Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have been working to get an leaf loader ready for fall clean up. The 11hp briggs and stratton engine starts briefly when choked and then dies. Gas runs out and drips below. It runs all of 3 seconds before it dies. I've tried starting it without the choke but no luck there. When I bought it a week ago the previous owner started it on the first pull. It has a good spark, fresh gas, a clean air filter. With the spark plug pulled I can see the spark. I've tried starting it at half throttle, full throttle and low throttle. No difference there. I took the bowl off the carburetor and cleaned out the crud that was in there. Do I need to take the carb off and completely clean it? What setting should the throttle be at for start up? Any suggestions? the motor is a Briggs Industrial Plus model 256422 type 1015 -E1

A float bowl full of debris is a pretty clear indicator that the carb should be completely dis-assembled and cleaned. I suggest you find out what model of carb you are working on, do a search and download a file showing an exploded view of the carburetor. Remove and clean all the jets and also clean all passages and galleries in the carb. Use a solvent, toothbrush, and compressed air to clean what you can see. Occasionally, the very small passages will be difficult to clear if they're clogged. I use a very thin copper wire to clear them then soak in solvent and blow more air through the passages. Be careful not to mess up the float setting. It can cause a world of problems if not properly set. Before you re-assemble, get the correct settings for the float and ensure the float is properly set. Go through the entire fuel system to ensure the tank is clean and fuel lines in good condition and free flowing. Chances are that your problem is fuel related.

I did find a diagram of the carb here:&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;<BR>

And I found the spark plug here:<BR><BR>
http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_cross.asp?pid=RJ19LM&amp;crossManID=20&amp;mfid=

Spark plugs that are equivalent to Champion - RJ19LM:
Autolite Traditional spark plug 458 458
Bosch Bosch Super Start Spark Plug 7801 WR11E0
Bosch Bosch Small Engine Plug 7538 WR11E0
Denso Traditional spark plug 6071 W9LMR-US
NGK Traditional spark plug 5798 BR2LM
Splitfire Obsolete SF45F SF45F

With the assistance of the diagram, you should have no problem giving it a thorough cleaning. I've worked on similar carbs and found that the thing gasket for the fuel bowl can be a pain to get on just right. Be very careful to ensure that it's properly lined up before you tighten the float bowl down. If not, it WILL leak. If the float looks level with the carb held upside down, it should be set correctly. If it's canted in any way, that may indicate a problem with adjustment. Check the float needle seat closely for any irregularity. It should be smooth and uniform. Another important thing to look for is the condition of the point of the float needle. It should also be sufficiently smooth and uniform to seat the float needle seat when in the closed position. If it's solid metal, look closely (magnifying glass) to ensure it has no irregularities. If it has a neoprene tip, ensure it's also uniform. Even the slightest irregularity can compromise fuel control. Let us know how you make out.

As I started taking things apart I notice that the fuel was leaking out of a small black box (mystery box) located just to the right of the carburetor. This box appears to be made of plastic. Any idea what it is? Gas lines go into and out of it.

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii171/jmccollough/014-2.jpg

Here's another image of the black box:

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii171/jmccollough/004.jpg

It looks like this is a fuel pump. Did not know that these pumps ever had issues. Part number 692026

I did remove the fuel pump from the engine. I inspected it carefully. I leaks, mostly at the seams where the gaskets should be sealing the pump casing. The diaphrams (there are two inside) look fine with no rips or tears or signs of distress.
I remain baffelled however. I'm not sure that the leaking fuel pump was my source of trouble with respect to the engine's problems. With the pump still attached and the carb bowl removed I could pull the starter cord watch the gas pour from the needle valve hole just about the float. Gas has definitely been making it into the bowl.

Would I be safe in ruling out the fuel pump as the source of my problems? The symptom being a engine that would start when choked and then quickly die. Either you're getting gas into the bowl or not. I don't see how the leaky fuel pump would play a role.

I did remove the fuel pump from the engine. I inspected it carefully. I leaks, mostly at the seams where the gaskets should be sealing the pump casing. The diaphrams (there are two inside) look fine with no rips or tears or signs of distress.
I remain baffelled however. I'm not sure that the leaking fuel pump was my source of trouble with respect to the engine's problems. With the pump still attached and the carb bowl removed I could pull the starter cord watch the gas pour from the needle valve hole just about the float. Gas has definitely been making it into the bowl.

Would I be safe in ruling out the fuel pump as the source of my problems? The symptom being a engine that would start when choked and then quickly die. Either you're getting gas into the bowl or not. I don't see how the leaky fuel pump would play a role.

I did remove the fuel pump from the engine. I inspected it carefully. I leaks, mostly at the seams where the gaskets should be sealing the pump casing. The diaphrams (there are two inside) look fine with no rips or tears or signs of distress.
I remain baffelled however. I'm not sure that the leaking fuel pump was my source of trouble with respect to the engine's problems. With the pump still attached and the carb bowl removed I could pull the starter cord watch the gas pour from the needle valve hole just about the float. Gas has definitely been making it into the bowl.

Would I be safe in ruling out the fuel pump as the source of my problems? The symptom being a engine that would start when choked and then quickly die. Either you're getting gas into the bowl or not. I don't see how the leaky fuel pump would play a role.