Eliminate Flooding Problems: Replace Nikki Carburetor with Walbro!

Are you tired of dealing with flooding problems on your small engine due to a faul
The transition from a Nikki carburetor to a Walbro-style carburetor offers enhanced reliability for small engines. Explore the conversion guide and process for a smooth upgrade. Walbro vs Nikki reliability.
Walbro STYLE 5-4993 with Mounting Gasket (This is an aftermarket Carb - Not a true Walbro!)
NIKKI Style Carburetor (If you prefer to keep the original style)
Fuel Filter 10 pack - As seen in the Video with magnets
6 Pack Hose Clamp Pinch Pliers for Fuel Hoses, Gas Lines Brake Hoses, Radiator Hoses, Coolant and Flexible Hoses
Here's why this carburetor change can be a significant improvement:
Walbro carburetors are renowned for their precise fuel metering and robust construction. Walbro models can offer more consistent fuel delivery than Nikki carburetors, generally considered adequate but not exceptional. This results in smoother engine performance, better throttle response, and potentially more power. For anyone looking to enhance the efficiency and output of their engine, this can be a compelling reason to switch. One of the key advantages of Walbro carburetors is their reliability. Built with high-quality materials and designed to withstand rigorous use, these carburetors are less prone to the wear and tear issues plaguing Nikki carburetors. This reliability means fewer breakdowns and repairs, which is especially important for applications where consistent engine performance is critical. After switching to a Walbro carburetor, user testimonials and reviews often highlight a noticeable improvement in engine performance and reliability. This user satisfaction speaks volumes about the quality and effectiveness of this upgrade. Making the switch for lawn equipment, small motorcycles, or other small engines can significantly enhance the overall user experience.

Ease of Swapping or Upgrading
Most riding mowers with a Nikki carburetor are compatible with Walbro-style replacements. The mounting points and connections align well, making the physical swap straightforward.

Step-by-Step Process:

Ensure the engine is cool. Disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
Removal of the Nikki Carburetor: Drain the fuel or pinch the fuel line shut; if your mower has a fuel shutoff, shut off the fuel flow, remove the air filter housing, and disconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage. Unbolt the Nikki carburetor from the engine.
Installation of the Walbro Carburetor: Bolt the Walbro-style carburetor onto the engine, reconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage, and reattach the air filter housing. Ensure all connections are secure.
Adjustment: Once installed, the Walbro carburetor may need some fine-tuning. Start the engine and adjust the air-fuel mixture and idle speed to achieve optimal performance.

Upgrading from a Nikki to a Walbro-style carburetor greatly benefits any riding mower owner. The process is relatively simple and can be accomplished with basic tools and mechanical know-how. The improved performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance offered by the Walbro-style carburetor make it a worthwhile investment, ensuring your mower runs smoothly and efficiently for years.

Below are tools I use in my shop and on my daily adventures.

Koverbond Plastic Repair Kits - For fast, simple plastic repairs. Link to video below.
Complete John Deere Plastic Hood Repair with Koverbond (Video)

Mini Tire Changer for mower, go-kart, and most small tires.

Titanium MIG 140 Welder Works with Flux Core (No Gas needed - 110 volts)
Titanium MIG 170 Welder Works with Flux Core or Gas (110 or 220 volts)

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help you find the products I've used in this video. Clicking these links will take you straight to the products on Amazon and help support this channel without costing you anything extra.

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BALDEAGLE242 Facebook group
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Let's Get Started!
00:56 Safety First, Easy way to shut off the fuel.
01:17 Additional items to consider replacing.
01:33 Propper way to install a new fuel filter - Explained.
02:03 What tools you will need

[baldeagle]

As a professional small engine repair technician, I often encounter riding mowers equipped with the Nikki carburetor. While these carburetors are functional and rebuildable, they are notorious for being problematic. In contrast, the Walbro carburetor offers numerous benefits, making it a superior choice for performance and reliability. Swapping or upgrading from a Nikki to a Walbro carburetor is beneficial and relatively straightforward for anyone with basic mechanical skills.
Walbro STYLE 5-4993 with Mounting Gasket
NIKKI Style Carburetor (If you prefer to keep the original style)
Fuel Filter 10 pack - As seen in the Video with magnets

Benefits of Upgrading to a Walbro Carburetor

Enhanced Performance and Reliability: The Walbro-style carburetor is known for its consistent performance and robust construction. Unlike the Nikki carburetor, which frequently suffers from fuel flow issues and inconsistent idle, the Walbro ensures a smoother and more reliable operation. This translates to less downtime and fewer headaches for the mower owner.

