Engine issues

[tkeagle]

Well, found a manual for the Duce. So started playing around with it this weekend. Must say, I hope the suspension works as good as it looks. First thing I did, was take off the carb. and gave it a good cleaning. OMG, I dont think that thing has been cleaned since it was sold. The bowl was green. LOL. And the float for that matter. Got it cleaned out best I could. Put it back together, put full choke on it, and it fired up right away. However, I heard a very bad Knocking. And white smoke coming out of exhaust. Needless to say, did not put me in very good mood. But the knocking was weird. Wasn't consistent. So I kept playing around with it, and seeing what else it could be. After about the 5 time of starting it, the knocking stopped. (so guessing the engine just needed oil in the top half of the engine)??????

OK, as of now, I half to keep a certain amount of choke on the carb to keep it running. I still get some smoke out of the exhaust. But pretty much does that when it back fires. It's back firing through the carb as well. Is it running to rich? that seems odd looking at what kind of condition the carb is in. I let it run for while. and the moment I try to turn back the choke, it dies. But doing that, wouldn't it lead to running to lean? On a good note: clutch seems to work well.

I havent pulled the spark plug yet. So maybe cleaning, or replacing it might help. If the engine is sound, I really need to look into getting a better carb. and exhaust for it. It's a 12 HP Tecumseh. Anyone know if these can be modded? or where I can go to look?

Thanks

[liduno]

Popping out the carburetor sounds like an intake valve issue. Carbon build up maybe? Sticky valve? Valve or ignition timing?

[jmansracerocket]

sounds like piston slap to me espically if it hasn't been started in a long time. The white smoke can be from condensation since it did sit for a long time.