GT235 Carb Adjustments ?

[snpower]

I recently removed and cleaned the B&S carb in my GT235. The engine was surging; I removed the jets and used carb cleaner as well as an ultrasonic cleaner.

After reinstall I ran the engine for 30-40 mins and it was nice and smooth. Fast forward several weeks and the engine is stumbling (acts like it will quit) then it resumes running and at the same time I get a blast of black smoke from the exhaust.

I have read that there aren't adjustments on these? I am looking for further troubleshooting assistance. Thanks!

 

[GrandpaSmurf825]

Does it make any difference in how it runs if you apply varying amounts of choke application to it? If the choke helps then you probably need to pull the main jet and clean again. It's hard to beat a torch cleaning tip set. Carb cleaner isn't magic potion and it only takes a tiny restriction to mess with the fuel air ratio on a small engine.

 

[tomplum]

You may have a low speed adjustment. Provided there isn't a debris issue, maybe a new float valve would fix you up.

 

[snpower]

The float valve needle is new.

I’ll get those torch cleaning tips!

 

[Roadworthy]

Check that the float is moving freely and the needle is actually opening and closing.

 

[gstrom99]

New fuel filter, I assume. Junk in the gas tank will clog up the inlet hose like that (but I'm not sure about the black smoke thing)...

 

[2manyrocks]

Rather than spending time rebuilding or cleaning I've had better luck replacing carbs with new ones from Az. Just got done installing a new $30 carb on a Kohler command. Got my engine running good again.

Should mention the kit came with new fuel filter and fuel hose and it's a good time to change them when changing the carb.

 

[gstrom99]

Should mention the kit came with new fuel filter and fuel hose and it's a good time to change them when changing the carb.

Yes, old fuel lines don't like the ethanol gas.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

i would do a complete carb repair kit.
$50 depending on exact model.
I have been seeing a lot of needle valve seat problems and the O ring gasket problems. Like others have said this ethanol fuel seems to be getting worse and worse on these rubber gaskets (or maybe just over time. especially the one for the needle valve if your carb has one of these). One and done do a whole kit if you haven't already done that route!
Last year a very experienced neighbour spent countless hours on trying to get his log splitter to run. Same surging and dark exhaust and hard starting problems you are having. Tried everything and in the end a simple carb kit. We think it was the needle valve / seat just got out of spec.

cheers

 

[snpower]

i would do a complete carb repair kit.
$50 depending on exact model.
I have been seeing a lot of needle valve seat problems and the O ring gasket problems. Like others have said this ethanol fuel seems to be getting worse and worse on these rubber gaskets (or maybe just over time. especially the one for the needle valve if your carb has one of these). One and done do a whole kit if you haven't already done that route!
Last year a very experienced neighbour spent countless hours on trying to get his log splitter to run. Same surging and dark exhaust and hard starting problems you are having. Tried everything and in the end a simple carb kit. We think it was the needle valve / seat just got out of spec.

cheers

Do you have a link for the kit? JD parts catalog I have doesn’t show as available.