years. Your demonstrations are always excellent.

[@terrysisco]

Great Help!!! got my snowblower running with a few other video tips as well as this one. Thanks Much!!

[@nicholasrhodes4550]

Been messing with engines since I was 11 years old. Already know how to set carb floats but, hey, ya never know everything-like the float height on a Walbro LM type carb (I don't work on many Tecumsehs.) Worth watching, thanks.

[@petermcpherson5005]

The best tutorial there is out there. Thorough and so easy to understand. Please keep your videos coming 👍👍

[@RyanTreks]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I have tried many things to set my float but none of the videos I've found explains it so well. There is always a question about the distance....but you answered that perfectly! Runs like a dream now!!!

[@deanstuder1775]

Great video . Concise is exactly what I like to see. You nailed it. Thank you

[@tonykazulen2485]

been working on the carb few hours ,wish I saw this first. thanks makes it look simple.try again hope it stops the gas leak

[@timfingeroos6129]

This was exactly what I needed. I put on a new carb and is leaked everywhere. The float was traveling too far (up). A quick bend, measure and viola, no more gas leaking!

[@aerocam2]

Another very well done video! Thank you for your clear and humble manner of teaching.

[@haridassgovindasamy4738]

What reference no ( from the old carburetor) to use for ordering a new Tecumseh carburetor

[@zachgiesbrecht6767]

Great video! Fixed my snowblower with the 11/64 drill bit. Thanks and subscribed!!

[@stefanos1374]

Thank you for this and many other informative videos that helped bring back to life an old lawn mower that is now worth it's weight in gold thanks to the advice you've shared that helps people grow.

[@semco72057]

I loved that video on adjusting the float on the Tecumseh equipment and I do have one generator with a Tecumseh carburetor on it and the unit need to be checked out. I thank you for your assistance as always and wish you and your family a nice day tomorrow and a Blessed weekend.

[@ryanmartin07rm]

glad I subscribed. I'm actually having flooding issues with my briggs and stratton carb right now. thanks for posting.

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome

[@lancechauvin3255]

11

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Thanks Dony for the valuable information for you saved me a lot of money and now my outdoor equipment runs right. Keep the videos coming you do a well informed video and well presented. Thanks from USA !!,

[@jeffyates4813]

Of all the thousands of these Tecumseh and Briggs carburetors I have rebuilt I usually set the floats where the trip off at a lower setting in order to ensure the level never reaches overflow.

[@fattony123082]

I have worked on many different small engine carburetors and never gave that a thought. I learn something new every day. Thanks for the information good job on the video. 👍. By the way that Toro S - 200 I got to use it this morning and she's a little beast.

[@donyboy73]

that's good

[@fattony123082]

donyboy73 - one other thing I'm glad you respond back to people on here 👍. Thanks.

[@donyboy73]

I try my best but sometimes I'm just too busy

[@JazzyScat]

@@donyboy73 great videos! I was wondering if you had any insight on a problem I have. I had to change the carburetor because the mower would only work on choke and would die on HI or LO positions. I didn't change anything else. When I pull the lever out of choke down to the Hi position the rpm is pretty much the same but when I put it on the LO position there is no change in engine speed which seems to be ok for the Hi position. The motor is GVX120 4.4HP 1 cylinder on a HONDA HR214. The governor arm is free to move if I push on it revs faster. There are no restrictions either on the idle arm where the 2 governor rods attach on the carb. Any Idea? Hope you're not too busy. 😉

[@krishillis5275]

Thank you for the great tip with the drill bit.

[@Nothin638]

I love your channel dude! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@user-ro6ou5vb8y]

Thanks God for sharing your knowledge about carburator it's truly agreat help.

[@MadTinkerman]

Really appreciate this thorough explanation! Great video!

[@isaacpullen6752]

Thanks Don you are amazing so informative I’m a novice at best when it comes to small engines.

[@jawjww]

thanks, your videos are the best. clear, precise, easy to follow, not a lot of wasted time and very well explained.

