1995 JD stx38 black deck carburetor issue

steveinohio · Apr 8, 2018

My 1995 JD STX38 Black Deck riding mower has an issue with the slow idle. Always ran fine before now & runs perfect at fast idle. I thought at first it was the gaskets between the engine and carburetor but they are okay. It has the black adjustment needle on the side. What I found is the throttle shaft has a lot of movement in the carburetor body. I believe it is sucking air and maybe that is the problem. I am wondering if the body can be bored out and a bushing put in to take care of the slop if possible. I checked JD Parts and parts are available. A new carburetor is available for $124.00. Any advice and/or assistance how to proceed with this is appreciated.

Bob · Apr 8, 2018

New chinese carbs for the STX38 are available on ebay for $20 and up, and folks seem to be having good like with the chinese clone carbs, in general.

I'm all for repairing and keeping good old stuff in service, but a new throttle plate and throttle shaft form are $15 (surprisingly cheap) from DEERE not to mention gaskets, labor and machining.

ebay auction # 132319502180 is ONE example.

steveinohio · Apr 8, 2018

Hi Bob, thanks for your reply. I checked Ebay and saw a number of cars around the $20.00 price as well as the prices from DEERE.

Bob · Apr 8, 2018

Yep, I've never tried one of the china small engine carbs, but have seen a lot of positive reviews about them.

I have a couple of Kohler K-series engines with rotted carbs and I am going to try the chinacarb route.

Gene Davis (Ga.) · Apr 8, 2018

I have a carburetor body for that engine is in good shape. It was not the problem when it was replaced by a dumb parts changer. It can be yours for the postage if you want it. Gene Davis Tennille, Ga.

steveinohio · Apr 9, 2018

Bob, something else I notice when searching Ebay none of the carburetors offered had the black idle adjusting needle on the side like the original Kohler brand. I purchased mine in 1999 and aside from replacing the battery and two mower deck spindles and a mower drive belt and blades, it really doesn't owe me anything to speak of.

gregww · Apr 9, 2018

I also have an STX38 black deck mower, although I don't know the year. My carburetor also has the adjusting screw with the black cap. My small engine repair guy told me that little black cap can simply be removed and thrown away. He says it was put on at the factory when new, and acts as a limit as to how far you can adjust the screw. According to him that was fine when the mower was new, but now, not so much. He advised me to remove the black cap and adjust the screw as needed. This was late last fall. I have not done it yet, but may do so this spring. Just an FYI.

1995 JD stx38 black deck carburetor issue

steveinohio

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Bob

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steveinohio

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Gene Davis (Ga.)

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steveinohio

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