KT196 main jet size

Skort

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Hi, I just received a replacement carburator for my Coleman KT-196, which has the 196cc Honda clone engine. It came with 2 main jet sizes (.036, .037), how do I know which one to use?
Thanks!
 

Whitetrashrocker

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Put one in. Run it and get a plug reading. Then put the other one in and do the same.

What elevation are you at? The higher you are the smaller the jet you need.
 

Skort

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Probably 50’ above sea level. I don’t have anything to measure spark.
 

Whitetrashrocker

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To read a plug, you run the engine, pull the spark plug out and look at the electrode side. The color will tell you how the engine is running and you tune accordingly.
Plenty of info on how to do it.
Since your at sea level I'd just put the larger in.
 

panchothedog

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Can you post a picture of the engine. If it is running stock ( restrictive ) air cleaner and exhaust, then either of those jets will be too big. When people build what is called a stage 1 ( free flowing air filter, and a header type exhaust ) then the .037" jet is perfect for sea level. In stock configuration you probably want a .029" or .030".
 

Skort

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Also, if you still have the original carb.....You might want to try the original jet, if it fits.
Oh, good point. I do have the original. The engine is stock, all original parts.
Thanks everyone for the tips.
 

panchothedog

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The new carb that you bought probably already has the right jet in it. I have never heard of a brand new carburetor showing up without any jets already installed. The extra larger jets were probably included in case you wanted to modify. The stage 1 procedures I explained in post #5 are a very common, and usually the first step taken in hot rodding one of these engines.
 
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