QuestionBriggs&S motor..I've replaced the sparkplug and drained the gas and made sure the gas will flow from the tank through filter to the motor. Now under where the gasline connects(a connector at the bottom of it is a grounding), I've opened it up and can see the gas drain from a plastic cover into it. The air filter is clean. The lawnmower will crank and run for a couple of seconds(turns over and sounds like its about to warm up) if I put a little gas directly into the carburetor. The choke seems to be working too. Could it be possibly my battery? The battery is fully charged, but drastically dies down after trying one turn at starting the mower, or is it more of a underlying problem and I need more of an expert to look at the motor? Any suggestions?
AnswerHi Kurt,
You will need to determine if the problem is a lack of spark or a lack of fuel flow. Right after it quits, remove the spark plug, reconnect the wire and lay it against the engine head. Pull the engine over and watch for spark at the plug's electrode.
If good, then try to start it while squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carb intake. If it starts and you can keep it running by adding fuel, then the carb most likely has dirt, debris or gummed fuel inside.
You will need to remove the carb, disassemble it, clean all the small internal openings and blow it out with compressed air. Probe each and every hole with a small wire. A carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.
Let me know how you make out.
Michael
