Briggs & Stratton Engine Problem

[Oren]

This thread is the first time I've read about using WD-40. Never observed a mechanic use it, but rather they used carb / starting fluid.

Thanks.

(G)

[pheeh.zero]

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Starting fluid (ether) is never used by anyone who knows their stuff...

2-cycles (or even 4) are likely to blow-up in your face! Too much carb cleaner will dry the cylinder wall and thin the oil.

[Oren]

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Perhaps they should stop selling it :)

I would use it on a four stroke any time I work on a fuel starved engine.

If one uses that much; to dry cylinder walls, etc. then they need to re-evaluated their usage.

Or, change the oil :-)

[pheeh.zero]

Key phase here: ...knows their stuff. 8^)

[pheeh.zero]

Key phrase here: knows their stuff. 8^)

[Manjo]

Thanks. Designing carbs has to be one of the black arts. Trying to understand them without all the documentation is a real challenge.

I'll just keep plugging along. Since I can start it and keep it running at 1/2 choke until it warms up, then go to no choke, I'm good for the short term.

Again, my thanks to everyone here for their input. When I get this fixed so I have full power and it starts with one pull as it did when I bought it, I'll post whatever I found.

Manjo

[Oren]

I learned something here about using WD-40, so I'll try this if I ever need to spray a carb intake in the future.

When I have used starting fluid, in the past it has been one or two squirts into the carb. I don't flood the thing, just try to get the engine fired up. I don't have a can now, but WD-40 I have :)

[Oren]

One more thing I can think of is, if the plug is the right heat range (correct plug number) and the gap is set properly.

As to carbs.. it's fun when they run and you still have ten parts left in the kit box :-))

[pheeh.zero]

Especially with the price of gas as it is...people will try to use old gas and not have any luck starting. Drain the gas if you haven't done it last fall and use fresh gas. (even Sta-Bil has its limitations)

[pheeh.zero]

alas...our thread is lost amid putrid spam!

[Manjo]

I'm using the spec Champion spark plug at spec gap and I used 2 different spec spark plugs (the last is brand new).

I'm now assuming and testing for a carb fuel flow problem. I've ordered a new pick-up tube and a spring for the idle screw just to be on the safe side. I have turned the idle screw to several different setting with no starting improvement. I'm going to pull the carb today for the last time and take off all the rubber parts and soak it in Berrymans Carb Cleaner (I have a gallon can with a screen tray for dipping). I did use spray carb cleaner a week ago that "seemed" to help. So I'm thinking a 3-5 minute soak should get any crap and varnish that might still be in the circuits.

As for old gas, I have removed, drained and flushed the tank already and adding freshest gas provides little improvement. The leaf blower seems to run better with 2-3 ounces of Berrymans Carb Fluid mixed with a full tank of gas. Even with the carb cleaner fluid it still takes

2-3 starts before the engine keeps running on 1/2 choke and then after 9-12 minutes I can turn the choke off completely, but the engine does run a lot longer than 2 weeks ago.

(I have been using WD-40, but I haven't needed it the last couple of days. WD-40 doesn't make starting that much easier, but reading about all the down sides of starter fluid in the earlier posts makes it easier to accept a little harder starting using WD-40 when I have to).

Best regards,

Manjo

[Oren]

The times I have soaked a carb I always soaked them overnight or 24 hours. The auto parts store used to sell these kits, with the strainer (tells how long it's been:). It was branded/named GUNK. Drop the carb in and clean the next day. Wash rinsed with water and blown out with an air hose.

Remove jets, screws, etc and drop all the parts into the strainer for a GOOD soak.

[pheeh.zero]

"The times I have soaked a carb I always soaked them overnight or 24 hours. The auto parts store used to sell these kits, with the strainer (tells how long it's been:). It was branded/named GUNK. Drop the carb in and clean the next day. Wash rinsed with water and blown out with an air hose.

Remove jets, screws, etc and drop all the parts into the strainer for a GOOD soak."

Oren...I remember rebuilding my 66 Chev Impala 2-barrel and using lacquer thinner for the soak!

[George]

Really, take a good look at it. I had a string trimmer with similar start/die problems, that I spent weeks on. Rebuilt the fuel pump, etc. Then I cleaned the 'spark suppressor' screen, and it's run perfectly since.

I've since been told that running small engines at less than WOT will load them up with carbon.

George

[pheeh.zero]

Geo, this is a 4-cycle, I know...the thread is a little long!

[S. Barker]

Those screens need to be drilled out and thrown away. We had EVERY one we ever bought clog WITH the proper mix and all day WOT use.

steve