Choke Issues

[msdeerhunter]

Good morning! I have a 26 hp engine, model 44P777-0124-G1. The only way I can get it to start is to spray a small amount of carb cleaner or starting fluid in the breather. Once started it runs fine. I noticed that once started I can leave the choke lever pulled up and the engine doesn't run any different. That's telling me the choke isn't working properly. I can manually push the linkage with my finger and the choke will not close. Will a tune up kit for the carb fix this? I have taken the carb apart and cleaned everything with no luck. Everything seems to move freely. Any ideas how to fix this? Thanks in advance!

 

[reynoldston]

It might help a little more if you give more then just a model number. What is this engine on and the make of the engine.

 

[ILENGINE]

I would start by inspecting the choke cable from the choke lever to the place on the front of the engine where the cable connect to work the choke. Either something has come loose and the cable is sliding at the clamping points, or the cable is broken or bent at the control lever

 

[msdeerhunter]

It might help a little more if you give more then just a model number. What is this engine on and the make of the engine.

Dang, I thought the model number would be enough. I didn't think it mattered what the engine was sitting on but it's a Ferris, 54" zero turn lawnmower. In the original post I stated it's a 26hp engine. I posted in the Briggs & Stratton forum so I thought that was understood but it's a Briggs & Stratton.

 

[msdeerhunter]

I would start by inspecting the choke cable from the choke lever to the place on the front of the engine where the cable connect to work the choke. Either something has come loose and the cable is sliding at the clamping points, or the cable is broken or bent at the control lever

Thanks. I have checked the cable and when I pull the choke handle, everything moves freely. I try to push it further by hand at the carburetor but it won't close any further. It's like the choke plate inside is not make a good seal or something. I can take this thing apart and put back together but I'm not real sure what's going on inside. I know the choke plate isn't supposed to close completely but is there some sort of seal or something under the plate that may be bad? I plan to take apart again to look but thought I might get some tips before I tear into it. Thanks.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

Using a mechanics or small mirror look inside to see if the choke plate is moving.

I got tired of adjusting my choke, that wouldn't help start the engine anyway, and developed a primer system that removing the filter cover isn't required to prime so it will start. Briggs is too busy screwing around with life time oil change engines to make one that isn't aggravating.

 

[reynoldston]

If the choke is working OK there is only one thing. The fuel pump isn't holding prime.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

I gave up on attempting to keep the choke adjusted on mine. Briggs seems more interested in making an engine that doesn't need oil changes than build one that will start. Look inside the carb throat with a small mirror or mechanics mirror to see what the choke butterfly valve is doing when operating the cable.

Needing to prime every time when cold, removing the air filter lid each time to prime got old real fast, so i developed a method to prime with gasoline that doesn't require filter lid removal. It was so simple I could enjinerr that all by myself and there ain't nothing to break, but possibly replace my drug store primer bulb once in awhile. Works every time.

 

[msdeerhunter]

I gave up on attempting to keep the choke adjusted on mine. Briggs seems more interested in making an engine that doesn't need oil changes than build one that will start. Look inside the carb throat with a small mirror or mechanics mirror to see what the choke butterfly valve is doing when operating the cable.

Needing to prime every time when cold, removing the air filter lid each time to prime got old real fast, so i developed a method to prime with gasoline that doesn't require filter lid removal. It was so simple I could enjinerr that all by myself and there ain't nothing to break, but possibly replace my drug store primer bulb once in awhile. Works every time.

That's exactly what I thought about doing.

 

[msdeerhunter]

If the choke is working OK there is only one thing. The fuel pump isn't holding prime.

I did replace the fuel pump when all this started and it did not fix the problem. The reason I thought it was the choke is because when it is running, and I pull the choke knob, it doesn't change the way the engine in running. I'm sure it's something simple and I just can't figure it out.