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About Robert Dunn
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Briggs & Stratton engine repair

Experience
10 years experience; 5 years apprentice, 5 years shop owner and mechanic

Education/Credentials
ICS Learning Center (Graduate Small Engine Repair) Local schools on small engine repair and business management

Past/Present Clients
Walmart Aarons Rent to Own Over 200 private walk-in clients 7 Yard maintenance companies

   

You are here:  Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)

Questions Answered By Expert  Robert Dunn 
In Category  Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)

SubjectDate Asked

Oil in Carburetor11/19/2009
  Q: I believe I am getting oil in my carburetor on a Sabre by John Deere 42" riding mower. I believe it ...
  A: Yes, this is causing the problem. When the crankcase is overfilled, The contaminated oil/gas mixture ...
Honda lawn mower 21611/19/2009
  Q: Robert: Typical problem. Runs ok with choke on, but not off. I took off the carb, cleaned the main ...
  A: Be sure and check all jets and ports to make sure they are open. Compressed air is the best way to ...
Oil in Carburetor11/19/2009
  Q: I believe I am getting oil in my carburetor on a Sabre by John Deere 42" riding mower. I believe it ...
  A: This is a common problem we see. What is happening is that the needle valve is not cutting off the ...
Briggs Model 460707 Diamond I/C 20 hp11/13/2009
  Q: I did put the two dots on gears to match for timing, it seems that I have no or very little ...
  A: It sounds like the valves are not closing due to several possible things such as: out of adjustment, ...
LEAFBLOWER PROBLEMS11/12/2009
  Q: 3 YEAR OLD POULON PRO LEAFBLOWER.SPARK IS GOOD WITH SPARK TESTER.I REPLACED CARB WITH NEW ONE.SAME ...
  A: It sounds like you did all the right things. Remove the muffler and see if it is open. While the ...
Snowblower Problems11/12/2009
  Q: I just bought a Craftsman Snowblower model 536.886540 from someone that was moving. I tested it out ...
  A: It sounds like it is starving for fuel when under a load which would indicate a blockage of a jet or ...
leaking gs when not running11/5/2009
  Q: My Toro 2 cycle lawn mower engine leaks gas out the carburetor/air filter when not running. When ...
  A: It sounds like the needle valve in the carb is not closing off. The best way to fix this problem is ...
Briggs engine oil out of muffler11/5/2009
  Q: I own a 3 y.o. Troybilt bronc with an 18.5hp Intek Briggs and Stratton engine. In September my son ...
  A: Several things could be going on here. The first thing I would check is the oil level in the ...
JohnDeere 16010/30/2009
  Q: Have a JohnDeere 160, original engine. It ran fine this summer, tried to start it for first time in ...
  A: With the spark plug out, place it on the engine and turn the engine over and see if you have spark. ...
Honda 1011 mower stalling out10/30/2009
  Q: I have a 5 speed 1011 mower that has been working great. All of a sudden, after driving it about ...
  A: It sounds like there is a restriction of the fuel which could be trash in the carb and/or tank, or a ...
14 hp vertical briggs10/29/2009
  Q: This unit apparently sucks gas in and spits it back up into the air filter. checked the float ...
  A: First thing to check is your crankcase oil level. A common problem is that the needle valve in the ...
B&S carb and starting10/29/2009
  Q: so here's what I have, 4hp I/C B&S MDL 114902 Type 3150-01 code 86101024 engine. I bought it used, ...
  A: As far as the carb you are on the right track. Just be sure that all jets and ports are open. ...
weedwacker10/23/2009
  Q: Robert Dunn, I have a Craftsman weedwacker,2-cycle, 32cc and the problem is when I pull the starter ...
  A: Dirt and trash can buildup around the starter spindle and cause problems like you have. Use ...
Lawn mower oil ran dry10/23/2009
  Q: I'm normally not this stupid, but I let my lawn mower oil run completely dry. I just wasn't ...
  A: Hate to admit it but I've done the same thing at home. Anyway, it sounds like some damage has been ...
new fuel lines to lawnboy trimmer10/22/2009
  Q: I need to replace the fuel lines on my Lawn Boy trimmer 1400 CL. It has a walbro wt 62a carb. My ...
  A: One line from the fuel tank (the line with the filter) runs directly to the carb. Push the bulb ...
Honda GX390 needs starting fluid to start, but runs great after starting10/15/2009
