OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines Briggs and Stratton won't start

Hi everybody. I have a problem with my mower and I hope that you can help.

I have a B&S 5.5 HP Model 128802 (type 0211-01, code 93092 159) engine on a Snapper lawn mower that was purchased in 1995. I had to ship it to my new address so it spent about 3 months drained of oil and gas. Before it was shipped it ran great. I tried to restart it this weekend and couldn't get it started.

Here's what I've done so far. Added 20 ounces of SAE30 oil, new plug (Champion RJ19LM) gapped to 0.030 inch, new air filter, and added fresh gas.

When I added the fresh gas, the gas started to flow out of the air cleaner so I removed and cleaned the carburetor. The float didn't have any fluid in it and there was some debris in the needle valve. After replacing the carburetor the gas no longer flowed out of the air cleaner and the bowl of the carburetor was filled with gas.

The plug does spark when held against the motor and the cord is pulled. Even after trying to start it repeatedly, the spark plug is dry and doesn't smell like gas.

When I pull the starter cord the engine sounds like it is trying to start but it just doesn't have the gas to run. What else can I try to get this mower started?

Thanks for your help.
Kelly

Kelly,

It sounds like when you removed the carby to clean it you did not replace the gasket between the air filter & carby. This will cause you problems as it will not get the correct fuel air mix to run.

Also did you clean out the main jet (bolt that holds the carby bowl on) when you removed the bowl?

Hi Bruce!

I'll replace that gasket and see what happens. The gasket must have been very degraded because I didn't even notice that it was there.

I cleaned out the main jet which had some buildup in it. When I removed the main jet it was on very tight but I found a reference that says I should install it fairly loosely (1-1.5 turns back from contact with the seat inside the bowl). When I do this, gas leaks out from around the bolt. Am I missing another gasket or am I installing the bolt too loosely?

Thanks for your help!
Kelly

Kelly,

Do you have a washer on the bolt that holds the bowl on?

Bruce,

Nope. There was no washer on the bolt. I suppose that there should have been one? It looks like the last person who had took the carb apart forgot a piece or two.

I begining to wonder how it was running so well before.

Thanks,
Kelly

Kelly,

If you go HERE you will see what parts you are missing. Just type in the model number and get the parts list.

Hi Bruce!

I wanted to thank you for your help. I replaced the seals in the carburetor and cleaned the carburetor jet. After reassembling everything, the engine started on the first pull.

Thanks so much for your help.
Kelly

Kelly,

Glad to see all worked out well. What parts did you find missing?