I have an old Bolens wood chipper with an 8hp Briggs & Stratton engine (model 190412). It runs well for a few minutes then the engine starts to struggle. It seems like the RPMs drop. Once they drop so low it sounds as if the engine is going to stop, the engine picks back up and runs at normal speed for a minute or less. This usually continues for 5 - 10 cycles, up and down, then the engine finally does shut off.
Six months or so past, I pulled it out from our shelter after several years in storage and installed a basic tune-up kit, changed the oil. It ran, but with this RPM issue occasionally, which seems to be getting worse.
I took apart the carburetor and did not see any obvious problems. The components looked clean and unobstructed. The only defect I noticed was a corroded outer rubber casing of the fuel line to the carburetor.
When the engine is running, I notice the idle speed adjustment turns freely. I don't know if that's normal. This is my first adventure into small engine repair, so I don't know what to look for let alone what to adjust or replace. Any guidance would be most appreciated.
Six months or so past, I pulled it out from our shelter after several years in storage and installed a basic tune-up kit, changed the oil. It ran, but with this RPM issue occasionally, which seems to be getting worse.
I took apart the carburetor and did not see any obvious problems. The components looked clean and unobstructed. The only defect I noticed was a corroded outer rubber casing of the fuel line to the carburetor.
When the engine is running, I notice the idle speed adjustment turns freely. I don't know if that's normal. This is my first adventure into small engine repair, so I don't know what to look for let alone what to adjust or replace. Any guidance would be most appreciated.