How to Clean & Repair Carburetors on Briggs & Stratton Small Engines
- Check the air-flow to the carburetor. Remove the air filter cover and the air filter cartridge. ...
- Clean the air filter with a shop vacuum or replace it with a new one. Spray carburetor cleaner on the metal parts inside the carburetor.
- Remove the fuel line from the fuel tank and look for blockages in the line. ...
What are some common problems with Briggs?
Here it is:
- Pop-off the spark plug from the ignition cord end
- According to Briggs and Stratton ignition coil wiring diagram, put the new spark plug while maintaining the required gap with a filler gauge.
- Then, reassemble the parts.
- Start and test the engine. Yes, it’s that simple.
How to replace the diaphragm on Briggs and Stratton?
Learn how to service a diaphragm type carburetor, which are commonly found on many Briggs and Stratton Lawn mowers like the 3.5Hp Classsic and Sprint.
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Socket Wrench - 13mm & 11mm
- Flat Head Screwdriver
How do you troubleshoot Briggs and Stratton engine?
How do you troubleshoot a Briggs and Stratton engine?
- Pull the fuel line that goes to the engine’s carburetor. This will be a 1/4-inch diameter rubber hose.
- Inspect that fuel flows freely from the hose.
- Check the odor of the gasoline.
- Replace the old gasoline with fresh gasoline on the fuel tank and reattach the fuel hose to the carburetor.
- Pull on the starter cord.
How to tune Briggs and Stratton engine?
Tuning up your riding mower consists of the following five steps:
- Change the oil and replace the oil filter
- Replace the spark plug
- Replace the air filter
- Replace the fuel filter
- Add Briggs & Stratton Fresh Start fuel stabilizer

How do you rebuild a small Briggs and Stratton carburetor?
2:078:08Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower Engine Carburetor Rebuild Kit #498260YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDetach the carburetor from the throttle rod. And set it on a sturdy surface use pliers to pull outMoreDetach the carburetor from the throttle rod. And set it on a sturdy surface use pliers to pull out the choke plate and remove the choke arm.
How do you clean a Briggs and Stratton carburetor?
How to Clean a Small Engine CarburetorStep 1: Check the Air Filter. Make sure that the air coming into the carburetor is clean and free of debris by inspecting the air filter. ... Step 2: Check the Linkages. ... Step 3: Use carburetor cleaner to remove deposits, clogs & debris.
Why does my lawn mower only run for a few seconds then dies?
If your lawn mower starts, runs briefly, then dies these are the four most common reasons that's happening: Dirty carburetor / clogged carburetor bowl. Old gasoline that has gone bad. Dirty or defective spark plugs.
What are the symptoms of a dirty carburetor?
4 Signs Your Carburetor Needs CleaningIt just won't start. If your engine turns over or cranks, but doesn't start, it could be due to a dirty carburetor. ... It's running lean. An engine “runs lean” when the balance of fuel and air gets thrown off. ... It's running rich. ... It's flooded.
How do you clean a carburetor without removing it?
A good way to clean the fuel tank is to start the engine and use a garden hose with a spray attachment to blow the oil out of the tank. Do this until there's no more oil in the tank. Then, while the engine is running, pour some brake cleaner into the tank and use a rag to wipe the bottom.
How do I clean a small engine carburetor without removing it?
Use Carburetor Cleaner Fortunately, you can generally do this without even taking the carburetor out of the engine. Start by purchasing some commercial lawnmower carburetor cleaner, which comes in a simple spray can and will make it easy to clean the inside and outside of the carb.
What would cause a mower to start but not stay running?
A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower won't stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug.
How do you unclog a lawn mower carburetor?
2:215:13How to Clean the Carburetor on a Lawn Mower - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you want to make sure that's clean and the way you can do that is just simply get a piece ofMoreSo you want to make sure that's clean and the way you can do that is just simply get a piece of small wire. And see you and you poke it in and out of that hole make sure that it's clean.
How do you fix a lawn mower that starts then dies?
0:244:31Lawn Mower starts and then dies, turned out to be an easy cheap fixYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook move the carburetor around and try to figure out which bolts are loose. The bolts that hold theMoreLook move the carburetor around and try to figure out which bolts are loose. The bolts that hold the carburetor on are still tight.
How do you unclog a carburetor?
Make sure carburetor is cool to the touch before cleaning.Dilute cleaner. ... Clear air filter. ... Remove the carburetor. ... Remove carburetor float. ... Remove other removable components. ... Soak and scrub components. ... Rinse and dry. ... Reassemble and replace.
