Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 130292 question, w t grant, pulsa jet carburetor

Question
I'm leaving my snowblower for now and going to my tiller. It was purchased at W.T. Grant in the late 1960's I believe.

B&S engine model 130292. Type 0159. I began having problems a couple years ago. In 2005 I replaced the points, etc. and it ran good that summer. I only got it started once last summer.

After working on it, I got it started, but while using it noticed the top of the fuel tank was wet with gasoline. After wiping it off with a rag, the top of the tank was wet again in a few minutes.

A month later I could not get it started. I took the plug off and put a bit of gasoling in the hole and replaced the plug.

If I remember correctly, before I even pulled the starter, that gasoline was dripping out around the choke, the part at the end of the Pulsa-Jet carburetor that moves in and out.

It was not leaking around the gas cap or where the carburetor connects to the engine. It was coming out the very end of the choke.

Any idea what would cause this? Why would the gasoline I put under the plug run directly out the end of the choke?

Thanks.

Answer
Gas could run out the choke when you put gas directly in the spark plug hole if the intake valve was open when you add the gasoline.

Tiller engines experience severe wear and are prone to worn valve guides, loose choke rivets and general engine wear.  This is expected due to the environment when used...dust, dirt and more dust.  We used to try to keep those old tiller engines running but they were always coming back in for repair due to gas leaking, no power, burning oil, hard startinig, etc.  If a customer brings in an old tiller, 15-20 years old, and wants it repaired our currently policy is to replace the engine rather than try to band-aid repair the old one.  Initially, most customers don't like the idea of replacing the engine but when we explain the reasons for replacing they usually warm up to the idea.  For less then $200 we can install an engine.  The typical repair starts at $65.00 plus parts.  It's very common for the total bill to run around $100.00 and the repair usually only lasts one or two seasons.  With a new engine the customer can get 5-6 or more seasons before the engines need repair.  In the long run the customer is more satisified with a new engine.

To answer your question, I'm guessing the intake valve was open and gas flowed past the intake valve into the carb.  If you use the tiller every year then I'd recommend replacing the engine.

Eric