Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower Dies under load..., briggs stratton, briggs and stratton

Question
Hi John,

I hope you can help.  I inherited a Murray tractor (425001X8B) with a 17.5 Briggs & Stratton (31C700) engine and Nikki (696353) carb.  

The mower starts fine and heads on up to fast idle with no problem, but as soon as I engage the blades, the motor dies in a plume of white smoked glory.  It takes a minute or two before the mower will start again after that happens.

I took the bowl off of the carb and cleaned everything really good, but when I went to put it back together I noticed a little (about the size of a pea) brass guy that I'm sure goes somewhere, but I have no idea where it came from (I think it was chillin in the bottom of the bowl).  I am thinking this could be a jet?

I cannot find a breakdown of this carb to save my life.  The 31C700 manual from Briggs/Stratton is absolutely no help either because it doesn't show that little part...

Is there a good exploded view of this carb out there so I can put it back together?

Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

nate

Answer
Hello Nate:

The Reason you Can Not Locate the Brass Component you are Asking About is Because this Component is Usually Not Removed from the Nikki Carburetor. Some of the Jets are Pressed Into the Center Port of the Carburetor and Others are Screwed in with a Standard (flat head) Screw Driver. Usually if the Jet is Not Displayed in the Breakdown it is Because it is a Pressed in Jet and is Supposed to Stay in the Main Pick Up Port. Look at the Carburetor where the Carburetor Sticks through the Float. The Pick Up Port is Usually the Larger Port. If this is a Pressed in Jet then you will have to Purchase a New Carburetor. I have Not Found a Way to Hold the Pressed in Jet in the Proper Position Once it has Come Loose and Fallen Into the Carburetor Bowl. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the B. Then Select Briggs and Stratton. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Select the File # 31. Then Select the Folder # 31C700. The Carburetor Breakdown is Page 4 of 10. To View a Breakdown of the Unit; Go to this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Murray) and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. 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