Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 3 HP Briggs Stratton Water Pump stalls out, briggs stratton, hp briggs

Question
Hi,

My water pump will start and will run briefly, but immediately starts losing power and shuts down.

It was sent out for service for this problem and we were told that it was fixed, we paid for it and picked it up.  They said they changed the spark plug, changed the oil and cleaned the carb.  It still didn't work so we had to bring it back to them.  We picked it up today and they said it was running.  

We tried to use it and the same problem occurs.  When we called them back they said it was a weak motor, and the compression rate was supposed to be 60 PSI and it was only 40 PSI.

My husband tested it and it read 60 PSI.  Now they say the compression is supposed to be 90 PSI

Do you know what the compression rate should be?  Or anything else that may possibly be causeing this shut down?

Thanks ahead of time !

Denise


Answer
Hi Denise
Sorry to hear about the inadequate shop responce you're dealin with.

Technically, a small engine should read between 85-105psi on a compression test.  Less than 70-75 indicates a problem with the valves or rings.  Low compression would cause the problem you're seeing.  Having the valves re-seated (you can do this yourself), or having a new set of rings installed (shop work)will pretty much renew this little motor.  The re-ringing requires the cylinder to be measured, whereafter it will be honed and new rings installed, or bored and oversize rings (or oversize rings plus piston if its REALLY worn) installed.  Again, this will make the little engine run like new!

Let me know how it goes OK?
CYA