[@stevesmith6058]

Very well territorial nice job Donnie

[@richarddickinson1966]

Very good explanation. Thank you.....

[@milenaresources4244]

thank you...I had no idea CCR just stopped working and when I took it apart things fell apart.

[@davidcarper5411]

Mikuni and Keihen also use oem spec'd float height adjustment tools..

[@milwsdl39]

Again you save me again can’t thank you enough for your videos my friend be safe up there in Canada to you and your family

[@jamesmullins3219]

excellent video with good close up photography. I recommend watching the "Defective float" clip too.Thanks

[@donyboy73]

thanks james

[@DunnMotors]

Great explanation 👌 👍 Thank you

[@oscarjones5773]

Much needed and very helpful

[@monicaroldanflores995]

Thanks Don, Nice video, that's my birthday gift.

[@micpep]

I love you! Thanks a lot, your videos are very well made and have been usefull to me.

[@jonamodeo1584]

Another great video, so well done, you are a master at small engine repair. Thank you !

[@KevinKasmer]

I have a 2015 Ariens Deluxe 24, carb flooding out the primer bulb, did a carb rebuild! Please help!

[@dannyc7839]

What do you do if it's a plastic float and it does need adjustment for flooding? Thanks

[@wisamabazly]

Best video ever, thank you.

[@Don-ix7se]

your video's are great, thanks Donny, the only one I use for my 80's Ariens snowblower. My question for you is this, one prime and starts great, seems to have a good dig in power when moving snow, but when I tilt the snowblower backward it loses power til I level it again. could you please tell me how to fix this issue, thanks

[@blackout260112]

I have a with gas dripping out of the air filter killing the engine... Does the position of the bowl effect how far the the float drops? I think I have moved the deep side .

[@deanstuder1775]

Would like to know how much fuel flow is good to have for a small engine. To verify filter or kinks in fuel hoses??

[@Model-T]

I so love your videos... very informative and easy to follow for a newbie. Thanks so much for helping me save repair many costs!!

[@buddyhenry4261]

i got a question i got a sears craftsman with briggs & stratton carb for sure ..i just replaced the needle valve & the rubber to cover the hole to the gas flow ..the whole thing is made out of plastic the part you said to adjust is also so is there another trick ?? so ok here is the model # 027378450 then serial # is 03520 M-03344 so would hope to get a fast answer there is no metal at all on the float ..well thanks lee

[@butchvandyk1051]

hi i hope you could help my lawnmower is old and has a free floating float... is this common and how do you know this is not the problem because i can't get it to start up.... hope you can help.

[@daved.4740]

Hey Don, if the float is sagging too low could gas leak through the air filter (push mower Tec carb)

[@joew7198]

Is there an actual performance difference between the plastic float and the old brass one? My brass one is still ok, should I use that or the new plastic one that came in the rebuild kit.

[@davemick8620]

That was exactly what i wanted to know. Use an 11/64 drill bit for the clearance.

[@pamelawest2316]

My craftsman riding mower has briggs n Stratton motor, my fuel solenoid won’t screw into bottom of float bowl, the threads won’t catch with the bowl on it will screw on without bowl, should I replace the solenoid or is it another problem?

[@Wclifford7]

Very good video. May I add carb. flooding may be caused by a worn float needle valve or worn valve seat (plastic). Replace it.

[@acousticrooster2240]

Hi Don. Your vids are excellent quality and very helpful. On my 8 hp tecumseh carb off of an approx,. 1980 Toro 824 blower I've bent the tab to the point where I can just get the needle spring in yet it still sits too high. I bought this blower used with a fuel leak and running rough. It does have the tiny spring on the float pin but I don't see how removing it would affect the float clearance. i've also assured that the seat is firmly in place and needle is in good shape. Pleases advise. Thanks

[@moose64]

Dony I have a Honda mower with the Honda GCV160. The issue I have is it will start but after 20-30 secs it just dies and won't restart. But wait a few minutes and it will but only for the 20-30 secs. I think the float is not opening enough to let gas in. The float is all plastic...how do I adjust that? I'm after cleaning the carb thoroughly.

