The Briggs & Stratton engine is the backbone of any lawnmower. But sometimes it sputters and refuses to start, the reason behind this is often the carburetor. The lawnmowers usually mix the fuel and air and then send it to the spark plug. If an improper mixture of fuel and air or the mixture gets blocked, your lawn mower’s engine can cause various problems.
Even a small problem with the carburetor put the engine off balance. The good news is that you can resolve the issue with a few simple steps. If your Briggs and Stratton carburetor is also troubling you, reading and following this Briggs and Stratton carburetor troubleshooting guide will help you eliminate all these worries.
Briggs & Stratton Troubleshooting
If your Briggs and Stratton carburetor has stopped working and you are looking for a troubleshooting guide, this is the best place to get your answers. Lawnmowers mix fuel and air and send the mixture to the spark plug. The mixture drives the piston, resulting in power output. If the wrong fuel/air mixture is used or the path of such a mixture gets blocked, it will cause various problems in your lawn mower engine.
Common Symptoms of Briggs & Stratton Carburetor
Before delving into the Briggs and Stratton Carburetor troubleshooting, First, understand the basic symptoms indicating potential carburetor problems.
Engine Difficulty Starting
If your mower’s engine starts but won’t pass on further, the main culprit could be a clogged carburetor.
Engine Runs Irregularly
The inconsistent, blocked, escalated engine speed usually is a sign of carburetor issues.
Fuel Leaks
The fuel leakage from the carburetor is a sign of a damaged gasket, loose connection, or worn-out components.
Engine Backfires
If the carburetor is backfiring, the reason might be a slant fuel mixture ( having too much air and not enough fuel).
Black Smoke
Excessive black smoke from the engine indicates a rich fuel mixture ( having too much fuel and not enough air).
Possible Reasons of Briggs and Stratton Carburetor Problems
- Overused gaskets slip and become the cause of air leaks, hence disrupting the air-fuel mixture.
- Vacuum leakage draws unmetered air into the engine which causes an improper air-fuel mixture.
- A struck float causes the carburetor to overflow and blocks proper fuel delivery.
- Incorrect adjustment of the screws like mixture and idle screw, and float level promotes a rich or slant fuel mixture.
- Debris, dirt, and residue of olf fuel cloggs passage of fuel, needle valve, and jets inhibiting the proper flow of fuel.
Briggs & Stratton Trouble shooting Steps
Before starting the troubleshooting steps it is good to gather the basic necessary tools including Screwdrivers, Shop rags, Required replacement parts, Socket wrench set, and Carburetor cleaner. Now, it is time to take a deep insight into the troubleshooting steps which are:
1. Diagnosing Diaphragm Issues
The good news is that you can fix this problem with some simple steps. If your Briggs and Stratton carburetor has also been troubling you, reading and following this article will help rid you of all these distresses. For Briggs & Stratton troubleshooting, one should also check its diaphragm. It’s made from rubber material inside the carburetor. The flexible diaphragm dries up due to heat caused by the constant use of a mower and exposure to fuel.
2. Replacing Damaged Diaphragms
For it to operate effectively and correctly, the flexibility of the diaphragm needs maintenance at all times. Therefore, when you realize the torn diaphragm of the mower, replace it immediately with another new one. A rebuilt carburetor usually comes with an entirely different diaphragm and a repair kit containing all essential parts that need replacement using any suitable cleaner available today or even getting hold of these vital materials. It means whether there are any blockages in fuel lines or not.
3. Thorough Cleaning for Optimal Performance
Checking flow lines is one of the first steps during Briggs & Stratton troubleshooting. Check if there is any obstruction in the mixer. If fuel flows freely through flow lines, it is not an issue now. If there is a blockage, use a carburetor cleaner to clean up the fuel lines. It will help dissolve the deposits, thus improving the working and flow of fuel through the lines.
4. Maintenance for Longevity
Cleaning its carburetor is the most basic component of troubleshooting a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower. Do check the priming to maintain the engine’s life. If you notice that the engine’s carburetor is leaking, it must be due to the primer bulb.
Conclusion
Facing problems while using machinery is common, but knowing how to fix those problems is necessary. Briggs & Stratton engine although works efficiently, sometimes also faces problems with its carburetor resulting in difficulty and not operating. However, with the detailed guide and proper knowledge you can troubleshoot the carburetor problems easily. So, If you are searching for a Carburetor troubleshooting guide, this is the place for you. Reading this article will help you in Briggs and Stratton troubleshooting and make your lawnmower work smoothly and efficiently.
FAQs
1. Why Is My Fuel Pump Making A Fuss In Sending Fuel?
If your fuel pump is not sending fuel properly to the engine, there might be problems, like a blown fuse, control module, loose wiring connector, fault in wiring, or issue with the anti-theft system. Check all parts of the system, and if there is no problem with any part, then replace the fuel pump.
2. Do Idle Mixture Screws Adjust Fuel Or Air?
The idle mixture screw adjusts the volume of fuel going into the engine. You can reduce the amount of fuel by turning the screw clockwise. By turning the screw in an anti-clockwise direction, you can increase the amount of fuel.
3. What are the indications of a dirty carburetor?
A dirty carburetor causes a variety of problems with your engine’s operation including difficulty starting, problems with the engine speed, fuel issues, etc. If you’re facing symptoms like this, it indicates that the carburetor is dirt and needs cleaning and service.
4. Is it Possible to clean a Briggs and Stratton Carburetor without removing it?
Yes, you can clean a Briggs and Stratton Carburetor without removing it. Always clean it using Carburetor cleaner to remove debris. In addition, you can also solve its other problems without removing it.