14.5hp overheating and bogging

I have a 14.5hp briggs and stratton and it has a tendency to bog at high idle and wont run at all at low idle unless the choke is on. I think this is from not enough fuel because of the choke factor and if so i will just have to re-jet it, but i was wondering could that also be the problem on why it is overheating.

If its running lean that will make it run hot.

These are classic symptoms of a dirty carb. If it runs better choked, it's not getting enough fuel. If you have not done any significant modifications to it, then it's not likely to need rejetting.

Now- you have one of two kinds of main jet- either a pre-EPA adjustable main jet, or a modern fixed jet. How to tell: look on the very bottom of your carburetor, under the bowl. You will see one of these 3- a) a basic hex bolt b) an electrical solenoid, or c) a bolt with a knurled screw through it that you can turn with your fingers. If it's a or b, you have a fixed-orifice main jet. Nothing to do here, but clean the carb. If you have an adjustable main, you're still probably due for a cleaning, but you need to check the adjustment, too. Turn the screw in until it *gently* seats. Now, turn it out 1 1/2 turns. It can be fine tuned from there.

Now- there is another possibility aside from a gunked-up carb- an air leak, which will also cause a lean condition. Check the gasket between the barb and manifold, or from carb to intake port (depending on your setup).

One way to diagnose an air leak is as follows- with the engine running (no matter how crappy) carefully spray a few bursts of carb cleaner around the carb-to-manifold (or carb-to-port) gasket. If the engine responds in any way at all, you have an air leak.

How long has the problem been occurring, and what was done with it before the problem? Was it unused for awhile? Any odd noises?

yes it hadn't run in a few months so i cleaned the carb and when i fired it up it was stalling so i took it of looked through it and didn't find nothing and its been doing it ever since. ill have to check my gasket when i get back because its at k2500life's house.

Hey it might be the hole you drilled in the intake to make it drain getting to much air flow

Speedfreek241 wrote:

yes it hadn't run in a few months so i cleaned the carb and when i fired it up it was stalling so i took it of looked through it and didn't find nothing and its been doing it ever since. ill have to check my gasket when i get back because its at k2500life's house.

Was it running okay BEFORE it got put away for awhile? You may not have got the carb clean enough.

With regards to drilling drainage holes in the intake- That alone will NOT be enough to cause such a lean condition.

yes it was running fine before it was put away.

Then it's cleaning time! Get in there with some fine wire, a toothbrush, and some carb cleaner. Also verify that fuel is flowing freely from the tank. There could be a partial clog in the pick-up screen, petcock, or lines. IF your unit has a fuel pump, check that too. Replace your fuel filter, and if you don't have one, get one.

Yah I'll have to try cleaning it again. I know it's not the fuel lines because I just it new ones on.