[@EMREV47]

congratulations for your channel helped me a lot very useful

[@hansstreubel4257]

Thank you for the tip with the drill bit, your videos are grate!

[@mranderson5668]

what about a briggs and stratton for a lawnmower?

[@59chevt]

Don, always worth watching thanks.

[@donyboy73]

thanks, have a good weekend

[@Naltic-Global]

Looking to see how the pin is connected to the wire and to the float. No video I have seen has shown this yet...

[@jermdawg2805]

NALTIC Industrials, LLC same here. My damn carb keeps pouring fuel with a brand new needle and seat. I put it in as it came out but I’m guessing that was not correct. I’ve never had it running myself so I have no clue what the original owner did. My need sat on the tab he adjusts in this video. The wire that hooks to it was stretched out and ran under the two tabs below the one he adjusts. It seems to tight tho. I think it’s causing the leak that way. May switch it up in the morning and see what happens. Good luck

[@jimvari3793]

I love your videos very good information keep it up m8

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

Good tip, 11/64ths. Your vids always have very good sound.

[@philipstaley54]

I want to thank you so much for this and other videos! So very clear and well done. I got my snowblower up and runnig!

[@richardbennington323]

Great if you have a brass slope and I have a plastic

[@donyboy73]

You can adjust the plastic one too, it has a metal tab where the needle hooks onto it

[@buddyhenry4261]

ok i got to th all plastic one but it will not let the fuel go thru ..i am starting from scratch the 1st needle i took ground the top that is flat & i took to much off so it did good then there was a part that was more flat then the rest then it flooded so i got one i did not touch well now it will not let gas flow thru again ..the thing i am thinking is to file it 1 stroke at a time flat with my vise to hold it then each time put back together pour a little gas in then see if it run all the time if so i got it ..i might go ask a shop maybe the float needs to be replaced ..the carb is exactly like a tecumseh one only difference is little ..seem like i almost could use a tecumseh one but there are little changes the extended part needs to come off but the most would be the filter maybe not ..but i am going to see about a float .. i think that would be best get a new float ..i forgot about the 11/64th i did it before it worked good all right thanks later lee

[@louiemoscatel585]

I replaced the defective brass float with a plastic float. The plastic float included a tiny tension spring that fed through the float pin at the back of the plastic float. OMG whatever you do, don't drink coffee or have the shakes when installing that tiny spring lol.

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Per TSB instructions says to use it if the original one came with one. And i like the plastic one better the brass one the solder cracks and will leak. Plus i feel it corrodes from the gas easily.

[@pedroaguerrevere9118]

Very Nice vídeo, thanks you

[@kboomarangfinch167]

Once again very helpful and useful information, Thanks so much.

[@jimtaylor248]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@johnnyrocks4103]

ALWAYS….ALWAYS GREAT VIDEOS…THANKS SO MUCH DONY BOY!!!

[@donyboy73]

thanks

[@raymondcampbell2346]

Good info video Don. Thanks for sharing.

[@fitzpatrickgf]

Have a question? Fixed all the gaskets, but there is a pin hole located on the carburetor just above the primer hose male connection. When I prime the engine, a stream of fuel shoots out of that hole and then it continues to drain fuel slowly emptying the tank. Do you know what that indicates? Is the float out of adjustment? Also, the engine will run for 3 seconds and shut down Seems like fuel starvation after its primed. Thanks for the help!

[@ronwoltz]

I worked on a Tecumseh Carb push lawnmower and I noticed if there is no screw on the round cylinder holding the plastic and paper 2 screws the screw on the left side is missing or removed it does not want to prime properly I have to ask you why and can you discuss this problem. Tec Carb 3 to 5 hp.

