Briggs & Stratton
Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
There is probably water in your carburetor that is keeping the unit from running. When you press the primer bulb you are pushing fuel past the water into the carburetor .. this is why it will start up. Then it will try to pick up the water and then the unit will die.
I would loosen the bowl nut on the bottom of the carburetor and dump the fuel from the fuel tank into an approved container. Also you may take the carburetor bowl off and see if you can see some water on the bottom of the bowl. Keep the bowl steady when you remove it. Also, check to see if the carburetor has any corrosion from the water sitting in it. It may have a white “stalagmite” appearance, or a varnish if the fuel was left in it from the last time you ran the unit last fall. If there is any corrosion you may be able to clean it up with some carburetor cleaning spray. This is available at any hardware or automotive store.
After you have done this, then put some fresh fuel in the unit and prime it up and see if it will continue to run. If it does not run, then the carburetor needs to be removed and cleaned.
To clean the carburetor you will need a thin wire. You can use this wire to probe the holes in the carburetor and “push” any obstruction out of the way and then you can use the carburetor cleaner to make sure the passage is clear. Then blow the holes out with compressed air. This should clean it up. If the unit still does not run then you may have to replace the carburetor with a new one.
If you have to get a new carburetor, take in the MODEL, TYPE, and CODE off of the flywheel housing. It is stamped in the metal.
I would loosen the bowl nut on the bottom of the carburetor and dump the fuel from the fuel tank into an approved container. Also you may take the carburetor bowl off and see if you can see some water on the bottom of the bowl. Keep the bowl steady when you remove it. Also, check to see if the carburetor has any corrosion from the water sitting in it. It may have a white “stalagmite” appearance, or a varnish if the fuel was left in it from the last time you ran the unit last fall. If there is any corrosion you may be able to clean it up with some carburetor cleaning spray. This is available at any hardware or automotive store.
After you have done this, then put some fresh fuel in the unit and prime it up and see if it will continue to run. If it does not run, then the carburetor needs to be removed and cleaned.
To clean the carburetor you will need a thin wire. You can use this wire to probe the holes in the carburetor and “push” any obstruction out of the way and then you can use the carburetor cleaner to make sure the passage is clear. Then blow the holes out with compressed air. This should clean it up. If the unit still does not run then you may have to replace the carburetor with a new one.
If you have to get a new carburetor, take in the MODEL, TYPE, and CODE off of the flywheel housing. It is stamped in the metal.
How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?
We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :
If your lawnmower is starting and then stalling, the most likely issue is the carburetor. The most common issue is that the carburetor is dirty. Here`s what you need to know about how a dirty carburetor can cause a lawnmower to start, then stall out and die.
If your lawn mower starts, runs for a while, then dies, check the ignition coil, gas cap, and spark plug. One or more of these parts could be causing your problem. Follow our repair and symptom guide to help you fix this.
A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting.
A dirty carburetor is one of the most common causes for a lawn mower not being able to start after sitting unused for months or years at a time.
Condensation inside the gas tank is one culprit, but moisture can also enter the system through a loose or ill fitting gas cap. The best solution is to drain the mower`s gas tank and refill it with fresh gasoline. A clogged fuel filter can also cause a mower engine to die.
Use Carburetor Cleaner
Fortunately, you can generally do this without even taking the carburetor out of the engine. Start by purchasing some commercial lawnmower carburetor cleanerOpens a new window, which comes in a simple spray can and will make it easy to clean the inside and outside of the carb.
This is most likely a safety switch issue. Usually the seat safety switch will cause this problem. The mower dies because it thinks nobody is sitting in the seat, and shuts off for safety reasons.
Disconnected, dirty or fouled spark plugs are common causes for engines that won`t start. For small engines, spark plugs typically need to be replaced every season or after 25 hours of use. You should also check to make sure the spark plug gap is set correctly.
A dirty carburetor is the most common cause of a lawn mower that starts and then dies. Other possible causes include: Stale/Dirty Gas. Faulty Choke.
Q. Why is my lawn mower turning over but not starting? The most likely reason is bad gas. Gas that sits for many months during the off-season will eventually break down, gumming up the fuel line and carburetor in the engine and preventing it from starting.
The most common cause of a mower that runs for thirty minutes and then dies is a faulty armature. A faulty gas cap is the second most likely cause.
Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn`t work, you might need a new fuel filter.
The spark plugs are worn or damaged
If you find that your lawnmower keeps dying, or keeps stalling while cutting grass, then inspect the spark plugs. Look for signs of damage or wear. Something as simple as a cracked porcelain insulator can mean an electrode has been damaged or burned away.
Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My Toro mower with a Briggs & Stratton engine starts and then cuts off after a few seconds. How do I fix this?
ANSWER : If it starts on choke and then stops may need to clean out carby and fuel tank
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Help with the lawnmower. It starts and stalls after a few seconds
ANSWER : Check the fuel system clean the carb .
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How do I remove and clean air filter? – Briggs & Stratton Lawn-Boy 10640 20-Inch 6.5 HP Gas Powered Lawn Mower
ANSWER : There should be a square of plastic on the side of the engine which is opposite of the muffler. It has a small hex head with a slot cut in it. Remove this plastic cover and the air cleaner should be inside of it.
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My lawn mower won't start – Brute 7800802 22-Inch 190cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series Gas Powered FWD Self Propelled Lawn Mower With High Rear Wheels
ANSWER : Your carb is jammed up with ethonal eithier clean t out or replace the carb and run non oxy fuel from now on and u won’t ever have any issues AGIAN
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Front propulsion not engaging – Craftsman 675 Series 190cc 22" Briggs Stratton Rear Bag Front Propelled Lawn Mower ()
ANSWER : This is probably a belt driven machine…remove the cover. (could have Torx screws). and see if the belt is on the lower engine pulley and is on the pulley to the drive transmission…If OK, then check the action of the spring that helps engage the transmission.
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I have had a poulan pro 550 series push mower for almost 1 year at the end of the season last year the mower would start briefly and then stop. i have cleaned out the air filter and that did not help.the mower started, i made one revolution around the yard 3/4th of the way the mower quit. I then primed the mower it started then quit and now it will not start at all. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to do. Thanks
ANSWER : There is a little spring that works the carburetor arm. If that popped off then the mower will not run.
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What Gap for spark plug on 3.5 hp engine? – Briggs & Stratton Briggs Stratton Lawnmower Lawn Mower Short Block
ANSWER : .030 or 76 MM
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My Briggs & Stratton gives off a puff of blue smoke when I first start it. When in idle it will REV up & down and give an ocassional backfire.
ANSWER : Sounds like you may have too much oil in the engine. Check your oil level.
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