Lawn mower problem...

jJim McLaughlin · 2007-05-07T19:23:40+00:00

Usually I have no concerns with lawnmower maintence issues...But yesterday I found a problem not previously encountered....Old mower (25 years ?), Sears model 917.372110, has a whopping 3.5 HP "Craftsman" engine, Model 143.374082, which looks to me likea pretty standard Briggs and Stratton.I serviced the mower thoroughly beginning of March. New plug, fresh oil, blade sharpened,new air filter, new coil / ignition module (once every 5 years, it was due).Mower has been used this season about 8 - 10 times, ran fine...Cold start. Follow directions, primeer bulb pushed 5x, waiting about 15 secondsbetween pushes.Pull starter, gets a good loud "pop" just as its supposed to, runs about 5 - 10seconds, dies.Pull again, weaker pop, runs shorter, dies.Re prime. Pull starter, gets a good loud "pop" just as its supposed to, runs about 5 - 10seconds, dies.Pull again, weaker pop, runs shorter, dies.Repeat several times.Clearly, its a fuel supply issue.Getting frustrated, so I walk away. Grass will still bethere in a half hour, and I'll try again in case I flooded it.Come back in half hour, notice intense gasoline odor.Gas is running out the air filter, puddling on the deck and downonto the grass.Tank, which was filled (fresh gas, Stabil) before I started thisadventure is now about 3/4 empty.Remove tank and pour remaining gas back into can.Swear loudly.I'm thinking carburetur issue, probably a split rubber primer bulbor some gasket issue inside carb, alliwing air to go up the fuel lineinto the tank, and fuel to run down the fuel line to fill the float bowland rise up so it drains out the air intake pipe, though the air filterand onto the frund.Air filture is a circular catridge type that screws into a plastic housingat the front end of the air intake tube.I don't like messing with carbs, but will if I have to. I can always haulit to a repair place if I can't fix it. I sure can't break it any more than italready is.Anybody have any idea which B&S engine Sears used in...

May 07, 2007 22 Replies

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Bob F 19 years ago

As I understand it, the float valve controls the fuel level, needle valves control fuel mixture.

Bob

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jJim McLaughlin 19 years ago

MAJOR NIPS

Got the float and the cab kit here locally (Roy Boys, Tigard , OR) and some great advice from the parts counter guy about removing the old jet and reseating the new one.

First time I ever played with the insides of a carb.

It now runs perfectly.

Thanks to all who helped with the diagnosis and pointing to the float.

Drained fuel out of the old float for about a half hour.

Sixteen bucks in parts, supported a local merchan, avoided a $ 75.00 labor bill and leared a new skill.

Thanks folks.

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Bob F 19 years ago

That's what we like to hear.

Bob

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