Murray Riding Lawn Mower engine problems

15 years ago

I have a murray model number 42544x8e 16hp twin cylinder briggs and stratton model number 402707. The engine will surge up and down so i got the carb rebuilt and it still does it but you can pull the choke on it about half way and it will run good with no surge. But it is on half choke. How can i fit it.

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Comments (3)

larryf
15 years ago
Surging - where the engine speeds up and slows down - is caused by a lean fuel air mixture. The carburetors built after Sep 1997 were not adjustable or equipped with adjustable needle valves. Mixtures can be adjusted with replaceable jets located inside the carburetor.

If the carburetor was rebuilt correctly, there are other things to check. If the fuel tank is mounted higher than the engine, remove the fuel line from the carburetor to see if fuel flows freely. Aim the fuel into a jar to see if there is dirt or water present. Flush any debris from the end of the fuel line before reattaching.

Another check is to connect a vacuum gauge to the carburetor fuel fitting. This section of the carburetor is actually a vacuum operated fuel pump. Crank the engine to see if suction is present. If there is no suction, check the vacuum hose connection from the the crankcase. Sometimes the hose ends become cracked and vacuum is loss.

Is the fuel tank in the rear of the tractor? Assuming the fuel pump has suction, attach the vacuum gauge to the end of the fuel hose to see if the fuel line is good. sometimes cracks form in the fuel line and air is drawn in. Look for cracks or loose clams on all fuel connections. Look for dirt and debris in the fuel tank.

If the fuel lines are good, check the gaskets around the intake manifold to cylinder. A lean fuel air mixture could also be caused by worn valve guides - but is not likely on the opposed twin.

Most likely there is still some dirt in the carburetor. If the float is the plastic style and the float has warped, the fuel level in the float bowl is too low. If the person who rebuilt the carburetor used fuel to wash the parts, the carburetor could still be varnished. A carburetor spray must be used to clean the internal parts.
lemilyflong_yahoo_com
12 years ago
B & S 15 HP Mod 402707 Type 1242-01 Code 94042257

1 Short Block
1 Fly Wheel added
1 Complete Gasket Set

Send costs on these Items to: and how to pay ?

George Head
620 South Route 59
Ingleside, Illinois, 60041
E-Mail lemilyflong@yahoo.com
Ph 847-973-0054

Thank You 6/15/11
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Thanks for the response. It's definitely a Briggs engine. Or let me put it this way, there's a big 'ol Briggs and Stratton stamp on it. The model # is 31G77. I believe that's right. Good point. Getting a voltage reading is not a true indicator of whether or not the battery is good. It wasn't smoking, only when it conked out. It was laboring, laboring, laboring, then it conked out and threw out a puff of smoke. The reason why I'm GUESSING the engine is a little sieged is because when I turn the key, it appears I have good power going toward the cranking process (you can hear and feel that jolt of energy), yet the engine "stops" it. It's almost as though there's a heavy break on the engine. When I try and spin the engine from the top by hand, it won't budge. Then again, I have no idea if you normally can spin it by hand because I've never tried to do that! Sorry for being such a newbie. From the little research that I've seen taking the spark plug out and putting penetrating oil down it, waiting an hour then trying to manually move the pistons by hand as a *possible* solution. Again, this is assuming I'm right and the engine's seized.
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jwobo
6 years ago
I have a Murray riding mower. When I push the brake to start it, it starts but when I release it the motor quits running. Wonder of the switch needs replaced on the brake clutch?

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Murray Riding Lawn Mower engine problems

Comments (3)

larryf

lemilyflong_yahoo_com

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jwobo

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