QuestionQUESTION: My Gilson snowblower with a Briggs & Stratton 4HP engine suddenly doesn't run as smooth as before. What happens is it kind of misses and loses power with the choke all the way off. It seems to run better with the choke half on. And it doesn't matter whether I adjust the jet to run lean or rich, it always runs better with the choke half on.
At first I thought it might be water in the carb, but I ran some alcohol through it and the symptons still persist.
What ever could be the problem?
Thank you!
Steve
ANSWER: Hello Steve:
1- Change the Plug and Make Sure it is Properly Gapped. Usually .030in. 2- Check the Valve Clearance. 3- Check the Compression. Turn the Engine Reverse Rotation. If the Engine Kicks Back, then According to Briggs the Compression is Good. 4- Spray WD-40 Aroung the Intake Gaskets and Manifold to Check for Vaccum Leaks. 5- Last, Remove the Carburetor and Soak Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner and Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Kit. If you Send me the Model and Type Numbers Off the Engine; I can Locate a Breakdown/IPL for you to View Online. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for all the information, John. The model of my Gilson is ST 522 (5 HP, 22" cut), and the number stamped on the engine is 130202 1893 01 85062607.
Thanks again!
Steve
Answer Hello Again Steve:
Thanks for the Numbers. Go to this Addy http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductListingPage.asp?rsvp=0&PARENTID=0& and Enter the Model Numbers 130202 and the Type Numbers 1893 and Click Search. Then Select View PDF. This will Download the Breakdown/IPL I will Use for Reference. On this Type of Engine I would; 1- Use the WD-40 to Check for a Vacuum Leak. 2- Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor (pg 5 of 20) Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner and then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Kit. Be Sure to Replace the Air Mixture Jet and Associated Hardware. Check the Pickup Tubes and Ensure the Screens are Open. 3- Check the Head Gasket and for a Burnt or Sticking Valve. Check the Valve Clearance also. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
