Lawn Mower

[harry manka]

My 5-6 year old lawn mower with Briggs & Stratton 4.5 HP engine is acting up. Worked fine until yesterday when I refilled it with gas and now it starts but engine stops in 2-3 seconds. Checked/cleaned the plug and checked oil. Could it be that gas line is clogged and engine is not getting continuous supply of gas? Any thoughts? thanks.

Harry

[Joseph Meehan]

It would appear you had bad gas or you stired something up from the tank or the gas can.

[SJF]

Some guesses, and that's all they are --

1. Starts with a prime (assuming it has a primer bulb) but then dies because the main jet is plugged.

1. If it has a choke, the choke is not releasing -- engine floods and dies. In this case you should see heavy smoke as it quits.

2. The gas line from tank to carburetor is plugged -- in line with your analysis. Same thing -- could be trash in the bottom of the gas tank.

[Colbyt]

When was the last time you cleaned the air filter? That and the other two posts are all I can think of.

Colbyt

[Bennett Price]

[harry manka]

I will check the air filter. But what do you mean "bad gas"? Do you mean some dirt got into it?

[Colbyt]

"bad gas" usually means water or containments that does not allow it combust normally. Water is the most common problem.

Colbyt

[Phisherman]

Take out the gas tank, empty it out and blow out the lines. Hemostats are helpful with this procedure. Fill with fresh premium gas.

[harry manka]

I simply removed the air filter and put it back and the mower works like a charm! I can't explain it but I am happy as long as it works. thanks for all the suggestions.

Harry