5.4
Section 5
Fuel System and Governor
High Altitude Operation
When operating the engine at altitudes of 1500 m
(5000 ft.) and above, the fuel mixture tends to get
over-rich. This can cause conditions such as black,
sooty exhaust smoke, misfiring, loss of speed and
power, poor fuel economy, and poor or slow governor
response.
To compensate for the effects of high altitude, special
high altitude jet kits are available. The kits include
new main jets, slow jets (where applicable), necessary
gaskets, and O-Rings. Refer to the parts manual for
the correct kit number.
Fuel Shut-off Solenoid
Most carburetors are equipped with a fuel shut-off
solenoid. The solenoid is attached to the fuel bowl. See
Figure 5-4. The solenoid has a spring-loaded pin that
retracts when 12 volts is applied to the lead, allowing
fuel flow to the main jets. When current is removed
the pin extends blocking the fuel flow.
Figure 5-4. Fuel Shut-off Solenoid.
Below is a simple test, made with the engine off, that
can determine if the solenoid is functioning properly:
1. Shut off fuel and remove the solenoid from the
carburetor. When the solenoid is loosened and
removed, gas will leak out of the carburetor.
Troubleshooting – Carburetor Related Causes
Condition
Possible Cause/Probable Remedy
1. Low idle fuel mixture (some models)/speed improperly adjusted.
Adjust the low idle speed tab, then adjust the low idle fuel needle.
1. Engine starts hard, runs roughly,
or stalls at idle speed.
2. Engine runs rich (indicated by
black, sooty exhaust smoke,
misfiring, loss of speed and power,
governor hunting, or excessive
throttle opening).
2a. Clogged air cleaner. Clean or replace.
b. Choke partially closed during operation. Check the choke lever/
linkage to ensure choke is operating properly.
c. Low idle fuel mixture is improperly adjusted. Adjust low idle
fuel needle (some models).
d. Float level is set too high. Adjust float according to Float
Replacement Procedure.
e. Dirt under the fuel inlet needle. Remove needle; clean needle and
seat and blow with compressed air.
f. Bowl vent or air bleeds plugged. Remove low idle fuel adjusting
needle. Clean vent, ports, and air bleeds. Blow out all passages
with compressed air.
g. Leaky, cracked or damaged float. Submerge float to check for
leaks.
3. Engine runs lean (indicated by
misfiring, loss of speed and power,
governor hunting, or excessive
throttle opening).
3a. Low idle fuel mixture is improperly adjusted. Adjust low idle
fuel needle (some models).
b. Float level is set too low. Adjust float according to Float
Replacement Procedure.
c. Idle holes plugged; dirt in fuel delivery channels. Remove low
idle fuel adjusting needle. Clean main fuel jet and all passages;
blow out with compressed air.
4. Fuel leaks from carburetor.
4a. Float level set too high. See Remedy 2d.
b. Dirt under fuel inlet needle. See Remedy 2e.
c. Bowl vents plugged. Blow out with compressed air.
d. Carburetor bowl gasket leaks. Replace gasket.
Fuel Shut-Off
Solenoid