How to Adjust a Riding Mower Carburetor Riding mowers feature gasoline engines as a

power source for propelling the mower and turning the cutting blades for grass cutting. A carburetor
on the engine controls the gas flow from the fuel tank to the engine. With normal use, the
carburetor may get out of adjustment, resulting in less than optimal performance of the engine and
mower. The carburetor can be adjusted to control the idle speed, high speed and choke.

Adjust Idle Speed Mixture 1. Locate the air filter and air filter cartridge on the top of the
riding mower engine. Loosen the nut on the air filter cover to access the filter and cartridge. Set
all of these components to the side for installation later on. Spray carburetor cleaner onto the
carburetor to remove any debris and gunk that may have accumulated.

2. Locate the idle adjustment screw on the carburetor. Turn the screw clockwise with a
screwdriver until the needle on the end of the screw just barely touches the seat. Then turn the
screw 1 1/2 turns counterclockwise.

3. Locate the main jet adjustment screw at the base of the float bowl; the carburetor you are
working on may or may not have this, depending on the manufacturer and model. Turn the
screw clockwise until the needle on the end of the screw just touches the base then turn the
screw counterclockwise 1 1/2 turns.

4. Place the air filter cartridge and filter, but leave the cover off for now. Start the engine and
allow it to run for about 5 minutes at half throttle. Slowly turn the idle screw clockwise until
the engine starts to slow, then counterclockwise until it starts to slow. Find the mid point
where the engine idles best. Place the cover over the filter and cartridge and secure with the
nut.

Adjust the High Speed Mixture 1. Locate the high speed adjustment screw opposite the
idle speed screw. Some carburetors may not have this adjustment option, based on the
manufacturer or carburetor's age. Remove the air filter cover, filter and cartridge to access the
carburetor.

2. Start the engine and allow it to run for 5 minutes to warm, then stop the engine. Turn the
high speed screw clockwise with a screwdriver until the needle on the end of the screw
touches the seat. Turn the screw counterclockwise 1 1/4 turns.

3. Set the throttle to fast and start the mower engine. Turn the high speed screw first
clockwise until the engine slows, then counterclockwise until it slows. Locate the center point
where the engine idles best. Move the throttle from slow to fast then back to slow to test the
adjustment. Place the cartridge, filter and cover on the mower and secure with the nut.
Adjust Carburetor Choke Linkage 1. Remove the air filter cover, filter and cartridge and
locate the choke linkage on the carburetor. Move the throttle to the fast position. 2. Loosen the
bracket holding the casing on the end of the throttle cable in place. Use a screwdriver to loosen
the screw on the bracket and release the cable. Do not take the screw completely out. 3. Move
the cable with your fingers until the choke plate on the carburetor closes. Hold the cable in this
position and tighten the bracket down against the cable casing to secure it in place. Move the
throttle from fast to slow, then to fast again and watch as the choke plate in the carburetor
opens and closes.

Loosen to richen and tighten to lean it out. these motors will run a little rich no problem
but they Will Not Run Lean! If it runs too lean with it loosed all the way you can bust the plastic
limiter off and move it even further richer (turn lefty loosy to richen) and it will help your engine in
the cold. If its cold outside they like to be a little rich but If its hot out they like to be just right.