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JBM: There's a host if things to check, and you'll want to check them from the cheapest and simplest to the toughest and most expensive, that being a rebuild. All of this assumes that you have the ignition up to snuff, good plugs and wires, the timing set correctly, and a healthy engine (no burned valves, good compression). First thing would be to open the sediment bowl completely, or even remove it and clean it well, and check that the little screen in the top is not clogged. Second, move to the carburetor and open the bowl drain and see that you have a pencil sized stream for at least thirty seconds. Third, I like to check that the governor is working correctly. The control rod from the governor to the carburator throttle plate works such that as you open the throttle and the engine picks up speed the governor tries to push the throttle plate shut, so it achieves a point of equilibrium and the engine runs at a consistent speed. The proper setting is that with the throttle open all the way, disconnect the rod from the carburetor, and with the throttle plate help wide open, the rod dhould be set to be 1/2 to one hole short of making connection. This gives the governor leaf spring a bit of pre-load so that the play is out of the system. Fourth: With the rod disconnected, run the engine and hold the rod in your right hand and operate the carburetor throttle plate with your left hand. As you speed the engine up you shold feel the rod being forced to move b the governor. If is not, there might be a problem. This brings us to the carburetor proper. If you have not found an issue with the governor, you'll want to check the float height. 3/4" below the bowl flange will get you close enough to run properly. Adjust the idle needle at high speed, in until it misses, and then out until it runs smoothly (probably about a turn to turn and a half), and then you can open the load needle a bit under load until you get it to pull nicely. This setting will probably be a turn to turn and a half as well. Let us know what you find. Frank
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