  Q: I have a pressure washer with a Honda GX390 engine. It has started great until now. When I set the ...
  A: It sounds like it's time for a good carb cleaning job, making sure that all jets and ports are open. ...
17.5 briggs10/8/2009
  Q: I have a Briggs 17.5 ohv model 31c707. I have cleaned the carb and checked all I can think of but ...
  A: Did you check the head gasket for damage? Also you might try backing off the adjustment on the ...
Murray Classic Mower10/8/2009
  Q: I have a murray 20" classic push mower, 6 years old. Well taken care of. It runs good for about ...
  A: Check the magneto arms for rust and/or trash buildup and also the flywheel magnet. It sounds like ...
14.5h.p. engine10/7/2009
  Q: 14.5 briggs model no.287707. type1272-e1. Screw on breather assembly came out got oil in carburetor, ...
  A: It sounds like to me that the valves need re-adjusting, assuming it is an OHV model. I'll Give you ...
Crakcase play10/7/2009
  Q: I have a Briggs & straton 16 hp vanguard vertical shaft engine model 303777 type0411-01. The ...
  A: Yes the surface should be flat. Also check that the flywheel key is in good shape and installed ...
Lawn tractor with b&s engine stalling10/2/2009
  Q: My next door neighbor has an old Murry lawn tractor with a 12 or 12 and 1/2 hp Briggs engine on it. ...
  A: It sounds like there is a fuel blockage. Check the fuel filter if there is one and also check the ...
B&S 28R707 12.5 HP Type: 1120-E110/2/2009
  Q: My Murray riding mower cut off on me last night crossing a yard. It just stopped firing. I tried to ...
  A: Sorry it doesn't sound good. Remove the spark plug and turn the flywheel and see if the piston ...
intech 22 hp not firing10/1/2009
  Q: i have a jhon deere l 118 that will not fire i have disconnected the kill wires on both coila and ...
  A: The first thing I check is the magneto arms and the flywheel magnet for rust and/or trash buildup, ...
17.5 briggs10/1/2009
  Q: I have a Briggs 17.5 ohv model 31c707. I have cleaned the carb and checked all I can think of but ...
  A: It sounds like to me that the valves are out of adjustment. The specs for the valves are as follows: ...
20 hp Briggs and Stratton9/25/2009
  Q: The governor on my neighbors 20 hp Briggs will open up all the way and not come back until he ...
  A: Be sure and check that the throttle linkage is hooked up correctly and that the springs are in ...
John Deere won't turn over9/24/2009
  Q: I have an 02 John Deere L120. It turns over barely like a dead battery but battery is fine. I ...
  A: Turn crankshaft until piston is 1/4" past top dead center on the compression stroke for the ...
Briggs Fuel Pump9/24/2009
  Q: I have a Baker leaf vacuum with a Briggs 9 hp engine electric start. It was running good, and ...
  A: When you cleaned the carb, did you also make sure all the jets and ports were open? Also check the ...
25 hp ohv briggs&Stratton Motor9/23/2009
  Q: I have a 25 hp ohv I/C intek turbo cool Briggs & Stratton motor model#445777 type#0154-E1 on a ...
  A: According to my book, the valve specs are: Intake .007-.009 Exhaust .017-.019. One thing that can ...
B&S on MTD mulcher hard to start9/18/2009
  Q: I have a 10 hp B&S model 204412, type 0276E1 code 040923yE on MTD mulcher that's now hard to start. ...
  A: It sounds like to me that the hard jam you described could have caused the flywheel key to shear or ...
B&S 23HP Huscavarna 48" Followup9/17/2009
  Q: Hey Robert, Followup on question from 8/21/2009. How do I tell when the engine is in the right ...
  A: The easy way is to remove the valve cover, remove the spark plug, and turn the engine by hand to the ...
Briggs and Stratton 19.5 Crafstman Mower9/17/2009
  Q: Origionally mower would only run if choke was at full. I adjusted the carberator, now it runs ...
  A: It sounds like you may still have a carb problem. Try removing the carb and give it a good cleaning ...
mcculoch weedeater9/16/2009
  Q: i have mcculoch weedeater mac 2816 i had it running. i was going to adjust the idle i wound up ...
  A: A good starting point on the adjustment screws is 1 1/2 turns. One screw will have an "H" by it ...
Sears Tecumseh 6.75HP Lawn Mower9/11/2009
  Q: I have a sears walk behind self propelled mower #917.377190. Engine model # 143.006700 family ...
  A: We are a Briggs & Stratton repair shop and don't work on Tecumseh. However I will tell you that you ...
