Tecumseh OHV155 engine sputtering

fos059

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Hello everyone! I have an old (1999) MTD Yard Machines riding mower with a Tecumseh ohv155 engine. The engine starts up fine and idles fine for the first couple of minutes, but when I start moving forward the engine starts to sputter/stall, almost like it's flooding from the movement. I've replaced the air filter and spark plug. The carburetor is original , except for the floater bowl, which I've replaced a couple of times. Any ideas as to what might be causing this and what the fix might be?
 

dougand3

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Internal carb passages are probably partially clogged with varnish or debris. Esp if you use ethanol gas. Need total carb cleaning - disassembly & parts washer. Inspect needle & seat. Carb is Tec 640330. Probably NLA. You can search for an AfterMarket replacement and match it.
Why change the float bowl 2x? Carb cleaner will de-grunge it.
 

Rivets

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You say it seems to be flooding, but unless you see black smoke I’m guessing it’s probably a lean running condition, due to a swollen float seat reducing the amount of fuel in the float bowl. My recommendation is to remove the carb, give it a good cleaning and replace the float needle and seat. Properly set the float level and reinstall and test. This Tecumseh carb guide might help you. http://www.tecumsehcarburetorguide.com/how-to-guide/
 

fos059

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Thanks for your replies! I replaced the bowl twice because the 1st time did it at the recommendation of a friend who is more savvy at mower repair than me. The second time I broke the nozzle off for the fuel line when I was taking the fuel line off. And...i actually replaced the bowl assembly again a few days ago and it's running fine again! It's an inexpensive part at around $25 with shipping and easy to replace.
 
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