I very recently bought a brand new walk-behind mower powered by a Briggs/Stratton 4.5 hp engine. The first time I cranked it (pullstarter), it cranked on the first pull. The "first crank" operation continued until I cleaned the foam airfilter (warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly). I got the clean filter dry first by squeezing out all excess water and then by continuing to squeeze it in a handful of dry paper towels. When I replaced the filter it was very slightly damp. The engine cranked on the first pull. It ran just fine for a full minute then died. I cranked it again on the fourth or fifth pull. Same result. One minute of smooth opp, then it died. I've just cranked it for the fourth time with the same result. If the foam airfilter wasn't perfectly dry, would enough moisture have accumulated somewhere to cause this problem? If so, how do I remove a few droplets of water from the system? I have run this engine for less than 3 hours in very dusty conditions. The fuel tank vents are clear.
- posted
19 years ago