Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawnmower, overhead valve engines, crankcase oil

Question
Hi Eric,
I recently embarked on a quest to built a very simple go-kart. My 9-hp briggs is running perfect, but seems to consume fuel extremely fast. I have added another tank and used a y-joint fuel line to get the fuel to the carb. It consumes almost a quart a minute, even on a very low idle! it is a 2003 ohv single-cylinder briggs 900 series. what seems to be the problem, and is it fixable by me? If so, what would i need to do? I have a $100 dollar spending limit (the wife)
                                Thanks!
                                    Scott

Answer
Hello Scott:

Wow! That is a Lot of Gas for a Small Engine to Consume when Running at Any Engine Speed. Have you Checked the Crankcase Oil for Gas Contamination? Can you Smell the Gas Fumes from the Exhaust? What Color is the Exhaust from the Engine? Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. You can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of the Engine. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John