honda gx6709/11/2009
  Q: I installed a new carb on this motor. When it runs at idle it's fine. All the way up throught the ...
  A: The first thing we check is to make sure the gas cap is venting properly and there is no trash in ...
clutch plate plate removal9/11/2009
  Q: I have a Ryboi gas trimmer model 30020a & one of the clutch plates broke. How do I remove the ...
  A: What we do is remove the spark plug and put a piece of rope in the cylinder to keep the engine from ...
Briggs 675 knock, intake smoke9/10/2009
  Q: Dunn, I hope you can help me. In May of 2008, we purchased a Craftsman 22" Self Propelled lawnmower, ...
  A: Your knock could be several things. It could be wear on the piston rod and cap on the crankshaft ...
16 HP Briggs & Stratton Won't Start9/10/2009
  Q: I have an 1998 Ingersoll 4016 with a 16 HP Vanguard engine. When I try to start it, it sounds and ...
  A: First thing is to check that the battery is fully charged. If the starter is spinning but not ...
briggs & stratton 13 hp engine on MTD ride on9/4/2009
  Q: I have a above engine & am wondering why when I went to start it she coughs up oil out of the carby ...
  A: The problem you are describing indicates that the crankcase may be overfilled because of fuel in the ...
lawnmower keeps dying9/3/2009
  Q: my push mower keeps dying and i have to let it cool off before it will start again and it is still ...
  A: You don't say what kind of motor you have so I will have to be general. Check fuel tank for trash ...
mower hard to crank briggs & stratton9/3/2009
  Q: I have a 15.5 Briggs and Stratton ride on mower and it won’t start. I have checked the carby and ...
  A: The spark plug being black and sooty indicates a rich mixture (too much fuel) which would indicate a ...
B&S recoil starter pawl failure9/2/2009
  Q: B&S Model 21A902 Type 0149 E1 Plate-Pawl Friction 695128 Pawl-Ratchet 281505S The engine sometimes ...
  A: Two things could be happening here. First, make sure the blade is tight. If it is, then check the ...
17.5 B&S OHV engine9/2/2009
  Q: Here is the deal, I have put this thing back together due to it having a bad fuel solenoid. I can ...
  A: The first thing I would check would be the setting on the valves. The specs are: Intake .007-.009 ...
Lawn Mower want start9/1/2009
  Q: I have a Craftsman 6.5 push lawn mower. I tried starting the lawn mower on Sunday. I primed the lawn ...
  A: You stated that the engine was smoking but did not say what color the smoke was. If it was a black ...
Motor starts then stops8/28/2009
  Q: I've got a 5 year old mower with a Briggs motor. After only a few minutes tonight, it stopped ...
  A: Without knowing the model # Type # and code # from the engine, I will have to be very general. It ...
B&S 14.5hp OHV won't fire8/27/2009
  Q: The mower be came difficult to start, and finally quit all together. After several attempts it will ...
  A: I am hoping you mean the valves at the closed position, both rocker arms up. Remove the rocker arm ...
B&S 14.5hp OHV won't fire8/27/2009
  Q: The mower be came difficult to start, and finally quit all together. After several attempts it will ...
  A: The correct valve settings are as follows: Intake .007-.009 Exhaust .017-.019. The magneto gap ...
B&S Balancer Issue8/26/2009
  Q: I have a B&S 18 hp rider engine Model 31H777 0202 E1 I have been repairing. The engine threw the ...
  A: I've been doing some research on your question. The only possible answers I can give you are these: ...
Plugs foul - firing shooting out exhaust8/26/2009
  Q: I have a Briggs & Stratton 16hp vanguard v-twin engine; running rich. Every time plugs are replaced ...
  A: The fire from the exhaust is a result of the plug misfiring and when it does fire, it is burning the ...
Mower wont start8/21/2009
  Q: I have a Craftsman GT3000 with a Kohler 23 hp vtwin engine which has been extremely reliable. I ...
  A: There is a dead short somewhere in the electrical system. I would recommend to replace the wiring ...
20 hp Briggs & Stratton8/19/2009
  Q: Model 461707, type 0143E1, code 0011155B. After mowing for an hour or so the engine dies. Won't ...
  A: If after cleaning the magneto arms and flywheel magnet and the problem continues, check the spark as ...
Engine problems8/14/2009
  Q: I have a Cub Cadet w/Briggs & Stratton 18hp V-twin Model #350447 Type 1206-E1 and under this is the ...
