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How do you adjust a carb on 18 hp Briggs engine?

Adjusting the carburetor on an 18 hp Briggs engine involves three main steps: adjusting the idle speed, the high speed, and the mixture. Before making any adjustments, make sure the engine is at operating temperature.

1. Idle Speed Adjustment:

Locate the idle speed adjustment screw, which is usually marked as "Idle" or "Idle Speed." This screw is typically found on the side of the carburetor.

- Start the engine and let it run until it reaches operating temperature.

- Turn the idle speed adjustment screw clockwise to increase the idle speed or counterclockwise to decrease it.

- Adjust the screw until the engine runs smoothly without any sudden fluctuations in RPM.

2. High Speed Adjustment:

The high speed adjustment screw, usually labeled as "High" or "High Speed," is also found on the carburetor.

- Turn the screw clockwise to increase the high speed mixture or counterclockwise to lean it out.

- Test the engine by accelerating to full throttle. If the engine starts to hesitate or bog down, lean out the mixture by turning the screw counterclockwise in small increments.

- If the engine surges or "runs away" when you snap open the throttle, richen the mixture by turning the screw clockwise in small increments.

3. Mixture Adjustment:

The mixture adjustment screw, typically labeled as "Mix" or "Fuel/Air," controls the fuel-to-air ratio.

- With the engine running at a fast idle, turn the mixture screw clockwise until the engine begins to run rough.

- Then, turn the screw counterclockwise until the engine runs smoothly again.

- Fine-tune the adjustment by turning the screw in or out until the engine reaches its highest and smoothest RPM.

After making the adjustments, test the engine by running it under different loads and conditions to ensure proper performance. If you're not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, it's best to consult a qualified mechanic or refer to the Briggs & Stratton service manual specific to your engine model.