Roper (Craftsman) 16T problem

[ryanbr]

Hey guys, I have a old roper with a 16hp Briggs that will only run with the choke on. Runs fine but seems a bit under powered. It will run rough with choke at half, runs fine with choke fully on. When I turn the choke off the thing just dies. As always any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[rus_geek]

Was this a sudden onset or a gradually developing problem? I would try opening up the high speed screw on your carb, making sure the fuel filter is clean, making sure the air filter is clean.

-rus-

 

[Scooby074]

First thing id do is give the carb a thorough cleaning including a soak in carb dip. Change fuel filter. and ensure that air filter and vent hole in gas tank is clean.

That fixes 90% of running problems/

 

[Bird]

If you have to have the choke on, that simply means it's not otherwise getting enough gas for the amount of air, so the choke shuts off some of the air intake. So, it just might be something as simple as adjusting the carburetor.

 

[ryanbr]

Thanks guys, I will pull the bowl off the carb tonite. Unfortunately I need to get the grass cut before tomorrow so I wont have time to clean the entire carb. I might also try some seafoam in the gas tank as well...

On another note, is there a problem running it with the choke on? I know it lacks some power, but I will likely just go slower.

Also this problem started about a week ago, but then I only had to have about quarter choke, seems like it got progressively worse over the last week.

 

[2manyrocks]

Sounds like some dirt in the fuel tank got sucked in the carb. Is this is a fixed or adjustable jet carb?

 

[tugboat-2]

Just my 2 cents here, but I have experienced the same on occasion with "stale" gas. Last years gas goes stale, weak and causes problems. If you are using old gas or just fired it up with last years gas in the tank,...try draining, and filling with nice, fresh, explosive, working gasoline!! ??

Also, if it was sitting a while the carb will gum up with the crap in old gas. As was suggested, clean the carb, use fresh gas. Or as suggested by Bird, try a little carb adjustment first. (If new to adjusting,...do NOT overtighten! ...close very "lightly", then back off slowly)

Good luck with it,
. . tug

 

[dqdave1]

Dirt and/or water has been sucked into carb. Removing carb bowl and cleaning all passages will solve your problem. A can of carb cleaner ( gumout spray) will do the job quicker while disassembled. Reassemble and readjust high speed screw and all will be fine. Very good possibility that if you backout high speed adjusting screw it will run fine but I would clean carb anyway.