  A: Your needle valve needs to be replaced. Also be sure and check your crankcase because it is being ...
Broken pull cord8/14/2009
  Q: I have a Poulan Weed Eater lawn mower, B&S engine, about 12 years old. The pull cord snapped. Is ...
  A: To replace the pull cord, you have to remove the engine cowling. Then take out what is remaining of ...
Lawn Mower won't start8/13/2009
  Q: I have a Craftsman Lawn Mower (Model 917.378490) that was making a strange sound in the engine area ...
  A: It sounds like you may have sheared the flywheel key. If you remove the flywheel, you will be able ...
Engine help8/13/2009
  Q: I have a Briggs and Stratton engine model # 136212 I have only been able to start it one time by ...
  A: The info you received is correct about the fuel not getting to the engine. Not knowing what you were ...
extra gas in cylinder8/11/2009
  Q: I have a Murray riding lawnmower that I'm having some engine problems with. For a couple months ...
  A: Check one other thing first. Check the flywheel and magneto arms for oil and trash buildup. This can ...
5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine8/10/2009
  Q: I have a Craftsman wood-chipper/shredder that has a 5 horse B&S engine. I can't get it started. It ...
  A: I have the same machine at my house too. Remove the air filter and put a small amount of gas in the ...
deere l1108/9/2009
  Q: I have a l110 that used to run fine. It currently fouls the spark plug after 1 hour of use (after I ...
  A: Not knowing what engine you have, I'll have to be general in my answer. First off, if the plug is ...
rough running mtd8/7/2009
  Q: I have a 13.5 horse MTD with a briggs and stratton engine,, it will sit and idle fine , when i try ...
  A: You are correct. Black smoke indicates too much fuel. Try replacing the needle valve and seat and ...
extra gas in cylinder8/6/2009
  Q: I have a Murray riding lawnmower that I'm having some engine problems with. For a couple months ...
  A: It sounds like to me that the problem is in the carb needle valve which would need replacing. Also ...
24 HP Briggs Stalls after 20 minutes8/5/2009
  Q: I have a 2006 model Husqvarna GTH2448T lawnmower that just started stalling after it runs for about ...
  A: The first thing we check would be to see if there is a buildup of rust and/or trash on the flywheel ...
17.5 hp Briggs&Stratton stops running7/30/2009
  Q: Craftsman 917-273372 17.5 OHV riding mower cuts for 20 mins then motor dies let cool down awhile ...
  A: Check your flywheel and magneto for rust and trash buildup. That is the first thing we check for ...
8HP briggs7/29/2009
  Q: When I start the motor it will run for 10 seconds or so then make a loud screeching noise then dies. ...
  A: It sounds like it is the starter clutch. Is this an older engine? If so, there are 5 ball bearings ...
Checking B&S Solid State Module Ingition Coil7/28/2009
  Q: The B&S engine is model 10A902, type 2291.B1, code 01041955.(4 HP) When the blade hit a stump the ...
  A: You need to check the flywheel key first to see if it is sheered or distorted. This can cause a ...
Armature magneto7/25/2009
  Q: I have a Briggs V twin Vanguard 14hp model 294777-0335-01 and lost spark to one cyl. Thought it was ...
  A: It sounds like to me that you might have a dirty or weak magnet on your flywheel or the gap on the ...
Briggs and Stratton 40777 21 HP engine.7/24/2009
  Q: While mowing recently, the on our rider engine started to make a screeching sound and was followed ...
  A: The screeching and white smoke sounds like the deck was in a bind and the belt was not turning with ...
12 hp briggs7/23/2009
  Q: need to chand bottom seal its on a toro riding mower is there any thing that i need to take off ...
  A: The easiest way to change the seal is to remove the bottom plate from the crankcase. If you can get ...
Briggs and Stratton 6.75hp will not start7/23/2009
  Q: I bought a newer lawn mower from an ex-neighbour who used it twice and said it was too hard to push ...
  A: Sounds like a real mystery but don't give up yet. Let's try a few things. Did you also clean the ...
14 hp briggs valve adjusment7/22/2009
  Q: what is the proper procedurevfor setting and adjusting the valves on a 1994 14hp briggs on my ...
  A: I will assume this is an overhead valve engine. After removing the valve cover, rotate the engine to ...
Internal Governor7/22/2009
  Q: I have a Huskee Riding Mower 46" cut with 20hp engine model 13AV607H131. I purchased in 5/02 and ...
