OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines Briggs & Stratton 4hp fuel issues

Hello everyone!
I pulled out the Rover Prince today to give it a run just because I can.
Ive found it has an issue... let me explain...
upon starting the engine it would run up fine for about a minute and then would shut down. I would immediately try to restart it but it will simply refuse.
If I let it stand for a couple of minutes and try starting again it will fire up and only run for a few seconds before stopping.
I removed the tank and removed the carburettor, the gasket looks fine, the pickups looked clean.
I checked the jet and needle and it too looked clear.
I reinstalled the tank and carburettor and restarted. It again started fine and would run for a minute and die again.
I removed the carburettor and changed it out for another tank and carburettor.
It started fine, idles perfectly and ran with no sign of any issue. I increased engine speed and just upon reaching full throttle a lot of fuel mist and drops are noticed being knocked out of the air intake and the engine dies.
Much head scratching happening. Otherwise it runs like a champion!
Any ideas?
Thanks Everyone!

Hi Unimog,
With the replacement tank and carb did you have the air cleaner screw in place, the generally cough and splatter a bit without it.
Otherwise check the valve clearances cold. Intake 5 thou - 7 thou. Exhaust 7 thou - 9 thou.

Found the problem!
There is a coil spring and cup washer under the carburettor which was on the wrong side of the gasket. I simply reassembled it as it came apart. Been that way for 35 years. Probably why the engine was never run. Anyway she starts and revs up nicely. Sounds super strong!
Thanks ted for your answer too.

Good stuff you found what was wrong.. The 1st briggs I worked on was an old Rover I did just that put the spring and cup on the wrong side of the gasket buggered if I could get it to run right, think that's how I found ODK trying to work out what was wrong with it...

Interesting.....I had a similar problem with a 3.5 hp sprint. It would run for a few minute, then the primer bulb would suck in then it would die,it often wouldnt start till cool. A few suggestiins were offered but unfortunately with no resolve. I would create a vacuum behind the bulb then had to wait till it popped out of its own accord....I will check this issue you had and see if it relates to my issue:)

Cheers on the good outcome Uni:)