Question9 Horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine (Troy-Bilt Mower)
Model #266702
Type 1143-E1
1. Mower was working fine.
2. Shut engine off for a couple of hours.
3. Attempted to restart engine for more mowing.
4. Usually starts with no problem.
5. Wouldn't start.
6. Filled gas tank with fuel.
7. Nothing.
8. Observed gas leaking from the exhaust.
9. What would cause gas to leak into & out of exhaust?
AnswerHello Eric:
This is Caused when the Carburetor Needle Valve (also called the Float Needle) is Not Seating Correctly and the Gas Leaks by the Needle and Floods the Carburetor and Cylinder. Check the Crankcase Oil. Does it Smell like Gas and is Over Filled? If Yes, then the Carburetor Needle Valve is Allowing Gas to Leak by and Flood the Cylinder when the Engine is Not in Use. Change the Oil. Make Sure to Drain the Engine Good. Refill to the Proper Oil Level and Install a Manual Cut Off Valve and Manually Turn Off the Gas When Not Using the Mower. If the Carburetor Needle Flow Valve Leak is Not Affecting the Engine Operation, then you Do Not Need to Clean and Rebuild the Carburetor. When the Leak Starts to Interfere with the Engine Operation, then you Will need to Clean and Rebuild the Carburetor. I Say this Because I have Done So Many that a Clean and Rebuild will Usually Last a Few Months and then the Same Condition Occurs. The Manual Shut Off Valve is the Only Way I have Found to Stop the Flooding of the Crankcase when the Engine is Not in Use. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
