#1: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 02:55:42 by FDR
I have a Sears lawn mower, rear drive, 6.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton engine
that is five years old. It didn't get much use when we got it in the fall
five years ago, and then the following years we had somebody mow our lawn so
it sat for four years. This spring I fired it up and it ran well until the
last few times. The symptoms are this:
Takes several tries to get started. Prime the bulb and pull cord, will run
for 5 seconds and stop. Repeat this five or so times until it stays
running.
Then will run for 20 or so minutes and then run erratically and stall After
stalling, the engine must be bulb primed to get started again. Will run for
a minute and then stall again. Repeats this over and over until I give up.
Before I bring this in to get serviced, can I get an idea what might be
causing this. I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
Thanks for your replies.
Report this message |
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#2: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 03:00:53 by fr0g
"FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:iY2jg.14794$W97.9599@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
> I have a Sears lawn mower, rear drive, 6.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton engine
> that is five years old. It didn't get much use when we got it in the
fall
> five years ago, and then the following years we had somebody mow our lawn
so
> it sat for four years. This spring I fired it up and it ran well until
the
> last few times. The symptoms are this:
>
> Takes several tries to get started. Prime the bulb and pull cord, will
run
> for 5 seconds and stop. Repeat this five or so times until it stays
> running.
>
> Then will run for 20 or so minutes and then run erratically and stall
After
> stalling, the engine must be bulb primed to get started again. Will run
for
> a minute and then stall again. Repeats this over and over until I give
up.
>
> Before I bring this in to get serviced, can I get an idea what might be
> causing this.
Carburetion/ fuel system (from sitting)
>I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
Only you can answer this.
Report this message |
#3: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 03:23:49 by FDR
"fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:913jg.11674$Bj6.9835@trnddc08...
>
> "FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:iY2jg.14794$W97.9599@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
>> I have a Sears lawn mower, rear drive, 6.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton engine
>> that is five years old. It didn't get much use when we got it in the
> fall
>> five years ago, and then the following years we had somebody mow our lawn
> so
>> it sat for four years. This spring I fired it up and it ran well until
> the
>> last few times. The symptoms are this:
>>
>> Takes several tries to get started. Prime the bulb and pull cord, will
> run
>> for 5 seconds and stop. Repeat this five or so times until it stays
>> running.
>>
>> Then will run for 20 or so minutes and then run erratically and stall
> After
>> stalling, the engine must be bulb primed to get started again. Will run
> for
>> a minute and then stall again. Repeats this over and over until I give
> up.
>>
>> Before I bring this in to get serviced, can I get an idea what might be
>> causing this.
>
> Carburetion/ fuel system (from sitting)
Would that mean a nwe carb? What exactly would cause it to have problems at
startup and after running 20 minutes? I assume heat is an issue, but how?
>
>
>>I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
>
> Only you can answer this.
I'll have to research the price of a carb. I could probably do it myself.
Report this message |
#4: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 03:34:52 by Srgnt Billko
"FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Fm3jg.14799$W97.8885@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
>
> "fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:913jg.11674$Bj6.9835@trnddc08...
>>
>> "FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:iY2jg.14794$W97.9599@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
>>> I have a Sears lawn mower, rear drive, 6.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton engine
>>> that is five years old. It didn't get much use when we got it in the
>> fall
>>> five years ago, and then the following years we had somebody mow our
>>> lawn
>> so
>>> it sat for four years. This spring I fired it up and it ran well until
>> the
>>> last few times. The symptoms are this:
>>>
>>> Takes several tries to get started. Prime the bulb and pull cord, will
>> run
>>> for 5 seconds and stop. Repeat this five or so times until it stays
>>> running.
>>>
>>> Then will run for 20 or so minutes and then run erratically and stall
>> After
>>> stalling, the engine must be bulb primed to get started again. Will run
>> for
>>> a minute and then stall again. Repeats this over and over until I give
>> up.
>>>
>>> Before I bring this in to get serviced, can I get an idea what might be
>>> causing this.
>>
>> Carburetion/ fuel system (from sitting)
>
> Would that mean a nwe carb? What exactly would cause it to have problems
> at startup and after running 20 minutes? I assume heat is an issue, but
> how?
