AboutJohn C. Bridgers Sr. Expertise Small Engine Service Center Co-Owner - ATVs, Mowers, Trimmers, Snow throwers, and Many Other Small Engine Operated Equipment. I can answer questions pertaining to Most Lawn and Garden Equipment, e.g. riders, tillers, trimmers, cement mixers, chainsaws, etc. I have been repairing small engines for 34 years. Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Kohler, Lawn Boy, Stihl, Poulan, Mac, and Honda; to name a few.
Experience
Past/Present clients I have worked on small air/water cooled engines for 34 Years. I performed warranty work for Lowes of Wilson and other retailers in the area. I Own a Yard Maintenance and Certified Small Engine Repair Service Center.
Question After my engine runs for a few minutes, it quits, like it is out if gas. upon inspection I notice that the primer pump has been sucked flat. When it comes back out the engine starts right up after priming again.
I have replaced the diaphragm.
The mower was purchased last year. used very little.
I have cleaned the tank
Also I have cleaned the air filter. I have started engine removed tank lid. and air filter. still sucks primer ball flat.
The primer ball is the original ball.
3.5 Briggs and strat. classic
Answer Hello Roy:
The Carburetor is Dirty and the Passages to the Jets are Clogged. Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidential Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. Replace the Primer Bulb. The Bulb has to be Removed to Soak the Carburetor. There is a Clip at the Base of the Primer and this Clip Must be Popped Out to Remove the Bulb. If you are Lucky and Can Remove the Clip Without Damaging it, you can Reuse the Bulb and Retainer Clip if the Bulb is in Good Condition. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
