Make sure that the air coming into the carburetor is clean. Verify the air filter is installed correclty, is free of debris, and not soaked with oil. A clogged air filter is a common cause for black smoke emitting from the exhaust.

The connections attached to the carburetor's throttle and choke plates can bind or stick when dirty.

With all of the grass, twigs and other debris that a small engine encounters, it's not surprising that even passages inside the carburetor eventually pay a price. Deposits inside the carburetor can clog fuel and air passages and reduce performance or stop the engine altogether.

Luckily, you can take care of many of these problems quickly and easily; often without even removing the carburetor from the engine. Commercially available carburetor cleaner, such as Briggs & Stratton Carburetor/Choke Cleaner (100042) comes in convenient spray cans for periodic cleaning of both inside and outside the carburetor.

In addition to cleaning the carburetor, many engine performance problems can be linked to maintenance issues such as stale fuel, dirty air filter, fouled spark plug, and deteriorated oil. A great way to help avoid these problems would be to add system cleaners/stabilizers to the fuel, perform an annual tune-up and other maintenance suggested in your operator's manual.

If you continue to encounter problems with your Carburetor, we recommend visiting your Briggs & Stratton repair dealer.

WARNING: Always read the engine and equipment manual(s) before starting, operating, or servicing your engine or equipment to avoid personal injury or property damage. See an authorized dealer if you are unsure of any procedure or have additional questions. Find all Engine Safety Warnings