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Craftsman snowblower engine sound

#1

R

ratkindler

Hi folks. I have a Craftsman snowblower with a 4 HP Tecumseh engine (model 143.754122). It starts easily on first pull and works well without bogging down at all in the snow. The engine sounds like it's "skipping" occasionally. I don't know how else to describe it. I need someone with an experienced ear to tell me if there's an issue or not. It's more noticeable running on fast than idle. The other snowblower videos I've watched on Youtube don't sound like this. I've got 2 videos with the engine running on idle and fast.

Sears Craftsman Snowblower - fast - YouTube


Sears Craftsman Snowblower - idle - YouTube


#2

reynoldston

reynoldston

It doesn't do that under a load does it. If sitting there free wheeling it sounds normal to me.


#3

X-man

X-man

I know what you mean about the skipping. It should be fine, I've seen a few snow blowers that run like that but no problems.


#4

EngineMan

EngineMan

To me its running lean, or you have a problem with a valve.


#5

R

ratkindler

EngineMan said:
To me its running lean, or you have a problem with a valve.
Click to expand...


I've tried adjusting the mixture screws on the carb and this was about as good as it gets. I was concerned that there was a deeper issue like a leaky valve or something like that but I really wasn't sure if running this way was normal.


#6

R

ratkindler

reynoldston said:
It doesn't do that under a load does it. If sitting there free wheeling it sounds normal to me.
Click to expand...


It's kind of hard to tell since the engine sounds very different under load, but I don't think I notice it happening. Like I said, it's working great but doesn't sound as smooth as others I've heard so I wondered if there was an underlying problem that could get worse.


#7

EngineMan

EngineMan

Did you adjust the mixture screws under load.


#8

P

PhilsSmallEngine

Both of my Tecumseh snow throwers do that when they aren't under load. How much depends on the temperature and humidity. When it's below 25F, they don't sputter at all. When it's above 25F+, it tends to happen more. One has 300 hours and is 8.5hp and the other has 700 hours and is 11.5hp. They've been doing it for years. No level of carb or valve adjustment has ever completely stopped that little stutter when they aren't under load. It's nothing to worry about. Tecumseh never designed their machines to be quiet or smooth. They designed them to be worked hard.


#9

reynoldston

reynoldston

I have notice that same sound on other engines as well. Then as soon as they are under a load they run just fine. You can rip the engine and carburetor apart, do a valve job, install a carburetor kit spend money but don't be surprise it runs the same when your are done. If I was to do anything with that engine it would be a valve adjustment. I say use it and don't worry.


#10

reynoldston

reynoldston

EngineMan said:
Did you adjust the mixture screws under load.
Click to expand...

Just wondering how do you adjust a carburetor under a load? I would think it might be a little tricky blowing snow and adjusting the carburetor at the same time.


#11

EngineMan

EngineMan

reynoldston said:
Just wondering how do you adjust a carburetor under a load? I would thing it might be a little tricky blowing snow and adjusting the carburetor at the same time.
Click to expand...


If you need me to show/tell you how, you need to go back to night school..!


#12

reynoldston

reynoldston

EngineMan said:
If you need me to show/tell you how, you need to go back to night school..!
Click to expand...

Too late for night school or any school, not going to happen. I am asking how do you adjust a snow blower under a load. Yes I can under stand maybe the auger running at top governor speed, but that isn't putting it under a load. Just running a warn engine at top governor speed is how I adjust high speed. I can remember adjusting snowmobile carburetors going across a long snow covered lake or field going full bore. That has to be a little tricky with a snow blower


#13

P

PhilsSmallEngine

Engaging the auger is hardly load. That is just parasitic loss. The OP said it runs fine once the auger is engaged so there is nothing to adjust on the fuel side. The stutter is very common with Tecumseh Snow Kings of all sizes. I've heard hundreds of them doing that to some degree over the years of snow removal as well as purchasing and selling used models. Spending time and/or money on this is a waste. If it is losing power and sputtering while removing snow, then it needs to be addressed. I've wasted time and money tearing down my 8.5hp to adjust the valves and it did nothing to minimize that very same sputter at idle.

reynoldston is correct and it's exactly what I've done for years. Ignore it and remove snow.


#14

reynoldston

reynoldston

PhilsSmallEngine said:
Engaging the auger is hardly load. That is just parasitic loss. The OP said it runs fine once the auger is engaged so there is nothing to adjust on the fuel side. The stutter is very common with Tecumseh Snow Kings of all sizes. I've heard hundreds of them doing that to some degree over the years of snow removal as well as purchasing and selling used models. Spending time and/or money on this is a waste. If it is losing power and sputtering while removing snow, then it needs to be addressed. I've wasted time and money tearing down my 8.5hp to adjust the valves and it did nothing to minimize that very same sputter at idle.

reynoldston is correct and it's exactly what I've done for years. Ignore it and remove snow.
Click to expand...

Here is two of us that had better go back to night school:laughing:


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