How do I clean a cilinder head.?

Question

I got a lawn mower from someone who tried to fix it.
I cleaned the foam air filter, they had put 10w30 in it, I changed it to the recomended 30 weight. I drained the gas, it looked yellow, they might have added kerosene? I looked in the carb, it is a plastic bowl, with a float and a screen, no screws or anything like it. I started it, and ran it around my yard twice and it died. I get shocked by the spark plug, but there is no combustion. I have compression behind the plug. When I pull the cord a lot, there is the gas smell, but the muffler or motor wont get hot. I think I need to clean the cilinder head. Is there anything I should use. Carb cleaner? Im going to get a new spark plug today, does anyone have any ideas or help. Its a briggs and straton 3.75 easy start sprinter.

Thanks for looking. Please help

Answer 1

First, isolate the problem. It's likely either spark or gas.
To check if it's getting gas, pour a small amount (small capful) into the carb and pull the rope. Or, as an alternative, spray a quick (i mean quick) shot of starting fluid into the carb and pull the rope. Does it start and run for a few seconds?? If yes, it's not getting fuel. Chances are the carb needs a good cleaning. If possible, remove it, disassemble, spray everything real good with carb cleaner and reassemble/reinstall. Check the needle and float (google is your friend here) and make sure to spray carb cleaner in all the small orifices.
If no or weak spark replace the spark plug. If still no spark, it'll likely require tearing the motor down and replacing the magneto or coil. good luck

Answer 2

You shouldn't have to clean the cylinder head. Sounds like a couple of things. First if the spark plug wire is "leaking" it is probably cracked and should be replaced. The only way to replace it is to replace the ignition module for about $60. I have use electrical tape to repair them with some success. The carburator is probably the main reason for the engine to die. It should be removed, soaked in a good parts cleaner and blown out with compressed air to ensure all the passages are clear. Reassemble it with a repair kit. The kit is available from any small engine repair shop. You will need the model number of the engine. The model number is stamped into the engine cowling near the spark plug area.

Answer 3

I don't think you need to clean the cylinder head. I would use the carb cleaner and maybe check the wire on the plug. If you got shocked it may be bad unless you had the plug pulled at the time. It takes very little to clog the oriface to the cylinder from the carb. You will still get gas from the carb thus the gas smell. You may need to replace the gasket or gaskets on the carb if there leaking your getting to much air to fuel mixture.