Recent content by DRWDRW

Well, I've finally found the reason for the slow starting - the compression release mechanism had failed (or was in the process of failing). https://www.lawnmowerforum.com/threads/whats-in-my-sump.66968/#post-414264

Thanks for all the advice. The engine's back in the mower, running better than it has in many years. I'll order a cam but I'm in no hurry to fit it.

Forgive me if I sound dumb, but where would the extra pieces be coming from? My engine is in pieces on the bench... Will lack of the release mechanism cause other bits to fall apart? I'm not averse to fitting a new cam - but I'm in the UK, and it means waiting a few weeks to get one on order...

Will the engine run happily without the release mechanism? For several years, I've sometimes had trouble starting it - almost like there was too much compression. In fact, I posted on here about it because it gave symptoms of a flat battery despite being connected to a fresh battery.

Thank you very much for that info. I think it's time for a whole replacement engine. :(

Does anyone recognise what this little chunk of steel might be (or might have been)? I found it in the sump of my Briggs 11hp 21000 when I dismantled it to replace a broken governor. It's too heavy to be from the oil slinger, but I'm scratching my head to work out where it originated. Thanks...

Well, the manifold was fine. But it will now run only with fuel squirted directly into the carb. The primer bulb feels weak. Could it possibly be causing the problem?

Thanks, I did change that O-ring when I swapped the carb. Time to investigate the manifold...

I've downloaded the parts manual, and it appears there's a plastic intake manifold... Thanks for the pointer.

That sounds very likely - I'll look out for some plastic after the carb. The model number is 127707-1723-B1. Thanks.

This seems like it should be a simple problem but... I have a Briggs ES45, which has had very little use (it's only for the lawn edges alongside a riding mower). It was fine last year but this season is very unhappy. First start, it was surging and tricky to start. I removed the carburettor...

I think I'm missing something obvious, so could someone point me in the right direction, please... I have an 11hp Briggs Powerbuilt OHV in a small ride-on mower. It's become tricky to start, whether hot or cold. The engine cranks slowly - generally too slow to fire up. The battery is fine, and...

I have a small riding mower with B&S single-cylinder OHV engine, which I've owned from new (about 15 years). A year or two ago it developed a problem that seemed insignificant - the engine would turn over slowly before firing, almost as though the starter motor was tired. Nothing went wrong...

Hmm, I suspected there was a 'genuine reason for sale' - in that it was genuinely living on borrowed time. Sadly, I think the engine is scrap. The crank feels pretty scored, the camshaft has snapped, and part of the internal block casting has snapped off. Check out the bits I found floating...

Fair question, John. The easy answer is because a Honda engine is twice the price of a Briggs. I'm also considerably unimpressed by the Honda engines I've owned. Over the years, I've had much less trouble with Briggs engines. This is the Honda...