Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): briggs n stratton 20hp intek wont start, blown head gasket, lawn tractor

Question
2000 briggs n strstton lawn tractor cranks but wont start. Fuel is pumping to carb ok. Add fuel into intake and fires imeditally and runs fine. Even after sitting for short period of time restarts fine. Next day try and start have same problem. Any suggestion I would appreciate. Thanks

Answer
Hello George:

The Cause can Be Several Things. 1- Bad Intake Gasket 2- Blown Head Gasket. 3- Low Compression Due to Valves Needing to be Reset. The Temperature of the Engine is the Key. When Cold the Engine Will Not Start Without Physical Priming. When Hot All is Good. Remember that "Everything" Expands when Hot. The Valves, the Intake, the Piston and Ect. I Usually Spray The Intake Connection Points with WD40 While Trying to Start the Engine when it is Cold. Then Go to the Intake Itself if the Engine has Tried to Start Yet. Then if the Intake and Intake Gaskets Check out Good, I Reset the Valves. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John