I am brand new to this forum. I was surprised that it existed until I realised how many machines related to home maintenance there is.
My search for help stemmed from a problem I was having with my rototiller. Brousing led me to this site hoping to get some appropriate advice. Our leader suggested that I inform you of the mower we use. It is a Greely riding mower which I use as a tow vehicle. We like it a lot and have had no problems with it so far after a couple of season"s use. It is the first new mower we have ever had. In that context we have never owned a new car.
My quest relates to a Craftsman 9HP rototiller. Generally I like it very much although at this point in my gardening evolution I rarely need it. We have many raised beds with soil one could swim in and as such is never tilled to preserve the soil eco system. I have had endless trouble with my Mantis and so must occasionally use the big machine instead. Not handy.
After taking apart the tiller carb I was surprised to find the part fouled. After cleaning the system the machine is back to performing well. However, I am used to fine tuning our Tuff-Cut Troy Built and other machines. I am frustated to find that I cannot do that with my tiller. Simply, I do not know how to fine tune it and have been unable to find instructions to that end. there is a lot of info out there but never is specific and clear enough to be usefull.
The engine is a Briggs and Statton 9 HP. The pull is on the right side. After start up the engine fluctuates in RPM. Very quickly it moves from idle to race ( not dramatic racing ) and then back to low RPM. So, it sounds rather like an auto engine that is being warmed up.
I have turned one adjustment screw far in and far out with no affect on the engine. Anything after that would be experimental and so I walked away from it. The surging seems to have no effect on the performance. But maybe I am actually losing power or efficiency without knowing it.
And so, if anyone can quite clearly direct me in tuning the carb I would very much appreciate it.
Next : I am having trouble with the clutch on the tiller. The clutch does not catch unless I whack it with a hammer and screw driver. That fixes it momentarily. Apparently the balls withing the clutch are sticking. I have no idea how to remove the clutch. If I could remove it I could clean the internals and offer proper lubrication.
I would much appreciate any specific advise for the maintenance of the clutch.
Lets see if I can condense this down some. the tiller is surging because the carb needs cleaned. The starter clutch can be unscrewed from the crankshaft after removing the blower housing and rotating screen. Back before a had a clutch removal tool I just used to use a hammer on one of the corners of the clutch to loosen it. but the best thing to do is hold the flywheel from turning and find something to hook onto the clutch and unscrew it. the cover will come off the clutch to clean the inside and then reassemble and reinstall making sure to get it torqued back on properly because it also holds the flywheel in place, and it left to loose will cause the flywheel key to shear. Too tight could crack the flywheel.
The initial adjustment for the screw that you are talking about is 1 1/2 turns out from lightly seated.
IL is correct on the carb, needs cleaning. A trick I have found on the starter clutch, is one where you don't have to remove the entire clutch. After removing the shroud, remove the two or four screws holding the screen and clutch cover together. Carefully remove the top cover, exposing the bearings. Remove the bearings and square clutch section. Clean shaft with fine emery cloth, wipe with a cleaner and then lightly lube shaft and cup with a lubricant which contains Teflon. Reassemble and test. 90% of the time this solves the problem.
#4
Briana
Welcome to LawnMowerForum!
I moved your thread to the Small Engine & Mower Repair Forum. :smile:
