Craftsman model 944.356450 mower engine suring problem
#1
06-01-12, 07:09 AM
Craftsman model 944.356450 mower engine suring problem
My mom has bought a used Craftsman Model 944.356450 self propelled mower with a honda 5.5 hp engine. It starts great but once started, the engine surges and lags repeatedly. Any suggestions as to how I can fix this for her? Here is a link to a video I took of the symptoms. I've replaced the gas, oil and spark plug already.
Craftsman self propelled mower with Honda 5.5 hp engine problem - YouTube
Craftsman self propelled mower with Honda 5.5 hp engine problem - YouTube
#4
06-05-12, 09:11 AM
Just finished taking the carb apart and giving it a cleaning using carb cleaner and compressed air. It looked really clean to begin with. Reassembled it and its still surging. Repeated the carb cleaning again with the same results. I haven't replaced the gaskets as they looked good. I sprayed carb cleaner around the gaskets with the motor running with no change, suggesting to me the gaskets are not the problem. Plugs have been changed, oil and gas. Any suggestions?
#5
06-05-12, 09:24 AM
When you had the carb apart did you clean the main jet, if not, it is screwed in the nozzle of the carb, remove the jet clean it and the nozzle with brake parts cleaner, wipe the inside of the nozzle with a Q-tip with cleaner to remove any built up varnish, don't leave any cotton behind. Have a good one. Geo
#7
06-09-12, 01:06 PM
Took the carb apart, cleaned it with break cleaner, letting the parts soak for about an hour before putting it all back together. It runs the same. What is normally included in a carb rebuild kit? Should I bother with that or is there a specific carb part I should focus on, making sure it good. The jets looked good. All ports clear.I'm thinking on throwing the towel in and telling her to bring it in, except now I've spent so much time on this thing, I'd like to see this through.
#8
06-09-12, 07:38 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Brake cleaner doesn't dissolve varnish buildup and gum that clogs a carb. It can help wash off some of it, and blow clear passages that are easy enough to blow through, but it's not made for cleaning carbs... it's made for cleaning brakes. Try using carb cleaner. Advance auto parts sells the brand "next dimension". It works better than most of the others I've tried, but don't let it get in your eyes.