>
>>
>>
>>>I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
>>
>> Only you can answer this.
>
> I'll have to research the price of a carb. I could probably do it myself.
I never met a carbuerator you couldn't clean. Some of my equipment is 30,
40 & 50 years old - and I've never bought a new carbureator. The closest I
came was a rebuilt carb on a 1940's Jeep.
Report this message |
#5: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 03:35:04 by fr0g
"FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Fm3jg.14799$W97.8885@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
>
> "fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:913jg.11674$Bj6.9835@trnddc08...
> >
> > "FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:iY2jg.14794$W97.9599@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
> >> I have a Sears lawn mower, rear drive, 6.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton
engine
> >> that is five years old. It didn't get much use when we got it in the
> > fall
> >> five years ago, and then the following years we had somebody mow our
lawn
> > so
> >> it sat for four years. This spring I fired it up and it ran well until
> > the
> >> last few times. The symptoms are this:
> >>
> >> Takes several tries to get started. Prime the bulb and pull cord, will
> > run
> >> for 5 seconds and stop. Repeat this five or so times until it stays
> >> running.
> >>
> >> Then will run for 20 or so minutes and then run erratically and stall
> > After
> >> stalling, the engine must be bulb primed to get started again. Will
run
> > for
> >> a minute and then stall again. Repeats this over and over until I give
> > up.
> >>
> >> Before I bring this in to get serviced, can I get an idea what might be
> >> causing this.
> >
> > Carburetion/ fuel system (from sitting)
>
> Would that mean a nwe carb? What exactly would cause it to have problems
at
> startup and after running 20 minutes? I assume heat is an issue, but how?
I'd look at fuel delivery first. Check the screen in the tank and the gas
cap (vent). It sounds (to me) like the flow of fuel is restricted. I've seen
the cap vent cause this problem. After that checks out I'd look at the carb.
Pull it, disassemble, clean, adjust, re-install. I bet you'll find some crud
in the passages and restrictions in the fuel supply.
> I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
You might be able to get an estimate to better help you decide.
Report this message |
#6: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 03:38:21 by FDR
"fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:cx3jg.11681$Bj6.2716@trnddc08...
>
> I'd look at fuel delivery first. Check the screen in the tank and the gas
> cap (vent). It sounds (to me) like the flow of fuel is restricted. I've
> seen
> the cap vent cause this problem. After that checks out I'd look at the
> carb.
> Pull it, disassemble, clean, adjust, re-install. I bet you'll find some
> crud
> in the passages and restrictions in the fuel supply.
What would be reasonable to clean it with? Rag, solvent, WD40?
>
>
>> I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
> You might be able to get an estimate to better help you decide.
Report this message |
#7: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 03:46:28 by fr0g
"FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:hA3jg.14803$W97.344@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
>
> "fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:cx3jg.11681$Bj6.2716@trnddc08...
> >
>
> > I'd look at fuel delivery first. Check the screen in the tank and the
gas
> > cap (vent). It sounds (to me) like the flow of fuel is restricted. I've
> > seen
> > the cap vent cause this problem. After that checks out I'd look at the
> > carb.
> > Pull it, disassemble, clean, adjust, re-install. I bet you'll find some
> > crud
> > in the passages and restrictions in the fuel supply.
>
> What would be reasonable to clean it with? Rag, solvent, WD40?
Go to the Auto Parts Store and get some "Gum Out" or similar carb cleaning
solvent. Wear eye protection and use in a well ventilated area (that stuff
is nasty). Use a toothbrush and fine wire to clean all the passages. Blow
out with air, re-assemble exactly in the reverse sequence from the way you
took it apart. I usually work on a clean towel so I can see all the parts if
they drop.
Report this message |
#8: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 04:04:54 by William.Plummer
My guess is your mower is overheating. Are there leaves and grass
clippings clogging the cooling fins?
