123 running issue
 

Hello folks been checking the sight out and have gotten lots of info. However I have an issue and I am sure the answer is with in these pages.

I have aqquired my first cub cadet it's a 123 in not the best of condition. I rebuilt the carb and the motor kinda runs. The issue I am having is I have to partially cover the carb with my hand to keep it running getting way to much air to gas ratio. I either don't have it set correctly or something else that I'm over looking.
Top screw 2 1/2 turns. Low speed 2 turns and 1 1/4 on the other screw.
What have I done wrong need some answers please

Thanks
Tim

First, welcome to OCC :beerchug:

You mention "rebuilding the carb". Has it been completely disassembled and have you made sure all the passages are clean? Have you made sure the tiny holes in the adjustment screws are clean? Did you use carb cleaner and made sure it came out of the passages ? Did you get a Kohler carb kit? Is there slop in the shaft for the choke? ( does the shaft wobble in the carb bores ? )

Jeff

Yes, Kohler kit was used. All holes clean, and let carb soak over night in a bucket of cleaner. Yes, there is some play in the bushing.

Did you use an aerosol can of cleaner with the tube to make sure the passages were clear?

I'll let somebody else post suggested starting points for the carb.

fuel flow
 

Along with cleaning the carb, make sure you have a good strong flow of fuel from the fuel line, before the it enters the carburetor. In having to partially block the throat, (basically running partially choked,) that indicates the starving for fuel. When you partially choke a carburetor, this creates more vacuum across the main jet an cases it to pull more fuel from the float bowl.
Now, with that said, as others have pointed out, this is why all the holes in the main jet tube must be clear.
I would double check the float level setting, and confirm good fuel flow to the carburetor.

Buds cub is spot on.
Try unscrewing the main jet on top,(easiest thing to do) and checking with a "tag wire" all the drilled holes and blow them out good with air--AGAIN.
"Tag wire" is the fine wire that attaches identification or instruction tags to things. it is fine wire,--- sometimes I carefully use a welding tip cleaner.
There is a passage in the center of main jet between the crossways holes on some. those have to be clear also.
reinstall and try it. let us know.
The worn throttle shaft should not cause the problem you describe.
You can go a 1/2 turn more on the initial setting on the main jet to try it.

I've seen similar symptoms when the screen inside the tank is blocking fuel to the carb. As has already been noted, check for fuel flow to carb, check that the float is not sticking and preventing the bowl from filling.

After I removed it from cleaner used aresol and sprayed thru all ports with full flow. However the one thing I have not done and should have realized is remove the pit cock valve and check the tank. Will do that next.
I got the cub and a JD 317 in a trade neither running both been setting for a while.
Thanks for all the info I am sure I will be back for more info.
Have a wonderful Easter
Tim

123 is running. Was replacing the spark plug and noticed that a heavy spring had been added to the Govenor removed hit the hey and she was running. Still need to adjust the carb. Thanks for the info folks

The governor is supposed to gave a heavy spring, got pics of your setup?