Easier Adjustments and Maintenance: Walbro carburetors are designed with user-friendly adjustments in mind. The tuning screws are more accessible and responsive, allowing for precise adjustments to the air-fuel mixture. This ease of adjustment can significantly improve the mower's performance and fuel efficiency.

Durability and Longevity: Walbro-style carburetors are built to withstand the rigors of regular use. This durability means fewer replacements and repairs over the mower's life, providing long-term cost savings for the owner.

Ease of Swapping or Upgrading

Compatibility: Most riding mowers with a Nikki carburetor are compatible with Walbro replacements. The mounting points and connections align well, making the physical swap straightforward.

Step-by-Step Process:

Ensure the engine is cool. Disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
Removal of the Nikki Carburetor: Drain the fuel or pinch the fuel line shut; if your mower has a fuel shutoff, simply shut off the fuel flow, remove the air filter housing, and disconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage. Unbolt the Nikki carburetor from the engine.
Installation of the Walbro Carburetor: Bolt the Walbro carburetor onto the engine, reconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage and reattach the air filter housing. Please make sure all connections are secure.
Adjustment: Once installed, the Walbro carburetor may need some fine-tuning. Start the engine and adjust the air-fuel mixture and idle speed to achieve optimal performance.

Upgrading from a Nikki to a Walbro-style carburetor greatly benefits any riding mower owner. The process is relatively simple and can be accomplished with basic tools and mechanical know-how. The improved performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance offered by the Walbro-style carburetor make it a worthwhile investment, ensuring your mower runs smoothly and efficiently for years.

Below are tools I use in my shop and on my daily adventures.

Mini Tire Changer for mower, go-kart, and most small tires.

The drill bits I use are lifetime-warranted Molybdenum from Drill Hog.

Hand crank trailer winch with strap with safety hook

Titanium MIG 140 Welder Works with Flux Core (No Gas needed - 110 volts)
Titanium MIG 170 Welder Works with Flux Core or Gas (110 or 220 volts)

Amazon Wish List

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help you find the products I've used in this video. Clicking these links will take you straight to the products on Amazon and help support this channel without costing you anything extra.


Get the Motion Hero Pack that I use in my videos for
Only $37 one-time investment. Use unlimited times on your own and client videos!

If you're a video creator on YouTube - Tube, Buddy is an excellent program to evaluate your videos and make recommendations to help you attract more viewers.

BALDEAGLE242 Facebook group
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Let's Get Started!
00:56 Safety First, Easy way to shut off the fuel.
01:17 Additional items to consider replacing.
01:33 Propper way to install a new fuel filter - Explained.
02:03 What tools you will need

[travish]

Thanks for the video. I recently acquired an old riding mower and have been watching tons of videos to educate myself. Old 1995 JD Sabre with a 13hp Briggs 28M707 utilizing a Walbro LMT 5-4993. It was rotting under a tarp for years. After quite a bit of TLC, the motor is running excellent now under load but was surging particularly with reduced throttle. Took bowl off and found heavy jelly. Just removed this carb and finally got the main jet out the carb and found a lot of crud, but otherwise looks like this Walbro carb should clean up nicely. Thought about buying a cheap carb online at first but after seeing some videos, and seeing how expensive this OEM Walbro carb is, I see no reason not to clean it up and see if it works as intended. Seems pretty simple, without all these o rings like the Nikki has. Fingers crossed the motor no longer surges after this cleaned carb goes back on.

[RichsMowersNBlowers]

Great Video, thanks for taking the time and explanation of the carburetors and to stop that back fire... till next time have a good one my friend.

