2 HP Clinton needs help

[BillyBob]

49 Clinton on Choremaster runs well when it starts . Pops crackles spits sputters cold or hot when trying to start . plug fires blue . good compresion clean carb .(would like to know proper float level) i am not a stranger to old engines . would hate to trade it in for a Honda Bill KY

[skartguy]

Check the plug first make sure its not a resistor type i have also had new plugs do the same thing fire good outside but under pressure no go .. also check the valve timming and clearence good luck..steve

float level should be parelel with the body of the carb, if it isn't setting straight across, but a little too much down or up, that could cause running problems, also might be in the carb adjustments aswell. and just like skartguy said, could be a plug too, plugs fool alot of people thinking there good but there not, a plug though is just a possible problem. also might check to see if your points are clean and set properly. and the other half is what i would recomend to, what skartguy said.

[Andrew Mackey]

Some Clinton engines were like the License built techempseh engines that REO built. They were cold blooded engines, and had to be warmed up, before a load was applied. Idle mixture was usually set a tad rich, to allow the engine to idle for a minute or 2, before opening the throttle. I had a 1962 REO snow blower, with the license built techempseh. I used to have to heat the head of the engine with a propane torch, in order to start this engine, if the outside temp fell below 15 degrees F
Andrew

[BillyBob]

Thanks for the suggestions . A new plug and carb ajustments and the Choremaster runs again ! not much room for carb adjustment 1/4 turn either way will barley run. Bill KY