QuestionHi Eric,
Here's an interesting one.
I have a Briggs 16 HP Intek twin cylinder that has starting issues.
I did a basic service, oil and filter, air and fuel filter, plugs.
It was staring just fine afterwards.
Next day it refused to start.
I used a little starting fluid, and it fired right up for a few seconds.
I checked the solenoid first thing.
It's fine, clicking and moving in and out as expected.
I took the carb off, and overhauled it.
Starting and running fine now..or so I thought.
It started several days running.
A few days later, the same thing, no start.
Replaced the fuel pump, still no go.
The next day, the darn thing started right up, and several times a day for a few days.
Yesterday, here we go again...no start.
Picked it up after checking it out, no start.
Brought it home, started it on the trailer and backed it off.
I'm scratching my head now.
Any ideas would be appreciated,
Chris
AnswerAre the fuel pump lines/hoses new? It could be a poor safety switch problem or a fuel problem.
The next time is won't start the first thing to check is spark. If there is spark, then remove the air filter and prime the engine with a little fuel. If it starts then there is a fuel problem.
I've had 2 problems like yours. One was a poor connection at the the seat switch. Ended up soldering the wires directly to the switch. Worked great and never saw the mower again but it took several weeks to find the problem. Second time was a poor ground on the carb anti-afterfire solenoid. Again, took a while to isolate the problem. Finally figured it out by accident. I checked the spark each time. Good spark. It started each time when primed and would run fine for a couple of mows. Finally just ran another ground wire to the solenoid and never saw the mower again. Few months later a service bulletin came out recommending to add an additional ground wire to ensure a good ground.
Let me know if you have spark each time the mower refuses to start.
Eric