FDR wrote:
> I have a Sears lawn mower, rear drive, 6.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton engine
> that is five years old. It didn't get much use when we got it in the fall
> five years ago, and then the following years we had somebody mow our lawn so
> it sat for four years. This spring I fired it up and it ran well until the
> last few times. The symptoms are this:
>
> Takes several tries to get started. Prime the bulb and pull cord, will run
> for 5 seconds and stop. Repeat this five or so times until it stays
> running.
>
> Then will run for 20 or so minutes and then run erratically and stall After
> stalling, the engine must be bulb primed to get started again. Will run for
> a minute and then stall again. Repeats this over and over until I give up.
>
> Before I bring this in to get serviced, can I get an idea what might be
> causing this. I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
>
> Thanks for your replies.
>
>
>
>
>
>
Report this message |
#9: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 04:17:55 by FDR
"Stubby" <William.Plummer@alum.mit.edu> wrote in message
news:FuCdnXGKVIIXVhHZnZ2dnUVZ_tqdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> My guess is your mower is overheating. Are there leaves and grass
> clippings clogging the cooling fins?
No, doesn't look it.
>
>
> FDR wrote:
>> I have a Sears lawn mower, rear drive, 6.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton engine
>> that is five years old. It didn't get much use when we got it in the
>> fall five years ago, and then the following years we had somebody mow our
>> lawn so it sat for four years. This spring I fired it up and it ran well
>> until the last few times. The symptoms are this:
>>
>> Takes several tries to get started. Prime the bulb and pull cord, will
>> run for 5 seconds and stop. Repeat this five or so times until it stays
>> running.
>>
>> Then will run for 20 or so minutes and then run erratically and stall
>> After stalling, the engine must be bulb primed to get started again.
>> Will run for a minute and then stall again. Repeats this over and over
>> until I give up.
>>
>> Before I bring this in to get serviced, can I get an idea what might be
>> causing this. I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
>>
>> Thanks for your replies.
>>
>>
>>
>>
Report this message |
#10: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 04:19:03 by FDR
"fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:UH3jg.11684$Bj6.920@trnddc08...
>
> "FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:hA3jg.14803$W97.344@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
>>
>> "fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:cx3jg.11681$Bj6.2716@trnddc08...
>> >
>>
>> > I'd look at fuel delivery first. Check the screen in the tank and the
> gas
>> > cap (vent). It sounds (to me) like the flow of fuel is restricted. I've
>> > seen
>> > the cap vent cause this problem. After that checks out I'd look at the
>> > carb.
>> > Pull it, disassemble, clean, adjust, re-install. I bet you'll find some
>> > crud
>> > in the passages and restrictions in the fuel supply.
>>
>> What would be reasonable to clean it with? Rag, solvent, WD40?
>
> Go to the Auto Parts Store and get some "Gum Out" or similar carb cleaning
> solvent. Wear eye protection and use in a well ventilated area (that stuff
> is nasty). Use a toothbrush and fine wire to clean all the passages. Blow
> out with air, re-assemble exactly in the reverse sequence from the way you
> took it apart. I usually work on a clean towel so I can see all the parts
> if
> they drop.
Thanks. It's been almost twenty years since I worked on cars and I've lost
my memory of how to do repair engines.
Report this message |
#11: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 05:50:12 by fr0g
"FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ra4jg.14806$W97.4214@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
>
> "fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:UH3jg.11684$Bj6.920@trnddc08...
> >
> > "FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:hA3jg.14803$W97.344@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
> >>
> >> "fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
> >> news:cx3jg.11681$Bj6.2716@trnddc08...
> >> >
> >>
> >> > I'd look at fuel delivery first. Check the screen in the tank and the
> > gas
> >> > cap (vent). It sounds (to me) like the flow of fuel is restricted.
I've
> >> > seen
> >> > the cap vent cause this problem. After that checks out I'd look at
the
> >> > carb.
> >> > Pull it, disassemble, clean, adjust, re-install. I bet you'll find
some
> >> > crud
> >> > in the passages and restrictions in the fuel supply.
> >>
> >> What would be reasonable to clean it with? Rag, solvent, WD40?
> >
> > Go to the Auto Parts Store and get some "Gum Out" or similar carb
cleaning
> > solvent. Wear eye protection and use in a well ventilated area (that
stuff
> > is nasty). Use a toothbrush and fine wire to clean all the passages.
