Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs and Straten 5 HP motor, briggs and straten, hp briggs

Question
Michael

My grandson has a go cart with a 5 HP Briggs and Straten(sp?) engine. The cart was recently purchased used. The cart is about 4 years old but had very little use (tires still have mold vents on them). Our problem is the engine will not run unless fully choked. I have put some carburetor cleaner in the tank and this seemed to help at first. We were able to run it without the choke for awhile. Now it stalls out if the choke is backed off. Any ideas?  

Answer
Hi Duane,

The carb most likely has dirt, debris, gummed fuel or water 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