QuestionHi, John - My mower sputtered briefly and died. I replaced the air filter and the
spark plug. No good. I think that means it's a fuel issue. The engine is a B&S
Quantum 120000 series. Does it have a fuel filter? If so, where is it? If not,
how do I troubleshoot/fix a fuel problem? Thanks for any help you have. Jeff
AnswerHello Jeff:
Send me the Model and Type Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Here are Some Instructions for Fuel Related Problems for NON OHV ENGINES. I am Working on the Instructions for the OHV Engine and it is Not Yet Complete. If yours is an OHV Engine, then it will be Completed Shortly. LOL Here are some Diagnostic Instructions to Do on the Mower to Locate the Hard/Not Starting. Check the Spark. If Not Firing, then Replace the Plug. If the Plug is Firing, then First, Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat with the Throttle at Full. With the Throttle Still at Full, Try to Start the Engine. If the Engine Starts and Quits, then Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor. If the Gas is Free Flowing, 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, Float Pin, Float 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. If No Fire at the Plug, then Remove the Coil Shut Off Wire from the Kill Switch at the Engine Stop/Brake Bracket (where the End of the Stop/Brake Cable Attaches at the Engine). Check for Fire. If No Fire, then Remove the Blower Housing and Remove the Ground Wire from the Coil. Check for Fire. If Still No Fire, then the Coil is Bad. If there was No Response from the Engine When the Gas was Poured Into the Carburetor Throat, then Check the Compression. If the Compression is Good, the Carburetor has Been Soaked and Cleaned and the Plug is Firing, then Check the Flywheel Key. If the Key is Damaged, then the Plug Firing is Incorrect to the Position of the Piston During the Compression (Power Stroke). Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and 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
