HOW-TO Adjust Carburetor Float Height

Watch my video on how to spot a defective carburetor float here; Watch "How to spot a defective float" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVCZ9C6JjrE

I put about 1 cup of fresh fuel in 78 Bolens and my 82 Ariens each month and let them run until they run dry. I left my Ariens machine outside uncovered while building a shed late this year and when I went to use start it, the fuel was pouring out of the carb and even the primer bulb. Very obviously a float issue. I had rebuilt the carb a few years back and had no problems at all up to this point. When I brought the carb inside, the bowl was a little tough getting off but with some warmth and gentle coaxing it finally popped off. I checked the bottom of the bowl and saw what looked like a clear gel in the bottom. I poked it and it didn't move. I put on my cheaters so I could see better and realized it was about 3/8" of ice and fuel or oil. I cleaned and dried the carb, used wires to clean the orifices on the threaded needle shaft (term?), cleaned the gaskets and then blew the whole assembly out with a soft bit of air. I reassembled and reinstalled the carb. It was late and I didn't want to wake my neighbors so I didn't bother with a test run. When it came time to use the machine, it started right up, smoothed out quickly but took a bit more choke than it did before. It would run for about 3 minutes under load and then quit. I went through this about four times, scratching my head each time. It then occurred to me that the problem was when I removed the bowl the first time. The bowl must have been stuck because the float was frozen to the bottom of the bowl, not so much the bowl seal. So, when I popped the bowl off, I must have pulled the adjustment tab on the float up which would make the carb buildup less fuel in the bowl by shutting off the fuel supply prematurely. I never thought to recheck the foat level before reassemly. I couldn't remember the setting and remembered several of your videos helping me out before. The one thing I needed was that spec. You always provide GREAT detail and information in your videos and you did exactly that in this video. Thanks again for making some of the very best small engine videos out there. You can tell when someone takes pride in their craft and loves sharing their knowedge. Thank you!!

When I have an engine issue, whether two or four stroke, I always look for Don's videos. He is very informative and thorough. Thank you!!

This guy is the best at what he does, every video is so informative. I have learned so much from his channel, thank you.

I personally DO NOT SUBSCRIBE to any DIY'rs or How To's but I just say YOU'RE AWESOME and thank you for the detail, not talking to fast,speaking in a clear manner our mower now runs like a champ! Thanks again!

1/19 2019 THANK YOU so much for showing the FLOAT ADJUSTMENT TOOL and 11/64 drill bit adjustment !!! My 8 Hp Ariens (oldie) was leaking like nuts. I had taken it apart and cleaned it out and it ran fine at the end of summer. I got it ready for the winter. The COLD NORTHEAST.... today just before a 2 foot snow storm hits, I ran the Blower just to make sure it was ready for this storm. The machine started fine. I ran it not even for a minute then stopped it and noticed gas dripping like nuts from the carburator. It never had this problem before and after watching some YOU TUBE and " your " video I was hoping it wasn't the seat, I didnt think it would be, crossing my finger. I noticed the FLOAT was out of adjustment big-time and the 11/64 drill bit adjustment did the trick and its fine ... thank you !!!! Thank you !!!

Thanks Dony. We just had three engines get back from the shop for a bill of over two thousand dollars, all had their carbs rebuilt. One of them would not stop flooding and I was able to fix it by adjusting the float. I've only taken apart a carb one time so I have no idea what I'm doing really and this video was able to help me. I really appreciate it.

Hi from St. Petersburg (Russia)! As always all is available in simple words, even for those who know English not so good. Thank you very much for your videos. With their help, I repaired my snow blower Craftsman (Faulty camshaft), and two more snow blowers for my friends. In each video there is always something useful and interesting for everyone. You are competent person in this matter. Best regards Oleg

Thank you for this and many other informative videos that helped bring back to life an old lawn mower that is now worth it's weight in gold thanks to the advice you've shared that helps people grow.

just happened to this video accidently. So glad I did. Old rototiller giving me fits after working ok last year. adjusted the float as described...both screws adjusted in all the way...out 1-1/2 turns. started first pull and ran like a champ. thanks for the video.

Great Help!!! got my snowblower running with a few other video tips as well as this one. Thanks Much!!

Thank you for the great tip with the drill bit.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I have tried many things to set my float but none of the videos I've found explains it so well. There is always a question about the distance....but you answered that perfectly! Runs like a dream now!!!

The best tutorial there is out there. Thorough and so easy to understand. Please keep your videos coming 👍👍

Man this is great !!! I have been fighting the new carb on my 45 year old horse troybuilt tiller . I finally got it running right but it floods when you turn on fuel . Tecums engine

You really helped me. There is no book that explain how to adjust float. I checked so many but they repeat them selves. Thank you sir.

I love you! Thanks a lot, your videos are very well made and have been usefull to me.

thanks, your videos are the best. clear, precise, easy to follow, not a lot of wasted time and very well explained.

Thanks, Donny. Respect from Jamrock. Instructors like you, should be lecturing in College. High degree of clarity to information given, very articulate delivery every time.

Been messing with engines since I was 11 years old. Already know how to set carb floats but, hey, ya never know everything-like the float height on a Walbro LM type carb (I don't work on many Tecumsehs.) Worth watching, thanks.