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Tecumseh Series 11 Carburetor that’s good carb Tecumseh was the only small engine company that made there own. Instead of other manufacturers buying there from keihin or Mikini. Although great ones as well also lastly to add I replaced the Brass float with the plastic one. I feel it won’t corrode as easy. Still saved it for reference

[@jamesdesylva9723]

in my case the carb has an all plastic float . how can i adjust it.

[@archiedoughman5329]

By the way, some newly generator the carburetor had a solenoid in the bottom what is the function of this and can we by-pass this one if possible?

[@bayanimangale1666]

Hello! I'm trying to clean the carburator i open the case when i open it and look at it for the time i saw a hose ( black) i din't know what that hanging hose.Is that hose belong to the carburator ? Is there a hose belong to the carburator ? That for the gas and prime hose? Pls help me ! Or leave it like that. Thank you very much.

[@roosterktm300xc7]

I have a Tecumseh Power Sport 6.5 HP. When I Fill the gas tank the carburetor leaks gas. The leak comes out by the air filter. Do you think the float is the problem?

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Most likely the needle and seat leaking but I would check the float height as well.

[@towman4850]

I have a Arians snow blower with a 10 hp Tecumseh e engine.it would not start this year. replaced the spark plug, then the carb started leaking around the bowl. having had the blower for about two decades, I figured the carb probably needs new gaskets. replaced the needle, the seat, bowl gasket, and float. the carb seems to be leaking fuel up the emissions tub into the body of the carb. is this an indication that the emissions tub has a problem?

[@praveensharma3456]

good piece of info... thank you

[@frbyd9884]

Don, I just purchased a replacement carburetor for a Tecumseh engine on a Toro recycler mower. I was going to use it for parts but the main part I wanted was the needle inlet SEAT. The new one arrived with a BRASS needle inlet seat so of course I won't be able to use the new seat on the old carburetor because the old carburetor has a rubber-like seat. Is this a NEW design? (I also was going to use the bowl on yet another mower.) I'm so confused!

[@johnlibonati7807]

Thanks! I replaced the carb on my mower. It's a tecumseh on an older craftsman riding mower. It backfires, so I was thinking the mixture is too lean. There's no mixture adjustment screw, so I'll give this a shot. I replaced the old one because the gasket leaks. Weird thing is now the mower backfires even with the old one back on. Any ideas?

[@frerecampbell9291]

My MTD 4.5 HP 21" single stage snowblower runs well, always starts on first try, but raw gas is shot out of the exhaust pipe, from full choke to half choke, but no change to RPM from half choke to No Choke, is the float too low then? I have a 13/64" drill ready. I need your advice, thanks.

[@jonathanbosco8458]

Thanks for the video, Almost 100 thousand subscribers good job. Waiting for Donyboy 73 long sleeve T shirts and sweatshirts for sale.

[@jonnheatheralferink5622]

How do u put a float in mine fell out

[@piercemccleary3476]

Thanks for the help, when I took the carburetor apart the needle fell out I had no idea how to hook it up. It looks like that thin wire hooks up to the float, right? Thanks again Mac

[@Summernightsandneonlights]

Pierce McCleary just watched another video and ya the pin does attach to the float

[@superbee6270]

Wow you very informative, i like you video ,i wish you could that for a Carburetor for Honda trx 250 1985

[@tomsmelik8589]

in what units was the diameter of the drill, please help me???

[@1hjehje]

Excellent video .... Thank you!

[@Bergstaller01]

What would throw a float out of adjustment? Mishandling it on carb repair/rebuild?

[@jimmachen5095]

yes

[@jeremyh4869]

Great video. Informative. Helpful.

[@johncollins8304]

Excellent, thanks Dony. I thought it was just necessary that the float be level. So does this mean it could be level but at the wrong height? Also does this mean you can regulate the float without having to go through the rigmarole of removing the carbureteur? I sure hope so. Thanks, Dony.

[@24acresofparadise]

I noticed on Amazon a carburetor kit for Tecumseh engines and it was $15. Is it better to just replace the whole carburetor while you are there or are the parts from non OEM inferior?