[chuckredd]

When my lawnmower kept back firing, blowing black smoke out, I talked to the repair shop owner, he said " bad carb., needs replacing, $125.00 plus labor. At the time I purchased another Nikki, it was $19.99 from Amazon. I installed it, mower fired right up. The engine crankcase was full of gas, had to change oil as he stated in the video. Mower had no fuel shut off valve at that time. THANKS!! Baldeagle242!! Appreciate your time & information!

[bertgrau]

I have used a lot of the Chinese carburetors for replacements and have had good luck with them. They are good cost effective carburetors. I have used them on both 2 cycles and 4 cycles.

[goirish]

Bald Eagle your the man! I followed your other video and rebuilt my Nikki carb. Stopped flooding and leaking gas into the oil but was surging like crazy. Watched this video Friday or Saturday and ordered the exact carb you show here. Chinese walbro knockoff. Put her on and set the needle jet to 1-1/2 turns and started idle screw at 2 turns and adjusted. Fired right up no surge. I’m pumped. Thanks so much. You earned a subscriber.

[freedommowers]

Always detailed and great information. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge Steve 😎🇺🇸

[rogermcdonald]

Nice job Steve! As always your videos are spot on and to the point. Putting the Walbro style carb on as a replacement seems to be a no brainer and i agree you dont need the anti backfire solenoid. The people that shut their engines off at wide open throttle, i bet they dont do that to their cars 😂😮. 🤯 🇺🇸

[chuckgladfelter]

Using premium fuel helps out with the backfire too if you use a carb w/o a shutoff solenoid.

[garmstr]

Excellent video I have fought the Nikki leaking into my oil then changing the oil because of fuel dilution plus a new nikki is about 129.00 for Junk--TY

[kevinanderson]

Enjoyed the video. Been wanting to switch from the Nikki carb. But couldn’t get the walbro carb #. Thanks for putting it in your description

[tinkeringtaylor]

Excellent information video Steve well done 👍

[michaelc.]

Thanks for your video, I have a 26 hp briggs that I am thinking on switching carbs.

[dnrsmallenginerepair]

Awesome video thanks for sharing this oh awesome sticker board

[bodeine]

Great video 👍
I have I think about a 2002 model Briggs 17hp Twin 2 opposed twin flat head engine on a Snapper rear engine rider that has a Nikki carb without the solenoid. I'm thinking that this swap would work on it as well.
I have a question for you also if you can help. I'm working on my bro in laws little Craftsman 29cc 4 cycle lawn edger and it has the Walbro model WYLB 5A carb on it. It runs smooth up until about half throttle but anything past that it sounds like a 2 cycle engine that's tuned too rich, I think people call it 4 cycling. This carb only has a low speed mixture screw hidden down into a hole on top where the throttle lever attaches and no high speed mixture screw and the diaphragm isn't stiff or torn. I took the carb apart mostly, except I didn't take the diaphragm off for fear of tearing it, but I'm gonna spray it out with carb spray real good and if that doesn't fix it I'll be scratching my head because I'm not sure what else it would be. I'd like to replace it with a fully adjustable carb is what I'd like to do. Do you have any advice or do you know if there's a fully adjustable carb that will work on it?
Thank you! 👍

[williejbrown]

New Carburetor for Walbro LMT 5-4993 & Mounting Gasket Filter

[mozit]

Nice video baldeagle! Have liked, subscribed, and added to my small engine play list. Need your recommendations for a mower problem. I have Walbro carb 0410 497119 with leaky needle valve on Troy Bilt 33" 34342 walk behind mower. Engine is B&S 9 hp model 29E702, and original carb or parts are no longer available from Walbro. Is an aftermarket carb available to satisfactorily replace it? I searched online but was unsuccessful. I am assuming the 5-4993 is not compatibly with this 9 hp engine.

[regularguy]

Do you have a part number for the walbro with the solonoid? Thanks!! Oh did you connect the thin wire linkage in this video? I didn’t see it connected.

[williejbrown]

Hey I have a Chinese carburetor on my Troy Bilt 17.5 500cc and every time I cracked up the mower is sound like it want to cut off so if I get the Walbro carburetor LMT -54993 that will fix my problem

[RepairGang]

Walbro.... I call those aftermarket lol 🤣 it's even easier and cheaper