How to Install a Needle Valve for a Lawnmower

The needle valve inside the float bowl of your lawnmower carburetor is designed to set the float at the proper level to keep the engine running properly. Occasionally, the needle valve can wear down or get gummed up, requiring that a new needle valve and seat be installed. You can install the new parts yourself with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers in less than 30 minutes, saving yourself time and money.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers

Instructions

1. Unfasten the cap on the float bowl of the lawnmower carburetor with a screwdriver and set the cap aside.

2. Slide the float pin out of the shaft and remove the float from the bowl. Locate the float needle valve under the float.

3. Lift the float needle valve out of the float bowl with needle nose pliers and remove the float needle valve seat below the float needle valve with the pliers.

4. Install the new float needle valve seat and needle valve in the base of the carburetor bowl and attach the float to the inside of the bowl with the float pin.

5. Attach the cap to the top of the bowl with the screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid injury, never attempt to install the needle valve while the lawnmower is running.

References

• Jacks Small Engines: Rebuilding a Tecumseh Carburetor
• Lawnmowerman: Troubleshooting a Lawnmower