Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)/prime button

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Question
Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to help out.  I have an Ace Hardware mower.  It has a Briggs & Stratton motor.  It has been a good mower for me.  However, I just tried to start it and when I push the prime button, it does not seem to have as much"oomph".  Usually the balloon part pushes out slow.  Now it pushes out fairly fast and will not start.  How can I fix this?  It is 3.5 HP and 20".  Thanks.

Answer
The primer bulb could be bad.  Usually if the primer does not function correctly you have to remove and clean the carburetor.  

Below are some videos that show how to rebuild your carb;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5nzigcNTwo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoPs2_Meo88&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg4OWXW520k

Let me know if the videos help.

Eric

Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)

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Eric A. Jones

Expertise

Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.

Experience

Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.

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