Repairs 2013 Craftsman Briggs & Stratton model 31P677 19.5 HP engine flooding cylinder

I have a 2013 Craftsman 19.5 HP with B&S model 31P677 engine (SN 12 0322 ZD 62769). Bought new over the winter and just started using it this summer. Probably mowed 10 to 15 times. About two weeks ago engine wouldn't crank so charged the battery, no luck. Long story short, after an internet search found that it had flooded the cylinder with fuel. Stopped fuel, pulled the plug and fuel poured out of the cylinder. Cleaned the outside of the carb (not inside), changed the oil, pulled the plug, cranked the engine to blow fuel out, put new plug in, started right up. Seemed to run fine for the day but when parked overnight, same issue, engine wouldn't crank, cylinder flooded.

Suggestions?

Re: 2013 Craftsman Briggs & Stratton model 31P677 19.5 HP engine flooding cylinder

You should go through the carb and replace the inlet needle, but I have replaced the needle before, and it still flooded, even
replaced the whole damn carb and it still would flood when sitting. So now I always install an inline fuel shutoff for 3 buck, and the customer just shuts the valve off when done mowing and lives happily ever after......

Re: 2013 Craftsman Briggs & Stratton model 31P677 19.5 HP engine flooding cylinder

It's still under warranty, take it back for repair or tell them you want a new tractor. Do not mess with it, will void warranty. You should not be having issues as such with a new tractor. Be polite but yet firm and tell them you want to upgrade to a twin cylinder for the trouble, hopefully they'll cut you a good deal.