Simplicity Broadmoor wants to quit

nickfinity

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I bought the Broadmoor back in 2004. It only has 90 or so hours on it due to moving to a smaller yard and various other factors. I've always taken care of it though. Change the plugs, oil, and air/oil filters every year. We moved again and now we have about 1.5 acres to cut.
The front yard is a little rough and I bounce around a little bit. When cutting it the first time it died on me, but I was able to get it started again. The next time it quit on me and wouldn't start back up until the next day. A few years ago the seat switch acted up on me and I had to unplug it and plug it back in again a few times. I thought maybe it was the problem so I replaced it in case.

Cut the grass yesterday and I'd been on it maybe 15 minutes and it quit, but I was able to get it started again. To get it going again I had to leave the choke open for a little bit, eased it down and eased the engine back up to full speed. Once it's going it seems fine. However, if I slow the engine way down to get off to move a branch or something it sounds a little rough. It's almost like it's not hitting every time. It doesn't sound like that at all when it's at full speed though.

The Simplicity model number is 1694429. The engine is a B&S Vanguard 16HP, model 303777.

Any ideas? I really appreciate any help.

Thanks,
Nick
 
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jmurray01

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There are two likely problems:

1) Bad Spark Plug(s)
2) Clogged or badly adjusted carburettor

Has it ever sat for more than a couple of months with fuel in the system ?
 

nickfinity

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Thanks for the help. The plugs are new, but it did sit with some gas in it during our move for probably two or three months. I haven't always been the best about making sure the tank is empty when it's sitting (a big no no, I know). What would I need to do to figure out for sure if it's the carb? I did have to put a new boot on one of the plugs. It isn't exactly the same as the original boot, but it's what the dealer had at the time I went in.
 

jmurray01

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Thanks for the help. The plugs are new, but it did sit with some gas in it during our move for probably two or three months. I haven't always been the best about making sure the tank is empty when it's sitting (a big no no, I know). What would I need to do to figure out for sure if it's the carb? I did have to put a new boot on one of the plugs. It isn't exactly the same as the original boot, but it's what the dealer had at the time I went in.
It depends how much mechanical knowledge you have.

If you have a reasonable mechanical knowledge, you could clean it out with the help of a guide, but if you have very low mechanical knowledge, you'd be better getting a specialist to clean it out.

Also, if you do do it, be very careful you don't loose any of the small components that come out easily and are impossible to find.
 

nickfinity

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I've never messed with a carburetor, but I've done a fair amount of messing around with cars and stuff. I'll try about anything once. I'll give it a try and if I can't figure it out I'll take it in or get a hand from my father in law. I'll post back when I get the chance to get into it.

Thanks again for your help.
 

jmurray01

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I've never messed with a carburetor, but I've done a fair amount of messing around with cars and stuff. I'll try about anything once. I'll give it a try and if I can't figure it out I'll take it in or get a hand from my father in law. I'll post back when I get the chance to get into it.

Thanks again for your help.
Not a problem, I'm glad to have helped :wink:
 

benski

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If you've got a fuel filter, you might want to replace that as well.
 

jmurray01

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If you've got a fuel filter, you might want to replace that as well.
Yep, you don't want to have a clean carburettor and dirty fuel going into it! :thumbsup:
 

nickfinity

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It does have a filter. I had planned on replacing that as well. Thanks!
 
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