Blow
> > out with air, re-assemble exactly in the reverse sequence from the way
you
> > took it apart. I usually work on a clean towel so I can see all the
parts
> > if
> > they drop.
>
> Thanks. It's been almost twenty years since I worked on cars and I've
lost
> my memory of how to do repair engines.
I too suffer from CRS (Can't Remember Shit). Just take it slow, make notes
of the sequential steps (if you need to). Clean each part and lay it out in
order. They've not changed a lot in 20 years. You don't get extra points for
leftover parts. :-)
Report this message |
#12: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 14:04:14 by willshak
FDR wrote:
> "fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:cx3jg.11681$Bj6.2716@trnddc08...
>
>
>
>> I'd look at fuel delivery first. Check the screen in the tank and the gas
>> cap (vent). It sounds (to me) like the flow of fuel is restricted. I've
>> seen
>> the cap vent cause this problem. After that checks out I'd look at the
>> carb.
>> Pull it, disassemble, clean, adjust, re-install. I bet you'll find some
>> crud
>> in the passages and restrictions in the fuel supply.
>>
>
> What would be reasonable to clean it with? Rag, solvent, WD40?
>
If you don't know what to clean a carburetor with, I wouldn't suggest
taking the carb apart. Spend the $50 or $60 and find a reliable small
motor repair shop. I paid $70 to have my garden tractor's carb cleaned.
It would have been much cheaper if I could have delivered the mower to
the shop myself. As it was, the bill included pick up and delivery of
the tractor.
>
>
>>
>>> I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
>>>
>> You might be able to get an estimate to better help you decide.
>>
>
>
>
--
Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
To Email, remove the double zeroes after 'at'
Report this message |
#13: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 14:31:10 by Ken Weitzel
fr0g wrote:
> "FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:ra4jg.14806$W97.4214@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
>
>>"fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>news:UH3jg.11684$Bj6.920@trnddc08...
>>
>>>"FDR" <_removespamfilter_fdr@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>>news:hA3jg.14803$W97.344@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
>>>
>>>>"fr0g" <fr0g@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>>>news:cx3jg.11681$Bj6.2716@trnddc08...
>>>>
>>>>>I'd look at fuel delivery first. Check the screen in the tank and the
>>>
>>>gas
>>>
>>>>>cap (vent). It sounds (to me) like the flow of fuel is restricted.
>
> I've
>
>>>>>seen
>>>>>the cap vent cause this problem. After that checks out I'd look at
>
> the
>
>>>>>carb.
>>>>>Pull it, disassemble, clean, adjust, re-install. I bet you'll find
>
> some
>
>>>>>crud
>>>>>in the passages and restrictions in the fuel supply.
>>>>
>>>>What would be reasonable to clean it with? Rag, solvent, WD40?
>>>
>>>Go to the Auto Parts Store and get some "Gum Out" or similar carb
>
> cleaning
>
>>>solvent. Wear eye protection and use in a well ventilated area (that
>
> stuff
>
>>>is nasty). Use a toothbrush and fine wire to clean all the passages.
>
> Blow
>
>>>out with air, re-assemble exactly in the reverse sequence from the way
>
> you
>
>>>took it apart. I usually work on a clean towel so I can see all the
>
> parts
>
>>>if
>>>they drop.
>>
>>Thanks. It's been almost twenty years since I worked on cars and I've
>
> lost
>
>>my memory of how to do repair engines.
>
>
> I too suffer from CRS (Can't Remember Shit). Just take it slow, make notes
> of the sequential steps (if you need to). Clean each part and lay it out in
> order. They've not changed a lot in 20 years. You don't get extra points for
> leftover parts. :-)
Hi...
I guess I have it too... darn! - forgot what I was going to say :)
Ahhh, got it. Virtually everyone these days has a digital camera,
or at least one available to borrow. Pics are free with them, so
as you dissasemble take lots and lots of pictures of everything
from every angle.
Makes it much much easier to put things back together correctly :)
Take care.
