Small engine question (snowblower)

[Sacotool]

I've got an ancient snowblower (about 25 years old), with a 5 horsepower engine. It ran fine for about an hour of straight use during the blizzard we got last week. Well yesterday we got another snowfall and I went out to use the snowblower and it wouldn't run properly. First off, it took about 20 pulls to start it. Ordinarily I open the choke all the way when I first start it, then close it after the engine has ran for about 20 seconds or so. This time, it would only run with the choke open, and then it would only run for about 5 mins before stalling out. If I tried to close the choke, it would start sputtering right away. Any ideas as to what could be causing this?

 

[Soybomb]

Perhaps we're using different terminology, let me be sure When I start my jeep in the winter, I close the choke, I pull the lever and a small metal flap closes over the carberator cutting off some of the air supply. It sounds like you're using "open the choke" when I'm using close right?

 

[Ornery]

Replace the gasoline and plug. If that doesn't fix it, the carb may need adjustment. Make sure carb is bolted tight to the head. It may also have dirt in the needle valves in the carb. Spin the needle valves out a few turns, close the choke, disconnect the plug, cover the air intake and spin it a few times to suck gasoline through the needle valves. Seat the needle valves lightly, then open them one and a half turns, and attach the plug wire again. It should start at that point enough to fine adjust them.

Maybe Eli will pop in and help ya out. For some reason he loves to mess with those things!