Carburetor Welch Plug Installation Questions

[Dutch 4]

Todd, Woody's right about the convex side facing out. As for beating the convex flat for a tight fit, that is appropriate when installing in a cast iron block (that can't be staked), but I wouldn't thump too hard on a fragile carburetor. I'd only stake. If you're talking about the large welch plug on the side, I'd stake it in 6 equally spaced places.

[Woodydel 0]

I agree about caution with the carb as Herb stated. I took a look at my carbs and they are staked at 4 locations and when the staking is done start at the outside edge of the carburetor in to the edge of the plug. In the example the staking is on the inside edge of the area surrounding the plug. The plug look nearly flat on my carbs. I would use a wooden dowel to do the flattening. Don't cave it in. There should be a slight convex shape to the plug after you are done. Any silicone gasket sealer resistant to gas smeared along the perimeter before insertion of the plug will work...When I looked at them I should have taken a picture and I will if you need one..That carb material is soft so easy does it...Woody

[ToddS 0]

I have a couple of older B-series 10/12 HP that I acquired with loose carburetor welch plugs. (End opening of the carburetor body) I know this subject has been touched on several times in the past but I still have few questions. I believe the Briggs and Stratton repair manual states the welch plug should be "staked" in place after installation. What method have you guys found most effective at doing this? Obviously who ever had these carbs apart previously did not employ an effective means of staking the welch plug in place. The only method I can think of is a flat blade screwdriver or some type of prick punch. I also read that it is common practice to seal around the welch plug with a gas/oil resistant sealer. What brand or type do you recommend? Black Permatex? I would appreciate any feedback, experiences, and do's and don'ts of this process. Thanks in advance, Todd Sweeney

[John_RI 8]

I just checked in my briggs book under Two Piece Flo-Jet (10-12Hp) and all it has is "Use sealer around the welch plug to prevent entry of dirt. Stake welch plugat least twice." No description beyond that Todd, sorry. John(ri)

[Woodydel 0]

A welch plug is properly installed with the convex pointing out (round side out) and use the appropriatly sized flat punch to almost flatten even with the perimeter . Here is an example of staking...Notice the sealant goes over the plug..It sounds like you own a manual but if you don't hop in the car and get one... I use mine (more than one) all the time...Woody http://image.photoloft.com/opx-bin/OpxFIDISA.dll?src=/PhotoLoft/Asset18/2002/02/15/8988/8988056_0_0723.fpx,0,0,1,1,1121,335,FFFFFF

[Woodydel 0]

I still believe you must flatten the welsh plug to tighten it in the bore and the staking is just extra insurance. If you don't flatten the plug you might as well use a flat plug and gunk it in place...Woody

[ToddS 0]

Woody, Thank you for the response. I haven't looked at the manual in a while (I don't have it with me) and wanted to pick some sealant up for this weekend job on the way home. Although the welch plug that is shown in the picture above is not the problem child on my particular units, the procedure should be very similar. If I remember the manual correctly I don't think that they had shown or given any detail as how to stake this particular large welch plug in. I should have looked more thoroughly and I would have seen what is shown above. Any suggestions on the sealant? What is your opinion on the reasons for loose or missing welch plugs? Perhaps someone tried to reuse an old welch plug and it wouldn't expand enough for a tight fit or they were unaware of the staking process. Thanks again, Todd

[ToddS 0]

Woody/Dutch/John: Thank you for all of the feedback and suggestions. I have full confidence I can get it in there correctly now. I picked up some Permatex (I think it was series 1)gas/oil resistant, hardening sealer. I should be set to go. Thanks again, Todd BTW- Are we ever going to get some more snow? I only had to plow the driveway once this year with the 2110. I think I'm having withdrawal symptoms. I can't find any good excuses to drive the tractor around.

[Al 6]

Hi, In Briggs schools they recommend flattening the dome to expand the edges, then stake with a pin punch etc. Or you can just swage the edgee over in 3 or 4 places with a ball peen after the plug is expanded. What causes them to come out is a backfire. Al Eden