QuestionI have an old gokart with a Briggs and Stratton model 136212 type 000601 I have only been able to start the engine one time by putting a little bit of gas under the spark plug but it only ran for a few seconds then. when I pull start it it puffs out a single puff of exhaust but want start and continue to run. This is the first engine i have worked on also so I don't have any idea what to do. PLEASE HELP! (Sorry I can't explain any better)
AnswerHi Nick,
After trying to start the engine so many times over, now you need to cycle through the following
troubleshooting steps in order to determine the origin of the problem.
1. Check for spark by removing the spark plug and use a Spark Tester to see if there is spark happening at the high tension lead wire.
2. Check spark plug to see if it is wet, signaling there is gas in the cylinder. Skip to step 7.
3. Dry spark indicates that the fuel system is not allowing gas to flow to the carburetor.
4. Remove the air cleaner and visually inspect to see that choke shutter closes and see if the fuel comes from the main nozzle when priming.
5. If the fuel flow is acceptable and no fuel is evident during priming the carb will need to be removed for servicing. Fuel flow problems indicate the fuel, fuel line, filter or tank need cleaning and/or replacement.
6. Check the engine compression. You can do this simply by putting your thumb over the spark plug hole and see if the pressure is strong enough to blow your thumb from the hole.
7. A wet spark shows that the fuel is being provided by the carb. This means the air filter may be problematic, or the spark is carbon shorted or flawed, excess choking or priming, carb is not properly set, or the ignition timing is wrong.
8. Replace air filter if applicable. Replace spark plug if in doubt. Try to restart engine.
9. If the engine floods and doesn't start, then the carb may need to be serviced. If the carb is functioning then the problem may be with the ignition timing.
Good Luck,
Howard
