Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine cranks very slowly, crankcase oil, engine cranks

Question
QUESTION: I have a Craftsman riding mower, model 917.271530. It has a 14.5 Briggs engine, 287707 1259-E1 010219ZE.

We had to get a new battery and then were able to mow most of the lawn before it ran out of gas. The tank was refilled and gas started running out. Gas came up through the carburetor, into the air filter and spilled out. Part of the gas line was cracked, so I replaced it and the fuel filter.

I took the fuel solenoid off so I could check the bowl. I cleaned it a little, put it back together, and connected the fuel solenoid wire. I added some gas...nothing seemed to be leaking out as before. Then I tried to start it.

When I turn the key it clicks hard as the starter engages. Then if I keep the key turned, I can see the engine turning very slowly but there is no noise and of course it won't start. Why won't the engine turn over? Do I need to look into anything else regarding the issue with the gas running through everything?

Thanks,
Rob

ANSWER: Hello Rob:

Remove the Spark Plug and Turn the Engine. Also, Check the Crankcase Oil for Contamination by the Gas. The Gas Flooding the Carburetor Flowed Into the Cylinder through the Intake Valve and the Gas Formed a Hydraulic Lock in the Cylinder when Trying to Start. Since the Engine has Set for a While it May Turn and Start Correctly, but the Crankcase Oil will have Gas in it as Over Time the Gas Seeped by the Rings and Entered the Crankcase. 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 (287707) and Type Numbers (1259) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section. 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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John,

Wow, the crankcase was definitely contaminated with gas. I'm draining it out and the oil is quite thin. When I pulled the spark plug out, gas poured out. So it appears that the whole engine was filled with gas. After pulling the spark plug, the engine easily turned when the key was turned. A lot more gas came pouring out of the spark plug hole when I did that as well.

I assume I need to let things dry out now. Since it was so filled with gas, is there anything else I need to look into and/or do before I put things back together and try to start it?

Thanks for your help,
Rob

Answer
Hello Again Rob:

Usually the Gas in the Crankcase Oil or White Smoke is Caused by the Carburetor Float Needle Valve is Not Seating Properly and Allowing the Gas to Flood the Carburetor and Engine. Then the Gas Seeps by the Rings and Enters the Crankcase and Contaminates the Crankcase Oil. 1- Clean the Carburetor and Replace the Float Needle Valve (and Seat if this Model has One). A-  **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. Install New Parts if Required.** 2- **If the Mower has a Manual Gas Shut Off Valve:  Check the Manual Cut Off Valve and Make Sure it is Cutting Off the Gas Flow to the Carburetor. A- If Not Stopping the Gas Flow, then Replace the Valve. B- If the Mower Does Not have a Manual Cut Off Valve: Install a Manual Cut Off Valve and Turn Off the Gas Flow when the Engine is Not in Use.** 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