This thread is getting too long and mixed to remember all...sorry.

I don't recall why you started troubleshooting spark? Seems to initially be a fuel issue?

If it starts and runs, then quits on you, and you have checked for fuel...and can't find a no spark condition.....R2 the mag with a good one...that is what the pro's do...and me too now and then

 

That alone could give you a higher reading especially on analog meter on the first test.

 

I totally agree with BFH and apologize if I led WML13 on a wild goose chase. Leave the ignition coil on and get it back together in prep for the new carb. Long as the coil gap to flywheel is within specs all should be good…for now.

Even though I got similar readings checking my coil (primary & secondary) it’s inconclusive to a coil going bad after getting hot. There’s more to this situation but I refrain.

WML13: We’re sort of fishing in the same lake but in separate boats on opposite sides of the lake. (If that makes any sense.)

My neighbors CCR2000 fired up, ran great in the snow for 15 minutes, started surging, fast to slow, then died, even with the new carb. It wouldn’t start until cooled down. Next day, checked for spark out in the driveway right after it died with coil tester inline with plug but had a hard time pulling the starter rope and trying to see the spark at the same time. Got zapped instead. My hand couldn’t tell if it was a strong or weak spark. LOL (Still troubleshooting) NOT going to spend $$$ on a coil or Nova II module just yet.

WML13: See how things go with the new carb on. Hunting’s not a bad thing. Annoying maybe. When it hit’s the snow it “should” even out. P.S. When you get that new carb, don’t mess with that adjustment screw with spring top right of carb.
Keep us posted and I’ll do the same.

As for Mad Scientist’s comment, I’ve always used regular FRESH gas in every small engine. However, I add an Ethanol Treatment to the gas can before filling the gas can. Never had any problems. Small 2 gallon gas can. I mix the gas/oil separately. More trips to the station but it’s been working for me. While it’s true that some small engines might run better on Premium, with today’s gas prices mid-grade would be a start (with small engines) depending on what it’s going in and how often it’s used.

 

I have the unit back together, and it is running fine in the garage. I will need some serious snow to test it further. Ran a lot better with the crack fixed in the carb but still hunts more than I like. It is not stalling so the mag should be ok. It does have a non spec spark plug in it, (3 electrodes) (not my idea!) I will change that and keep moving!

 

Great to hear! (Still using the original carb or aftermarket?)

Decided to put mine back together as well and check for spark (again) after shut down. Ran for more than 30 min. No surging or dying out.

One thing I did do: When getting the "Igniter module" back on (little metal can attached to shroud below carb) I scrapped off the black paint on the shroud and cleaned up the rust on the back of the module around the 2 screw holes.

Can't believe this could have been "the fix"...so simple????

Did the "Happy dance" but since all the snow is gone here too can't run it thru the paces. Runs at about 3,450 RPM and absolutely no surging, but I do have a new carb on it.

Back to my day.

 

I fixed the original Carb. It wasn't in as bad a shape as yours from the sound of it, except that mine was cracked in the inlet tube as I described. I had no rust between the tabs on the whatever it is that screws on with the two little screws. Maybe I should get a new carb too. If yours blows up, post it, and I will buy the carb from you lol

 

With the magneto determined to be operation correctly, and the the crack in the carb fix holding nicely. I could now play with the choke to see it that made a difference in the hunting. I can go from a serious hunting to actually running smoothly with the choke full on. This of course changes when the system starts loading up with fuel. I will go after the main jet now and see if enlarging it changes things for the better....

 

WML13:

My neighbors snow blower isn't going to blow up. LOL It's running great now. No hunting. Smooth idle.

We really had two different problems. After replacing the carb it would run great for 15 minutes, start surging, then stop. Normally a fuel delivery issue. I was made aware of a potential problem with some ignition coils going bad as they got hot. Not the case. Turned out to be faulty connections and grounding.

If yours is still hunting, and considering your carbs' general condition as described earlier, I doubt if any amount of tinkering will totally solve the issue. In my book, a $30.00 carb was well worth it.

Just be careful with the main jet and main nozzle. Similar to the picture BFHFixit posted earlier. (Brass). Easily broken.

 

Having more determination than sense, I went to the hardware store and bought some fresh JB weld, and a longer 5/16" X24 bolt than the bolt that was in it holding the bowl in place, (hoping to grab at least a few of the good remaining threads along with the new threads I cut into the JB weld I applied to the existing stripped threads, and the crack in the carb tube. I ground down the new bolt to a new slightly larger size, and although I still have the hunting, I have no leaking and or stalling with the machine. I opened up the one main jet with a torch tip cleaner and can see a little more oil smoke in the exhaust, but I have to almost apply the choke to full to smooth out the hunt, before it loads up the system and starts to stall. It will go into storage for another season, but this should be fine until I am visited by the Maji from the promised land with a Suzuki Governor fix....