  A: Here are a couple of things to check first. Check the spring that is attached to the governor arm ...
18.5 B&S Won't Start7/20/2009
  Q: I have a 2004 (I'm almost positive on the year) Cub Cadet LT1018 with a B&S 18.5 Extended Life ...
  A: Is this an overhead valve engine? If it is, it sounds like the valves are out of adjustment. The ...
john deere starter7/19/2009
  Q: Have John Deere L118, 20H Briggs & Stratton. Doesn't Turn Over. Doesn't Spin Engine. Jumped It, ...
  A: You may have to take the cowling off to see the bolts. They will be slightly behind the starter near ...
Murray rider7/19/2009
  Q: I recently blew the 12 1/2 hp B&S engine on my rider. I replaced it with a 13 1/2 hp which has two ...
  A: The 13 1/2 hp engine is a newer engine than your old one. Two wires should originate from under the ...
Briggs and Stratton missing then cutting off.7/18/2009
  Q: I have a Craftsman mower with a Briggs and Stratton (Model #287707 Type 1255-E1) engine that is ...
  A: It sounds like to me that your magneto is breaking down. Remove the magneto and check for rust and ...
B&S 42E707 Dies after running a while7/17/2009
  Q: I recently had to replace the magneto on the above engine in a Craftsman 42" riding mower. Also ...
  A: You didn't say if you have changed the fuel filter or checked the gas tank for debris that could ...
starter just spins7/17/2009
  Q: i have a 12hp 7 speed 42 inch cut riding lawn mower. on the frame it says ace hardware. they said it ...
  A: Follow you positive wire from the battery. It should go to one side of the solenoid, not straight to ...
JD 116 w/ 2cylinder Briggs & Stratton7/16/2009
  Q: I'm trying to get this mower going, but the engine barely cranks even when jumping it. I took the ...
  A: It sounds like to me that you have a weak starter for one. Most auto parts stores can check it for ...
8 HP Briggs and Stratton mounted to Homelite Riding Lawn Mower7/16/2009
  Q: I have an old Homelite Riding Lawnmower that is powered by an 8 HP Briggs and Stratton engine. The ...
  A: You should check the flywheel and magneto for rust buildup. Clean the magnets of rust and also the ...
Briggs and Stratton Model 422700 18HP7/16/2009
  Q: Riding mower: MTD (from Montgomery Ward 1997) 42" Model TMO-30000A Engine: Briggs and Stratton Model ...
  A: We come across this problem here in the south too. Here are some things to try. Check your gas cap ...
Engine problem or something else?7/14/2009
  Q: First of all, I'd like to thank you upfront for kindly answering my question... I have a lawn mower ...
  A: It sounds like you have a flooding problem. Black smoke usually indicates too much fuel or too rich ...
5.5 Quantum Brigg7/14/2009
  Q: I was trying to replace the broken rope on my push mower Brigg Quantum 5.5hp but Im not able to get ...
  A: First, without rope in it, wind it up a little with your hand to see if the spring is attached. Be ...
31h777, 18hp intek plus7/13/2009
  Q: My 31h777 briggs and stratton stopped running and had apparent issues. After taking off the valve ...
  A: I haven't seen any bulletins from B&S regarding head problems. There are several reasons why a ...
John Deere GT235 mower7/12/2009
  Q: I have a 4-5 year old GT235 riding mower and it stopped working running. When I try do start it it ...
  A: Before you give up the ship let's check a couple of things. First, check the oil level to make sure ...
briggs 8 hp compression7/11/2009
  Q: my briggs 8 hp ( used on an older bachtold weed mower ) will not start. it got very hot about a ...
  A: If it is an aluminum block, the torque will be 165 in.lbs. For a cast iron block, the torque will be ...
engine problem7/10/2009
  Q: I have an old mclane with briggs/stratton 3.5 engine, replaced throttle spring but throttle still ...
  A: On that engine, there should be one spring that attaches from the throttle control to the looped ...
Murray Lawn Mower 2275X8C7/10/2009
  Q: I took air filter off carburetor I get it to start every time by spraying starting fluid but it ...
  A: It sounds like to me that you have a stopped up jet in the carb.Try blowing out all the jets. Be ...
B&S Lawn Mower7/10/2009
  Q: I hit a stump mowing and now my mower runs at a lower idle, It seem to run fine so I bent the idle ...
  A: It sounds like to me that you possibly could have either bent the shaft slightly causing it to bind ...

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