Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 4 hp b s runs rough and blows black smoke, briggs and stratton, carburator

Question
John,

  I have a briggs and stratton 4 hp engin on my pressure washer. Model number 10a902, type 024001, and code number 96111855. During last use I was using washer about 1 hour when it starting running very rough, blowing black smoke and finally dying. It will restart and seems to run fine for about 30 sec. and then starts the same thing. What could be the problem. Thanks for your help.
         
Ken  

Answer
 Hello Ken:

 The Carburator is Flooding the Engine. This Engine has the Plastic Carburator. You can Try to Clean and Rebuild this Carburator or Purchase a New One. I have found that the Plastic Carburator is a Hit and Miss when Cleaning and Rebuilding. Sometimes the Clean and Rebuild will Correct the Problem, Other Times it Doesnt. About a 50/50 Chance Either way. You can view a Breakdown of the Engine at this Addy http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductListingPage.asp?rsvp=0&PARENTID=0&... and Enter the Model Numbers 10A902 and the Type Numbers 0240. Then Click Search. On the next Page, Scroll Down to the 2nd Listing and Click View PDF. This will Download a Breakdown that you can View Online. The Carburator is on Page 4 of 15. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. I enjoy knowing the Outcome. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John