Lawnmower trouble, help needed?

Question

I have a 5.5 hp Briggs Straton engine on my nice lawnmower but I let it set for over a year and didn't drain it. I took it in, paid $99 !!!!!!! to have it fixed and all spiffed up. Came home ran fine, seemed a bit fast, and then when I went to do the back yard, it starts great, and then just fades right out. I think I put old gas in it, so I drained that out, opened up the bottom of the carb.and then took off the fuel line and drained it. ANd it still does the starts fine and just dies out ?????? Help.

I did take it back to the shop by the ____ guy said I would have to leave it for another 3 weeks and so I just left with my lawnmower.

Answer 1

It sounds like gum is floating around in the carburetor. If you are mechanically inclined, it is fairly simple to remover the carburetor. Buy some aerosol carb cleaner at the auto supply store and blow it thru the carb. passages. Or take it back to the repair shop. They should correct the problem at no charge. Most shops stand behind their work for 90 days or so.

Answer 2

You cant just open the bottom of the carb. If there is a valve down there , That is the mail fuel adjustment . not a carb drain
turn it in easy until it stops then back it out 1 1/2 turns . The engine should start now . you need to adjust it
turn it in or out until the engine runs faster . then turn it a little the other way . that is the basics.
you need a manual or call the repair shop for basic info.
Good Luck:
Raven Dave

Answer 3

First off, check to see if it has a fuel tap & that it is switched on all the way. As Carman says, get a can of carby cleaner from an auto shop & spray clean the carby bowl, as well as squirting upwards through the main jet (centre mount for bowl nut). The symptons do sound like a blocked jet, unless you have a fuel tank

Answer 4

Was the smoke black or white? Black smoke would indicate that there is a problem with the fuel system (running too rich). WHite smoke is usually from oil burning in the combustion chamber; when the mower stalled it could have sucked some oil past the piston rings into the combustion chamber. Gas coming out through the primer button would indicate that the primer seals are shot and the gas is leaking out. A lawn mower shop may be able to help you get the necessary repairs done.

Answer 5

check to see that it has gas and oil. check the spark plug to see if it is dirty and has good connection, check the air filter to make sure it is not dirty, the engine needs air for combusion. if it has a primer button, you may just need to pump it another time or two. also check the throttle switch to make sure when you pull the throttle that it moves to give gas to the engine. it usually has a spring attached that can come loose. if that doesnt work take it back to the shop

Answer 6

Take it back to the shop and get them to do it right. Someone made a mistake in either adjusting or reassembling the carb.