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Briggs and Strattion Engine Won't turn over

16 years ago

Good day. I have a Murray 14.5hp ride on mower with a B&S engine (287707) and it won't turn over. I've put a new battery in, new plug and clean oil + gas. If I pour a little gas into where the air filter goes it will run for a couple of seconds until the gas is used up. Any suggestions on what it could be? From what I can tell, gas is not getting to the carb perhaps? Thank you. Jay

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Comments (2)

mownie
16 years ago
Obviously, it is "turning over" if it "will run for a couple of seconds". You really mean to say (I think) "It will not start and stay running". Possibility #1: If the engine has not used for a while (sitting in storage) the carburetor jets may have become clogged by the varnish that forms when gasoline is allowed to go stale and evaporate over time. Possibility # 2: The carburetor float valve is stuck to it's valve seat and will not allow fuel to enter the carburetor (also due to varnish). Possibilty # 3: If the carburetor has a "Fuel cutoff solenoid", the solenoid plunger valve has become stuck (varnish) and cannot open to allow fuel to the main jet. Possibility # 4: If the machine uses a fuel pump to move fuel to the carb (used if fuel tank is lower than carb....and that covers a lot of machines), the fuel pump may have gone bad during the storage period. Possibilty # 5: Does the machine have a fuel cutoff valve that you have not opened?
rcmoser
16 years ago
If you tampered with the fuel system you may still have air trapped in the fuel system. With the air filter off spray the carb. cleaner into the venturi (hole in the carb). Have somebody start it. when it wants to die spary the carb. cleaner directly into the carb. for a second or two. Have the person run the throttle up and down as you are keeping it running using the carb. Sometimes you can ungum it this way or work the air out of the fuel system.

if that don't work check the rubber fuel hose or hoses looking for rot or cracks that would alow air to be sucked into the fuel system. Look good? remove the carb. and try cleaning. If that don't work??? call a mechanic.
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