QuestionQUESTION: I have a Craftsman, 5.5 HP, 24 inch, front tine tiller. It has a Briggs/Straton engine, family ybsxs.2061hc, 274679. I changed oil, plug, and tilled a small garden space, and ran out the gas that was remaining. I then put new gas in, and tilled the same space the next day. The third day, when I tried to crank the tiller, it backfired and cut off. Now each time I start it, it will backfire, sometimes cutting off immediately, sometimes running maybe 30 seconds. Can you tell me what to check? I've never torn an engine down, etc. I have done minor stuff, oil change, plug change, filter, etc. Thanks.
ANSWER: Hello Jerry:
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. However, if this is an OHV (Over Head Valve) Engine, then; 1- the Valves May Require Adjusting. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** 2- The Flywheel Key is Damaged and Requires Replacing. ***Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** 3- The Carburetor May Require Cleaning. Sometimes Under the Right Conditions, a Dirty Carburetor will Cause the Problem you Described. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Unit at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ and Enter the Model Numbers (XXXXXX) and Type Numbers (XXXX) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Click on View 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John: I found the model number on the tiller. It's Craftsman model #917.292392 and the serial # 030700T014950.
Does this help as far as your answer, or is it still the same? Thanks Jerry Jennings
ANSWER: Hello Again Jerry:
Those are the Tiller Model Numbers. The Sears Breakdown of the Tiller Does Not Give an Engine Make, Model or Type (Spec). IThe Engine Model Numbers are Usually Stamped Into the Blower Housing (Metal Engine Cover) Across from the Spark Plug. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John: I finally found that model number on the engine. It's 137202 and the type no is 1124 E1. Briggs and Stratton. I appreciate what you can do to help me. I noticed on the side of the engine that there is a hole with threads in it, but there's no screw in it like the rest. Is there one hole that doesn't need a screw? Just wondering if I need a screw in there, and could this cause backfiring? Thanks again John. God bless.
AnswerHi Jerry:
Thanks for the Model Numbers. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Unit at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ and Enter the Model Numbers (137202) and Type Numbers (1124) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Now here is what I Suggest. 1- Change the Spark Plug. Gap Plug to .030in. 2- Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat and Try to Start the Engine. If the Engine Starts and Runs for 30 Seconds or So, 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. Install New Parts if Required.** 3- If the Engine Does Not Start and Run, then 4- Check the Compression. If the Compression is Less than 80psi, then the Valve Clearance, Valves or Bad Rings are the Possible Causes for this Problem. 3- If the Compression is Good, then the Ign Module/Coil is Breaking Down and Requires Replacing. 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
