Final question - is the choke supposed to be spring loaded to the closed or up position when the engine is not running and cold? If so, that's my problem as it is down and open, and not really stuck there.
This is the bell crank I mentioned earlier, behind the float bowl. Just tried starting after pushing this thing upward, and it took off right away. The arm fell back down to where it is in this picture though. After stopping the engine it stayed down (even though it hadn't run long enough to...
Interesting. I was only given the Simplicity manuals (chassis and deck, no engine stuff) and the parts breakdown above. Nothing on the engine. The website the 2D code took me to had the operator's manual that has this:
ReadyStart® System
1. Check the engine oil. See the Check Oil Level...
On a whim, I used my phone to read the code on that one label, which led me to a B&S website AND said that the model number is: 44U777-0003-G1! Does anyone have an idea as to why they did it this way???? Anyway, that's the model number.
OK, there are no numbers on the valve covers nor stickers nearby (unless on the bottom side of them?). Here are photos from all angles. By the by, the dust shows up strongly because I'm using flash. It IS dusty, but looks worse in these than in real life.
That's the number for Simplicity (owned by B&S, but not the maker of the engine). It's called dust and dirt & not rust. I just don't wash & wax it enough . .
Tried calling the number and can't get through. Will look at the valve covers,
I've a one year old Simplicity Courier with this engine. When the weather's above 50 degrees it starts easily. Once below that it won't unless cranked for minutes at a time. Obviously the "ReadyStart" feature doesn't. I can't get any information on what to look at or adjust from either B&S...