Briggs and Stratton engines are popular for their reliability and efficiency. They are commonly used in lawn mowers, generators, and other outdoor power equipment.
However, even the best engines can encounter problems. One of the most common problems with Briggs and Stratton engines is that they start but won’t stay running.
This can be frustrating, especially if you need the equipment for important tasks. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why Briggs and Stratton engines won’t stay running and provide solutions to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Briggs and Stratton Engine Starts but Won’t Stay Running – Possible Causes and Arguments
As a lawn mower mechanic, I’ve seen many instances where Briggs and Stratton engines won’t stay running. It’s a common problem that can have several root causes.
In this section, I’ll go into detail about the most common reasons why Briggs and Stratton engines won’t stay running and provide arguments and counter-arguments for each.
1. Clogged Carburetor
One of the most likely reasons why your Briggs and Stratton engine starts but won’t stay running is a dirty or clogged carburetor. The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel in the right proportions for combustion.
If the carburetor is dirty or clogged, it can prevent enough fuel from reaching the engine, causing it to stall or die.
To clean the carburetor, you will need to remove it from the engine and disassemble it. You can use a carburetor cleaner spray or a brush to remove any dirt, debris, or varnish from the parts.
Make sure to pay attention to the small holes and passages that regulate the fuel flow. You can also use a thin wire or a needle to clear any clogs. After cleaning, reassemble and reinstall the carburetor and test the engine.
2. Faulty Spark Plug
Another possible cause of your Briggs and Stratton engine starting but not staying running is a faulty spark plug. The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber.
If the spark plug is worn out, damaged, or fouled, it can prevent a proper spark from occurring, resulting in poor engine performance or failure.
To check the spark plug, you will need to remove it from the engine and inspect it for any signs of damage or wear.
You can use a spark plug tester or a multimeter to test if the spark plug is producing a strong enough spark. If the spark plug is faulty, you will need to replace it with a new one that matches the specifications of your engine.
3. Bad Fuel Filter
A third possible cause of your Briggs and Stratton engine starting but not staying running is a bad fuel filter. The fuel filter is responsible for filtering out any dirt, debris, or water from the fuel before it reaches the carburetor.
If the fuel filter is dirty or clogged, it can restrict the fuel flow to the engine, causing it to starve or run rough.
To replace the fuel filter, you will need to locate it on the fuel line between the tank and the carburetor. You will need to clamp off both ends of the fuel line to prevent any fuel leakage. Then, you can remove the old fuel filter and install a new one in its place. Make sure to follow the direction of the arrow on the filter that indicates the flow of fuel.
4. Issues with the fuel system
Issues with the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or a malfunctioning fuel pump, can cause the engine to stall or not start at all. These issues can prevent fuel from reaching the carburetor, leading to a lack of fuel and causing the engine to stall.
The solution to this problem is to inspect and repair the fuel system as needed.
These are some of the common causes of your Briggs and Stratton engine starting but not staying running. By following these tips, you should be able to diagnose and fix your engine problem and get back to your work or leisure activities.
However, if none of these solutions work for you, you might need to consult a professional mechanic for further assistance.
Steps to Troubleshoot and Fix the Problem
Now let’s explore the steps to troubleshoot and fix a Briggs and Stratton engine that won’t stay running.
Step 1:
Check the air filter The first step is to check the air filter. Remove the air filter cover and check if the air filter is dirty or clogged. If it is, clean it or replace it with a new one. A clean air filter ensures that the engine is getting enough air to run properly.
Step 2:
Clean or replace the carburetor The second step is to clean or replace the carburetor. Remove the carburetor and clean it thoroughly with carburetor cleaner.
If the carburetor is beyond cleaning, replace it with a new one. A clean or new carburetor ensures that the engine is getting the proper fuel and air mixture.
Step 3:
Inspect the spark plug The third step is to inspect the spark plug. Remove the spark plug and check if it’s dirty, worn out, or faulty. If it is, replace it with a new one. A new spark plug ensures that the engine is getting a strong spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture.
Step 4:
Drain and replace stale gasoline The fourth step is to drain and replace stale gasoline. Drain the old gasoline from the fuel tank and replace it with fresh gasoline. Stale gasoline can cause the engine to stall or run poorly.
Step 5:
Check and repair fuel system issues The fifth step is to check and repair any issues with the fuel system. Check the fuel filter and fuel lines for clogs or damage. Replace any damaged components and clean any clogs.
Check the fuel pump for proper operation and replace it if needed. A properly functioning fuel system ensures that the engine is getting the proper amount of fuel.
In conclusion, by following these five steps, you can troubleshoot and fix most issues that cause a Briggs and Stratton engine to start but not stay running.
It’s important to regularly maintain your engine and address any issues promptly to prevent them from causing further damage.
With proper maintenance and care, your Briggs and Stratton engine can provide reliable performance for years to come.
FAQ
1. Why does my lawn mower only run for a few seconds then dies?
There could be several reasons why your lawn mower is only running for a few seconds before stalling out. One common issue is a clogged fuel filter or carburetor, which can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine.
Another possibility is a faulty spark plug or ignition system, which can cause the engine to fail to start or to stall out quickly. Other potential causes include a dirty air filter, low oil levels, or a malfunctioning fuel pump.
2. Why does my lawnmower start but will not continue running?
If your lawnmower starts but then stalls out and will not continue running, this could be due to a number of issues. One common problem is a clogged air filter, which can restrict the flow of air to the engine and cause it to stall.
Another possibility is a faulty carburetor, which may need to be cleaned or replaced. Other potential causes include a dirty fuel filter, low oil levels, or a faulty ignition system.
3. What is the most common reason why a Briggs & Stratton small engine won’t run correctly?
There are several reasons why a Briggs & Stratton small engine may not run correctly, but the most common issue is a dirty or clogged carburetor.
The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel to create the combustion necessary to power the engine, and if it becomes clogged or dirty, it can prevent the engine from running smoothly.
Other potential causes include a faulty spark plug, a dirty air filter, or a malfunctioning fuel pump.
4. Why does my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower run for awhile then dies?
If your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower runs for a while and then dies, this could be due to a few different issues.
One possibility is that the fuel filter is clogged, which can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine and cause it to stall out. Another potential cause is a dirty carburetor, which may need to be cleaned or replaced.
Other potential culprits include a faulty ignition system, low oil levels, or a dirty air filter.
