Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): small briggs and stratton engine, briggs and stratton, novice level

Question
-------------------------Thanks for reply. I have an automotive background and understand auto engines. the puzzle for me is it will contine to run for hours if I let it which means it is getting ignition spark. After shutoff and attempt to restart the spark is possibly very weak. Is that the failure characteristic of an ignition module when it gets hot?
Al Ruckey
Followup To
Question -
Have a leaf blower with 5 hp brigg & stratton. It usually starts in one pull. runs very well. However, if I shut if off after 5 or 10 minutes I cannot get it started until it fully cools off.
Ignition?  A shot of ether does not help.

thanks
Al Ruckey
Answer -
Avoid using ether!  I suspect the problem is either ignition or the engine needs a valve job & lash adjustment.  You can check the ignition, when it's warm by quickly removing the spark plug and checking for spark or connect an inductive timing light and check for ignition when the engine is warm.  If there is no spark when warm, the ignition module is most likely faulty.  If you have spark, remove the spark plug lead and crank the engine over and listen for a "whisping" sound through the exhaust (indicates the valve is leaking compression).  If it is, the job is a little beyond a novice level repair but can be done if you get a good manual to show you how.  Hope this helps.

Answer
Ignition modules fail in the strangest ways and, unfortunately, they don't always quit completely.  When running, the ignition module has airflow over it but when you shut it off, there may be sufficient time for it to 'heat soak'.  As you probably know, the temperature rises on an engine before it starts to cool once it's shut off.  

Poor compression can be tricky as well.  While the engine may have enough compression to remain running at higher RPMs when warm, the compression may be insufficient to properly draw fuel from the carb at cranking speeds.  The only other thing I can think of is that the choke is on when you try to start it warm and it floods...when it cools and the choke is on, it starts properly.  Check to make sure you aren't doing that when trying to start it warm.  These are few things that come to mind.  Hope this helps.