skip to main content

Briggs & Stratton (Mower Dies After 10 Minutes)

10 years ago

Hello,

I had a surging problem (engine reving up and down) with my Craftsman 550 Series 4 Cycle Engine (Engine 10T802-123B-B1) Model Number 917.385127. I changed the diaphragm and everything was working fine. After 10 minutes, all of a sudden the mower stopped running.

I looked on the side of the motor and the primer button had sucked in. I waited a couple of seconds and the primer pucked back out on its on. I just pulled the string (without priming it) and the mower started right up after the first pull. After a couple of more minutes, the mower stopped running again.

I checked on the side of the mower again to see if the primer was sucked it but it didn't do it this time. I pulled the string to start it but it wouldn't start. I pushed the primer button to feed it some gas. I pull the string and it started right up. Can anyone tell me what the problem is? Thank you.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

1saxman
10 years ago
I guess its a 'Pulsa-Jet' with the gas tank on the bottom of the carb? Sounds like you did something wrong on the diaphragm installation, or perhaps there is a blockage in the pick-up tube. You really have to keep the gas tanks clean on these.
walt2002
10 years ago
Gas cap vent?

Walt Conner
Related Discussions
Briggs 12H802 dies after 10 seconds
Q
Comments (2)
Nevermind, I think I found it. Ill have to try when I get home from work. Here is a link that might be useful: Update on B&S 6.0 HP 12H802, Still Won't Run
...See More
Craftsman rider shuts off after 10 minutes
Q
Comments (1)
Check for spark immediately after it quits. Also a restricted vent to the fuel tank.
...See More
Craftsman Lawn Mower - Briggs Stratton Will Not Start
Q
Comments (4)
They should change the name to crapman. Sears doesn't give a rats behind, they already have your money. Mine is 10 months old, won't start for anything. Yours is less than 2 years old and has problems. Whatever happened to having pride in your product.
...See More
Briggs & Stratton 10HP engine problem
Q
Comments (2)
Sounds to me like the valve clearance may be too close. When engine heats up, valve doesn't completely close. Walt Conner
...See More
bill_kapaun
10 years ago
Sounds like the gas cap vent may be blocked and a vacuum builds up in the tank as fuel is withdrawn.
Try loosening the cap for a moment and see if the problem goes away for x minutes.
Repeat.
IF it's the vent, it'll probably run a "bit" longer each time as the air space in the tank increases.
gman318
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes it is the Pulsa jet with the gas tank on top of the carb. I checked the gas cap vent and it was clear. I was thinking it may be the pickup tube and/ or the jet with the mesh covering over it.

I notice there was gas coming from the carb. I checked the connection to the manifold, gasket / diaphragm, etc. and didn't see anything. On the carb I see the gas was coming from behind a small round black ball. I believe the dip to is connected to it under the carb.
tomplum
10 years ago
The ball seals the check valve inside. New carbs are cheap.

Related Stories

FRONT YARD IDEAS Before and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

How they did it: Homeowners create a plan, stick to it and keep the neighbors (and wildlife) in mind

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 10 Ways to Open a Kitchen to the Outdoors

By Laura Gaskill

Have your cooking and your nice weather too, with a kitchen setup that embraces indoor-outdoor flow

SMALL SPACES Could You Live in a Tiny House?

By Laura Gaskill

Here are 10 things to consider if you’re thinking of downsizing — way down

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Gardening for the Bees, and Why It’s a Good Thing

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

When you discover how hard bees work for our food supply, you may never garden without them in mind again

GARDENING GUIDES 15 Ideas to Try in Your Garden This Year

By Annie Thornton

These gardening stories were tops among Houzz readers. Which ideas might you try this year?

GARDENING GUIDES Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

EVENTS Don't Throw Away Another Household Item Before Reading This

By Mitchell Parker

Repair Cafe events around the world enlist savvy volunteers to fix broken lamps, bicycles, electronics, small appliances, clothing and more

GRASSES How to Rock a Lawn

By Mitchell Parker

Weekend Project: The key to healthy grass begins with the soil. If turf works for you, here’s how to fix it and keep it looking its best

SAVING WATER Houzz Call: Are You Letting Go of Your Lawn?

By Annie Thornton

Many facing a drought are swapping turf for less thirsty plantings. If you’re one of them, we’d like to hear about it

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Is It Time to Consider Fake Grass?

By J. Peterson Garden Design

With more realistic-looking options than ever, synthetic turf can be a boon. Find the benefits and an installation how-to here

Sponsored

More Discussions

Fall into Cleanliness: Join the Discussion on Fall Cleaning Services

0

can anyone identify these bugs?

1

Custom zero turn mower bag attachment

0

Looking for cordless walk behind trimmer

2

Looking for edger with blade

0