How do you diagnose a carburetor problem?
Four Signs Your Carburetor Is FailingEngine Performance Reduction. As mentioned above, combustion starts and keeps your engine running. ... Black Exhaust Smoke. You shouldn't see black smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe even if you drive a diesel. ... Engine Backfires or Overheats. ... Starting Difficulty. ... Don't Ignore the Signs.
Will seafoam clean a gummed up carburetor?
After removing gasoline from the tank and carburetor, add a mixture of Sea Foam followed by 8 ounces of fresh gasoline (1 to 2 ratio). 5. With the cleaning mixture in the fuel tank, crank/prime/rope-pull the engine to draw the cleaning mix into the carburetor(s). 6.
Can you use wd40 as carb cleaner?
0:311:26Throttle Body, Carb & Choke Cleaner - WD-40 Specialist Automotive RangeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike new use the throttle body carb and choke cleaner. Another brilliant product from the WD 40MoreLike new use the throttle body carb and choke cleaner. Another brilliant product from the WD 40 specialist automotive.
Why will my Briggs and Stratton engine not start?
Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn't work, you might need a new fuel filter.
Will seafoam clean a gummed up carburetor?
After removing gasoline from the tank and carburetor, add a mixture of Sea Foam followed by 8 ounces of fresh gasoline (1 to 2 ratio). 5. With the cleaning mixture in the fuel tank, crank/prime/rope-pull the engine to draw the cleaning mix into the carburetor(s). 6.
Can you spray carb cleaner into air intake?
2:004:49How to clean a gasoline carburetor upper engine (air intake) using Sea ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI just insert the straw into the carburetor throat. I'm going to spray the whole hand it's going toMoreI just insert the straw into the carburetor throat. I'm going to spray the whole hand it's going to take about four minutes can be running at the intake valve and through the chamber.
How to clean grit off carburetor?
Soak metal and plastic carburetor parts in all-purpose parts cleaner for no more than 15 minutes to remove grit. Or, while wearing safety glasses, spray the parts with carburetor cleaner. Then, wipe away solvent and other residue thoroughly using a clean cloth.
How to tighten carburetor with bolts?
Position the carburetor so the beveled edge fits into the fuel intake pipe and attach the carburetor with nuts or bolts, as required, leaving these fasteners loose for final tightening with a torque wrench. Consult your Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer for proper tightening torque.
How to use a choke lever on a carburetor?
Insert the choke shaft into the carburetor body and engage the return spring. If the choke lever uses a detent spring to control the choke plate position, guide the spring into the notched slot on the choke lever. Place the choke plate on the shaft with the single notch on the edge toward the fuel inlet. Lift the choke shaft and lever up slightly and turn counterclockwise until the stop on the lever clears the spring anchor. Push the shaft down.
How to remove fuel bowl from carburetor?
Remove the fuel bowl from the carburetor body. The fuel bowl may be attached with either a bolt or the high-speed mixture screw. Push the hinge pin out of the carburetor body with a small pin or pin punch. Take care to tap only the pin to avoid damaging the carburetor body. Remove the float assembly, inlet needle valve and fuel bowl gasket.
How to remove float assembly?
Remove the float assembly, inlet needle valve and fuel bowl gasket. If your carburetor contains an idle mixture screw, remove it along with the spring. Rotate the throttle plate to the closed position, remove the throttle plate screws and the throttle plate. Remove the throttle plate shaft and foam seal.
How to disconnect anti-afterfire solenoid?
Disconnect the device, known as an anti-afterfire solenoid, by removing the wire connector from the solenoid's receptacle. With the carburetor still connected to the governor, unfasten the carburetor mounting bolts. If a connecting pipe joins the carburetor to the engine block, first remove the pipe mounting bolts.
What to do if your engine does not have a fuel valve?
If your engine does not contain a fuel valve, use a fuel line clamp to prevent fuel from draining out of the tank while the carburetor is disconnected from the engine . Some carburetors contain an electrical device at the base of the fuel bowl to control afterfire.
Briggs and Stratton Carburetor Troubleshooting
Briggs and Stratton’s engines are made with 3 types of carburetors. They can be made with a primer system, choke system, and auto-choke system. Whenever you are facing any kind of issues with your carburetor, make sure to check the model. The number is stamped in the engine or printed in the label engine or the valve cover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have added some of the frequently asked questions so that you guys can get a thorough idea about the subject.
Conclusion
Issues with the carburetor can destroy the equipment in different ways. Many of the equipment issues start with the carburetor. This is why it is vital to ensure regular maintenance of the equipment.
