I just picked up a used B&S 12HP I/C (model 281701-0411-01). Initially the carb was overflowing (like the float was stuck open) so it flooded the carb and filled the crankcase through the breather tube! YIKS.... I dumped the gas/oil mix and put in fresh oil.... Took the carb off cleaned the outside, removed all the jets, cleaned and inspected them, sprayed all the orifices, blew it all out and put it back together. Initially I set the fuel screw (at the bottom of the bowl) all the way in, left the breather tube off the carb :thumbsup: in case it overflowed again, and started it up. The engine idled but due to the restricted flow would rev. So I opened the fuel screw (1) turn and the engine rev'd up. I thought I was OK, until I shut off the engine..... Fuel was running out of the breather tube orifice.....

I'm thinking about trying a carb overhaul kit..... But I wanted to check w/ you folks for other thoughts I may have over looked.

Also.... does anyone know the factory settings for the fuel screw? And are there other carb settings I need to know about?

thanks for the help....

andy t.

May have an issue with the float or the float needle and seat. Initial settings I use are 1 1/2 turns out from seat, on both adjustments, then fine tune from there once the engine is running.

Thanks... I played w/ it some this afternoon. I'm about 99% sure it's in the float somewhere. I just need to figure out if it's the float, the needle, or something else..... It moves freely, and I've dry tested it to make sure it shuts off.....

What's your opinion of just buyuing the carb rebuild kit, and maybe a new float if it isn't included?

andy t.

I just took the carb off again and removed the float. It has fluid in it, so I think I will replace it. My guess is it isn't doing it's job properly....

andy t.

The float will not come in a rebuild kit, but I would certainly be open to a kit if the carburetor was very dirty and needed it, saves a lot of time cleaning all the individual parts and jets.

Installed the new float today.... The engine is purring like a cat....!

andy t.

That's Great!!