Question"Briggs & Stratton 17HP I/C OHV Model#310707
10 year old craftsman LT1000. I've done the plug, changed oil, air filter each year, and never had a problem with it. Until now of course. Went to check it out after the winter.
I think the gas, which was old, had water in it, anyway, after charging the battery overnight, i went to start it and it cranked right up, ran fast, somewhat smoothly, and i let it run only for-about 3 minutes, then cut it off-and it coughed and choked out some grey/blue smoke as it went off. On attempt to restart, it would putter-almost start, then die. This happened a few times, it would turnover/kick almost start, then die. I left it for a day or 2. Tried it again.
Now it wont kick at all, and its unclear as to whether its no spark or a fuel delivery issue. Today i put new plug in, drained the gas tank, drained the oil, replaced the oil, cleaned the gas tank, fuel line, fuel line filter, put back together with new gas, and nothing. Battery is good, get a strong whirwhirwhirwhir headlights work etc, but it doesnt even try to start now. I'm not a regular mechanic, but i have the tools and can manage with direction, but this is the most i've ever done on a lawnmower, however i'm also broke-out-of-work a year now, so a repair shop is not an option. I'm thinking i have to literally tear it down, which will be a 1st for me, but what am i looking for?
Please help, i really appreciate any help you can provide, thank you."
AnswerFirst thing I would do is remove the valve cover and look at the
rocker arms, pushrods, and valve stems. Bad varnished gas may
have made one of the valves stick open, and you may have bent a pushrod, pull the cover off, it is right beside the spark plug.
