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Message |
    
Bud Dunn
New member
Username: Budtx
Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 167.230.104.90
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 05, 2005 - 09:32 am: | 
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2003 Max II with 18hp Briggs
Our MaxII has been surging at idle lately, which I thought was related to the idle speed causing the governor to engage/disengage. A couple of weeks ago I attempted to re-set the idle speed by moving the position of the throttle cable where it attaches to the throttle. That reduced the idle speed, and seemed to temporarily solve the problem.
Yesterday, we went to fire up the Max (It was about 32 degrees F), and the battery was dead. I jump started it, and got the Max running, but it will not idle for more than 3-5 seconds before it dies. It will re-start OK if I nurse the throttle, but will not idle consistently. We ran it for about 10 minutes to warm it up, but that did not seem to make any difference. It still stumbles at idle and will die if I do not give it throttle.
The fuel is fresh and treated wtih Sta-bil, and the fuel filter is clear. The Max probably has 30 hours on it tops.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bud |
Jerry R. Nuss
Advanced Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 155
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 71.244.220.217
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 05, 2005 - 03:45 pm: |
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Will it idle with the choke partial on?
I would consider removing the top of the carb and cleaning inside and removing cleaning and reinstalling the primary jet. Ad blowing out all the other passages with carb cleaner.
It sounds like a common problem with dirt in the carb. |
Bud Dunn
New member
Username: Budtx
Post Number: 5
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 167.230.104.90
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 05, 2005 - 04:14 pm: |
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I played with the choke position, and it did not seem to make a difference once the engine warmed up. I started it with the choke all the way out, and then pushed it 1/2 way in until it was warm.
Did I adjust the idle speed correctly by adjusting the throttle cable at the engine? |
Jerry R. Nuss
Advanced Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 156
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 71.244.220.217
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 05, 2005 - 05:34 pm: |
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I don't think so. There should be an idle speed screw that pushes on a lever to control speed. There should be a screw on the side of the carb that controls air fuel ratio. I still suspect a dirty carb. |
Missouri's Max Dealer (Brandon Price)
Intermediate Member
Username: Brandon_price
Post Number: 66
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 69.27.205.92
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 05, 2005 - 06:37 pm: |
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Hey Bud, You'll need to adjust the idle by the screw on the carb. Follow the throttle linkage up to the carb (you can see it through the back of the Max) and use a phillips screwdriver through the right side of the engine, just under the air box. It is difficult to reach but it can be done. Surging at idle happens to lots of Briggs engines and a little adjustment should fix it. The engine surges at idle because the engine runs to slowly and the governor tries to catch it. We'll consider a clogged carb repair if the adjustment doesn't fix it. Call me anytime if you need more info on the adjustment. |
Bud Dunn
New member
Username: Budtx
Post Number: 6
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 4.180.114.108
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 05, 2005 - 07:45 pm: |
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Thanks Jerry and Brandon. I'll pull it into the garage this weekend when I have some daylight and will try the adjustment first, and go to the clogged carb if that does not work.
I appreciate the help. Brandon, this "non-mechanic" will take you up that offer to call you if I hit a dead end.
Thanks again!
Bud |
Bud Dunn
New member
Username: Budtx
Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 4.180.114.140
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 08:42 pm: |
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After replacing the battery today, I figured out how to properly adjust the idle speed. The Max now runs like a champ and I spent the afternoon playing with it in the snow. |
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