Engine surge and dies

[Bill Hayward]

The engine surges and dies after a short time. If you hit the prime bulb you can keep it running it spurts. It acts like the governor is not working right. What are the possibilities of repair?

[Toby Bo]

Check the screws holding the carburetor to the fuel tank are tight. Fuel seeping out under the carb means it is starved for fuel. I needed a new Diaphragm-Carburetor #795083. Place the membrane on the tank first then the gasket there are no directions with the part. Use starting fluid for one pull starts. I never use the primer bulb. Just remove the air filter screw and put the spray hose into the hole. Use the rim of the can to tighten the screw.

[UtahAV]

Sounds like a dirty carburetor. The surging would be caused by dirt or debris in the idle circuit. As it dies the governor opens the throttle which bypasses the idle circuit and the engine surges back to life. But in this case it sounds like the main jet is partially clogged as well so there isn't enough fuel coming into the carb with the throttle open either which causes the engine to die. A thorough cleaning of the carb should solve the problem.

I hope this helps!

-UtahAV
-Mark