Ken
Report this message |
#14: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 14:31:53 by Ether Jones
FDR wrote:
> I have a Sears lawn mower, rear drive, 6.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton engine
> that is five years old. It didn't get much use when we got it in the fall
> five years ago, and then the following years we had somebody mow our lawn so
> it sat for four years. This spring I fired it up and it ran well until the
> last few times. The symptoms are this:
>
> Takes several tries to get started. Prime the bulb and pull cord, will run
> for 5 seconds and stop. Repeat this five or so times until it stays
> running.
>
> Then will run for 20 or so minutes and then run erratically and stall After
> stalling, the engine must be bulb primed to get started again. Will run for
> a minute and then stall again. Repeats this over and over until I give up.
>
> Before I bring this in to get serviced, can I get an idea what might be
> causing this. I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
>
> Thanks for your replies.
You didn't mentioned whether or not you prepared the engine for storage
4 years ago before you let it sit unused for 4 years. Did you
completely drain out the gasoline and run the engine until it stalled
from lack of gas? Gas goes "stale" after a few months and can create
"varnish" deposits in the carburetor which interfere with proper
carburetion.
If you're not mechanically inclined, and aren't prepared to disassemble
the carburetor, then you might try this first: If you haven't already
done so, completely drain the old stale gas out of the tank, and fill
with fresh gas. Then go to WalMart and buy a bottle of Chevron
Techron. Put a couple of ounces in the gas tank and run the engine for
5 minutes. Then shut it off and let the mower sit for 24 hours. Then
start the engine again and let run for 5 minutes. Repeat this for a
week or until the problem clears up.
Report this message |
#15: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-12 14:53:07 by FDR
"Ether Jones" <EtherJones@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1150115513.904326.251250@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> FDR wrote:
>> I have a Sears lawn mower, rear drive, 6.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton engine
>> that is five years old. It didn't get much use when we got it in the
>> fall
>> five years ago, and then the following years we had somebody mow our lawn
>> so
>> it sat for four years. This spring I fired it up and it ran well until
>> the
>> last few times. The symptoms are this:
>>
>> Takes several tries to get started. Prime the bulb and pull cord, will
>> run
>> for 5 seconds and stop. Repeat this five or so times until it stays
>> running.
>>
>> Then will run for 20 or so minutes and then run erratically and stall
>> After
>> stalling, the engine must be bulb primed to get started again. Will run
>> for
>> a minute and then stall again. Repeats this over and over until I give
>> up.
>>
>> Before I bring this in to get serviced, can I get an idea what might be
>> causing this. I'm wondering if it's worth the repair bill.
>>
>> Thanks for your replies.
>
> You didn't mentioned whether or not you prepared the engine for storage
> 4 years ago before you let it sit unused for 4 years. Did you
> completely drain out the gasoline and run the engine until it stalled
> from lack of gas? Gas goes "stale" after a few months and can create
> "varnish" deposits in the carburetor which interfere with proper
> carburetion.
>
> If you're not mechanically inclined, and aren't prepared to disassemble
> the carburetor, then you might try this first: If you haven't already
> done so, completely drain the old stale gas out of the tank, and fill
> with fresh gas. Then go to WalMart and buy a bottle of Chevron
> Techron. Put a couple of ounces in the gas tank and run the engine for
> 5 minutes. Then shut it off and let the mower sit for 24 hours. Then
> start the engine again and let run for 5 minutes. Repeat this for a
> week or until the problem clears up.
It was free of gas when I stored it. It ran well for the first four or five
times I had it out of storage, just stated going bad recently.
Report this message |
#16: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-13 02:38:44 by James
Overheating after five seconds ???
Come onnnnnnnnnnnnnn !!!
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#17: Re: Perculiar lawn mower problem
Posted on 2006-06-16 21:22:19 by randy_47712
These guys sometimes have a fuel pump in the carb that runs on vaccum.
If so, the diaphram can be replaced. I have had problems with ethanol
in the gas. Make sure the fuel flows freely from the gas tank. If
not, the fuel line and float bowl will be full initially but the fuel
flow won't keep up with the usage. In about 20 min. the engine will
starve for fuel.
Report this message |
