Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs Stratton Cutting out / stall, briggs stratton, sponge filter

Question
Hi Eric,
I used the baster as mentioned below.  I removed all the gas, there was alot of debris.  I then filled it up a little more, shook the machine, tilted it and let it sit so all the debris would drift to one corner.  I then removed all the gas again.

I let the system sit overnight, then put in fresh new gas from a new , clean tank.  when you look in the tank there is a plastc piece about 2 inches high, a sponge / filter sits on top of it.  Using the plastic piece as a reference I went about 1/3 up the plastic piece with gas.  the engine started fine. It ran for about 10 minutes befoe I move the system.  when I moved it the engine studdered till I stopped moving.  I added more gas and tried again, several times adding more gas eash time.  The results were generally the same - once I started moving the unit around it would start to cut out. With the tank just about full, I tried once again and the unit was running very choppy, cutting out - standing still.  I could keep the engine running by moving the choke to 1/2.  If I adjusted the throttle at all it would studder and cut out. I could adjust the trottle with the choke to keep it going , but not running strong.  This is where I am at.

Thanks again for the help
Ray W




Subject: 5hp B&S stalls out
Question -
Hi Eric,
I could only look straight down in the tank(there is a sponge that sits on top of a plastic piece)

I have taken a look in the gas tank with a light - There is no rust, but there is some debris in the bottom of the tank. It does not cover the whole bottom of the tank, just spots where the debis clummped together. If I hit it with a screw driver the debris floats through the gas. Looks to me like we are on the right track. Now the question is how to we get the debis out?

I do live in a 4 season climate, Massachusetts. (still on cloud 9 with the SOX , and rooting on the Patriots)

look forward to hearing where to go from here,

Thanks
Ray W




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Followup To
Question -
Hi,
I have a 5hp Briggs & Stratton engine on my Little Wonder blower. The engine is a:
Model 135212 Type 1216e1 Code 000922ya.
The problem I have is when I get down to about 1/2 a tank of gas, the engine starts to shut down / stall. At this point I can put the choke at 1/2 to 3/4 and it will usually stay running. I usually have it running full throtle, but when it cuts out I'll back off a hair and also adjust the choke to keep it going. There are times when I can not keep it going. If I put gas in at this point and try to start it, it is tough to start. I have had it start up again at this point, and I have been unable to start it at this point.

I alywas use fuel with stabilizer, So I believe the fuel is OK. I have also replaced the spark plug, and checked the air filter(it is new). I removed the spongefilter that sits ontop of the air filter - it was pretty dirty. The unit still stalled out on me. I Then did a test where I Started the unit with a full tank and just let it run at Full throttle, not moving the blower around). It got well below 1/2 a tank of fuel without missing a beat. This problem started recently and has happened about 5 times. I really don't use it often just fall and spring probably 10 hours at most over a couple of weeks each season.

Thanks in advance for the help and If I can provide more info please let me know.

Ray
Answer -
Is there any rust or debris in the fuel tank? Check inside the tank using a flashlight.

Do you live in a 4 season climate? It is possible you may have some water in the fuel tank from condensation.

Let me know what you find.
Eric


Eric A. Jones Answers -
You can try using an old turkey baster (spelling?) to suck the debris out or a siphon pump. You may get luckey and get all the debris out but usually you have to clean the carb.

I'd try draining/siphoning out the debris first, but if the problem persists then you'll have to clean the carb/tank.

Don't forget to check you gas cans also...water seems to condensate in plastic gas cans.

Let me know what happens.
Eric

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Answer
The sponge is just a baffle so gas doesn't slosh out.

Many of those carbs, especially late models, have 2 fuel pick-up tubes in the carb.  The long tube pulls fuel up to a small cup in the tank where the smaller tube picks up that fuel and delivers it to the engine.  This is more efficient.

Anyhow, it is very possible, and quite common, that debris has gotten in the smaller cup and causing the problem.  The only way to clean the internal fuel tank cup is to remove and dis-assemlbe the carburetor/tank.  This can be a difficult task on many 5 HP engines.  I'd recommend removing the blower housing sheet metal to remove the carb/tank.  This will provide you more access to the carb screws.

Once the tank/carb is off use compressed air to clean everything.  Pay attenion to the throttle linkage...they can cause some problems for less experienced technicians and the repair manual is very vauge on how the linkages are connected.

Let me know how it goes.
Eric