QuestionGreetings Sir,
Hopefully you can help me with some troubles I'm having with my father's lawn mower. It's a Craftsman 7.0hp OHV 21" High Tunnel Mower model# 917.377820 and I believe that the B&S engine model is 128608 0304 E1.
My father bought the mower and it worked fine for a year and then stopped. I look it over and it has a blown head gasket. Sears would have repaired it, but it would have taken a lot more time and money(gas) than if I did it myself. I replaced the gasket and it ran fine last year.
It would not crank the other day. I take off the air filter and spray starter fluid in it and after several pulls it starts. It ran fine, but if I stop it, it would not crank unless more starter fluid was added first.
I went to use it today and it didn't want to start. After many attempts(with starter fluid) it does start and I go start cutting grass. It boggs down twice and quits, but cranks right back up with a just a pull of the cord. It bogs down a third time and doesn't want to crank. I remove the air filter and try a few more times (no starter fluid). When I pulled the cord I could see a white mist come out where the air filter goes and a few times I see white smoke come out of the muffler followed by black smoke if the mower decides to start firing and running for three or fourr seconds very slowly before dying. It finally does crank, I tie the engine brake down, put the air filter back on, and start cutting grass again. It boggs down again---this is very thick and tall grass. I give it a few pulls and it starts running slowly again and then a loud pop sounds and it dies. I pull the cord and feel little resistance, so I assume the head gasket blew again.
I see a wet spot on the frame where it looks like a little gas might have leaked out from the primer bulb or carb. The oil appears and smells normal. After the engine cooled it started to rain, so I didn't get a chance to look at it.
Besides the assumed bad head gasket, what would you suggest I do to correct it's problems. Before this it was cutting like a champ.
Thank you for your time,
John
AnswerHello John:
The Carburetor Choke Port is Restricted with Varnish and Requires Soaking in Cleaner to Correct this Problem. Even though the Carburetor Looks Clean, the Internal Passages May be Restricted with Varnish that Gas Causes to Build Up over Time. I Suggest you Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor Inlet Port. If the Gas is Free Flowing to the Inlet Port, then **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable) and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air.*** (Do Not Use High Pressure Air for the Zama Carburetors (Chainsaws Only), they have Check Valves for the Primer and these are Usually Blown Out of the Carburetor if Not Careful. Allow the Zama Carburetor to Set on a Drip Pan and Dry)***. Install New Parts if Required.** You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (128608) and Type Numbers (0304) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
