Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B & S 10A902-2072 mower will not start, carburetor linkage, steering wheel puller

Question
Hi John.

The mower coughs and splutters but does not run. Missing springs around the throttle area and possibly whats there connected wrong. Just not sure what is wrong but parts list online shows more springs than I see. The spring governed idle spring is missing.
http://www.odref.com/briggsandstratton/model-10/10A900-ms0669-0503.pdf
I have spring 209 but not 211. I expect as this is a volunteer organization others have been fiddling :-(

Kind Regards, Rick (New Zealand

Answer
Hello Rick:

1- The Springs you Described are All for the Same Place on this Engine. They are Just Different Designs. The Spring (209) Goes from the Loop of the Carburetor Linkage (#210/202) to the Control Lever of the Throttle Control Bracket(222/A/B/C/D). The Governor Linkage goes from the Governor Valve to the Carburetor Throttle Shaft. If you Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor or Use Starter Fluid will the Engine Start and then Quit? If Yes, then the Carburetor Requires Cleaning or on this Model the Carburetor May Require Replacing. This is a NO Maintenance Carburetor and is Usually Made of a Hard Plastic. If you Clean this Carburetor and Still have Carburetor Problems, then Replace the Carburetor. The Carburetor is Listed at this Site for $21.76. If the Carburetor is Clean, then Check the Flywheel Key. 2- If the Key is Damaged you will have the Problem you Described. The Following is the Instruction File I Made for Removing the Flywheel from Most Mower Engines.  It is the Basics and if you have a Question, Please Ask. Any Input to Make this File Better is Appreciated. ***Disconnect the Coil Wire from the Spark Plug. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Coil. Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** Be Sure you have the Flywheel Torqued to the Proper Torque (I require the Model and Spec/Type Numbers Off the Engine to Provide the Proper Torque) and Set the Coil Gap to .020in.. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John