7hp briggs engine trouble?

Question

My 7hp briggs engine has a carb problem i think. when i start the engine it runs fine for about ten seconds and then stalls out. I think it is a gas problem because when i spray starter fluid into the carb when it starts to die it runs for a few seconds longer. I have already cleaned the gas line and taken the carb completely apart and checked for a plug of some kind. i have also checked the float and everything in the carb seems to be in working order. I don't know what to check at this point. any help fixing the problem would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

i dont suggest using starter fluid- if anything just use a capful of gasoline.
To rule everything else out, change the gasline - if theres a filter, change it, change the sparkplug, drain and remove the gas tank and check for blockages in there. Gasoline is a seriously dirty fuel, right from the gas pump onward. When you removed and cleaned the carb originally - did you re set the meter screws? There should be a air mix screw and fuel mix screw. Both should be turned all the way in , then back out 1 1/4 turns - then after starting, turn the fuel mix screw out till it stumbes, then back in till it smooths out.
Kidd

Answer 2

I recommend, if you have access to it, start it up with starter fluid, then run 100% ethonol through it, for about 10 min. When it's run for a bit, shoot a 1/2 can of "Seafoam" (availible at Napa and AutoZone) into the air intake, being careful to not stall it (it's like a tricky Ballet). as you get to the end of the half a can, shoot enough in to kill the engine. Let it sit for five min, then using plenty of starter fluid, start it up. Let it run out for a half an hour with no load on ethonol. By this time you should be a half tank low (nomal tank for a 7 HP). Fill it up with 87 octaine and use it untill the tank is empty.

It's most likely carbon, which kills effectiveness/operation of valves and pistons. Seafoam clears that out. It sounds like you have a "serious" issue, so deal with it in the harshest way (carb cleaning).

Answer 3

If your engine is running for a few seconds it is running on the "Prime" fuel and stalling when it runs out. The carb is not supplying the engine with enough fuel to continue to run, thus, the carb is still clogged. It has several very tiny passages that supply fuel that are hard to see, but vital that they be clean and flowing!
If you cant get the passages cleaned out, I suggest replacing the carb.

Answer 4

Pull the float and see if you hear any spashing sound in it, could be leaking, if so get a new one.
Also attached to the float is a little needle and in the carb body is a plastic needle seat, look at it closely to see it is not plugged.
Make sure you don't have water in your gas.
Make sure head gasket is on tight, is there any oily residue or dirt built up around the head, if so chances are very good you have a blown head gasket.

Answer 5

Do you have a filter on it?? if so change it Make sure the crab is tight and all the gaskets are seated, Next time you get it running spray the carburetor if it picks up and runs you have a crack in carb, or gas line . hope this helps, change the plug.

Answer 6

The carburetor needs to be removed, disassembled, soaked in a good parts cleaner, not the spray can kind, and blown out with compressed air. Make sure all the passages are clear. Than you can put it back together with a rebuild kit. Anything short of that is a waste of time.

Answer 7

Check the nut that retains the float bowl on the carburetor and see if it has a clogged hole in the side of it. That is the high speed jet on some of the carburetors. ...Good Luck...