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LockedI have 20 hp briggs & staton riding mower. It was running great when i put it away two days ago. today i was going to mow and it started right up. and then died. i replaced the plug and the air filter and it won't run. It turns over fine but won't fire.

posted on November 03, 2009 at 05:46PM Inappropriate?

new plug and air filter turns over good but won't fire

 

replies: 63 latest post: December 31, 2010 at 11:35AM by mowerman64
Displaying posts 1 - 20 of 63 in total
posted on November 03, 2009 at 08:11PM
 

That leaves fuel, spark and compression. We'll assume the gas hasn't gone stale in 2 days and there's no vacuum in the tank. Check the plug for spark by holding it against the block with an insulated tool while someone turns the engine over. Or there's a nifty tool for about ten bucks that lights up when you hold it on the plug wire. While the plug is out, have someone turn it over to listen for a whooshing noise at the spark plug hole. If the piston isn't moving up and down forcing air out the plug hole, you got a compression problem.

posted on November 03, 2009 at 08:39PM
 
In response to madgolfer's post from November 03 2009 08:11PM

Thanks for the info

It started and ran for a few secondes then stopped. If it was a compression problem would it do that ?

posted on November 04, 2009 at 05:54AM
 

probably a fuel problem. lawnmowers are notorious for dirt in the carburetors, just by the fact of the environment they run in. Try some starting fluid, spray in the air filter,not much. If it fires up,and shuts down you have a fuel problem.  you can try adding some fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank ( at auto parts stores) but ussually requires the carberator to be taken apart and cleaned.

posted on November 04, 2009 at 12:27PM
 

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posted on November 04, 2009 at 01:14PM
 

In b4 searscares.

posted on November 04, 2009 at 04:20PM
 
In response to mitchell36's post from November 03 2009 08:39PM

Another thought, sometimes you can get the engine to catch by trying the throttle at different positions. Usually this works on a warm engine but it's worth a try.

posted on November 04, 2009 at 04:45PM
 

Speaking of which, is the original poster trying to start the tractor with the throttle on the turtle? It's always worth asking. :)

posted on November 05, 2009 at 09:57AM
 

How old is your battery the 2000 up have a electronic fuel valve if the battery is not giving it full 12 volts it will not start . Happened to mine 17 Hp L1000

posted on November 05, 2009 at 08:45PM
 

Most likely a fuel problem. Either a clog in the line (special attention to fuel filter) or a carburetor  issue. If the fuel line checks out clean then remove the carb and take to a small engine shop and ask them to do a sonic cleaning.

posted on November 05, 2009 at 08:55PM
 

If its turned over, try turning it over again so its right side up.

posted on November 11, 2009 at 01:40AM
 

OK.

The thing is obviously not turned over.

How would anyone get the "key in the ignition" if the thing were turned over?

I added a "fuel-dryer" to mine and that helped it turn over and not go "bang" while driving.

posted on November 11, 2009 at 10:24AM
 

I had the same problem with mine.  I had the Sears service man come out and lucky for me I wasn't charged.  All he did was give the fuel tank a quick push (its plastic) and out popped a little speck of crud.  After that - no problems.  Your tracktor will run fine if you take the gas cap off or do what he did.

posted on November 11, 2009 at 10:34AM
 

Yaa...

I managed to get some "flecks" in my tank, too.

I'm thinking paper towel on a stick to clean the tank.

posted on November 12, 2009 at 08:11AM
 

AdamO-

If you clean the tank that way, make sure the cloth is lint free and is durable enough not to leave pieces of it in the tank.  If you stir up a bunch of grime you might want to flush the tank.  Also, use a long enough cloth so that some of it is hanging on the stick outside of the tank - to keep it from being lost inside of the tank.

posted on February 20, 2010 at 11:46PM
 

Fuel starved. Clogged fuel filter or crud in a low point of the fuel line. The carb should test out okay. Remove the carb and douse it with Gum Out if you want, No starter fluid on the air cleaner. That can cause a fire. Avoid taking to the shop. Most of them are incompetent as soon as the job involves more than inflating a tire.

posted on February 21, 2010 at 02:56AM
 

Hallelujah, brother!

Fuel starved sounds like the correct answer!

Starter fluid is really only good for one thing.  Seating the bead on large tires.  Or, one at a service station when in a pinch.

Ether is a last resort, or used SPARINGLY as a catalyst.

Because of their high compression ratio, you could literally, forcibly, remove the cylinder head from a diesel engine by using too much ether.

OK, not really the head, but the definitely the gaskets.

The sensational version really sounds better, now doesn't it?

After small doses, if it does not run, get an exploded view manual (managemyhome.com), and some good tools (preferably Craftsman ;-0), and DIY if you can.  Just, no smoking. OK?  I mean it, REALLY!!

Otherwise, take it to a shop...

P.S.  If there are springs in the linkage, check them for proper tension...

posted on February 21, 2010 at 03:00AM
 

P.P.S.  HOLY TOPIC, BATMAN!!!

posted on February 21, 2010 at 08:51AM
 

MY CRAFTSMAN RIDER WITH THE KOHLER ENGINE WOULD DIE UNEXPECTEDLY..NO GAS. I REMOVED THE GAS TANK AND FOUND 2 SMALL PIECES OF A CARDBOARD MATERIAL THAT WOULD COVER THE PICK-UP HOLE. REMOVED THEM & NEVER DIED AGAIN.

posted on February 25, 2010 at 02:02AM
 

Replacing the in-line fuel filter is a simple, quick and inexpensive step (that the manual mentions to be done "yearly") that could be done BEFORE rebuilding a carburettor.

posted on March 06, 2010 at 10:35AM
 

Try adding a little "Sea Foam" about every other tank of gas to keep the fuel fresh and get the crud out.  You can get it at most auto part stores.

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