QuestionBriggs & Stratton 17HP I/C Model#310707
10 year old craftsman LT1000. I've done the plugs, 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.
Now it wont turnover period. 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 but it doesnt even try to start now. I'm no mechanic, this is the most i've ever done on a lawnmower, but i'm also broke, a repair shop is not an option. Please help, thank you.
AnswerHi Paul, remove the spark plugs and try to turn it over. If it turns over all right, then replace the plugs and try again. The grey/blue smoke signifies flooded and oil rich condition. My thought is that some gas got in the oil and thinned it out. This let a thinner mix of fuel get to combustion chamber and foul out plugs. This also can cause Hydraulic lock which will prevent engine from turning over. That is why I suggest removing plugs.
If when plugs are removed, fuel/oil mixture is expelled from plug holes then you have fuel in the oil. This means the carb needs to be cleaned and checked. If you need a carburetor kit we will have what you need at https://www.discountonlineparts.com/lawnmower/?c=Carburetor%20Parts&b=Briggs%20and%20Stratton.
Jon
Outdoor Power Equipment Parts
https://www.discountonlineparts.com/
