Briggs VTEK 22 only runs on starter fluid

[Resqguy]

I have a riding mower with a Briggs 44R677 Type 0018G1. I acquired it from a sketchy used repair/dealer in my area. I put about 2 hours on it - ran fine - until I noticed it was leaking gas out of the fuel pickup under the seat. After replacing the pickup grommet, hose, and fitting it no longer runs on gas. If I hit it with starting fluid it runs fine for about 2 seconds then quits. I have replaced the carburetor, plugs, fuel pump, fuel filter and lines. The motor runs better with the new parts but only for about 2 seconds. Along the way I have corrected several issues, wrong intake gaskets, misaligned throttle and choke linkage etc. No difference after all of that.

I put a clear gas filter between the fuel pump and the carburetor and it does fill up about half way to be at or near the exit tube.
I have blown out the fuel line. I also plugged one end and blew in the other to check for leaks - OK.
I have tried 2 fuel pumps.
The hose between the pump and valve cover is new.
For the 2 seconds it runs - it is very smooth.

My one concern is the connection for the fuel cutoff solenoid. The connector is not keyed so the wire can connect either way. I have tried both was - no difference. I would still like to know if the black wire is up or down.

I'm sure this is a fuel issue but have been running in circles. Everything between the tank and intake manifold has been replaced and still no result.

I'd also like to know how that fuel pump works. Is there really enough vacuum generated (by the starter) at the valve cover to pump fuel into the carb?

 

[StarTech]

Doesn't matter which way the connector is plugged in.

And boy Briggs got proud of these solenoids. Actually ridiculous priced.

Just make it is working by feeling its operation as you turn the ignition switch to run. Also can temporary bypass it by using a M8-1.00 x 5mm screw.

 

[Resqguy]

I can feel/hear the solenoid click when I turn the key. I loosened it to see if there was gas in the bowl and there was. The one thing that isn't working is the choke. The linkage on the carb seems to be designed for a seperate cable that pulls forward (choke on) and back (choke off). The throttle sequencer (my words) assembly that attaches to the throttle/choke cable works where choke on is up and choke off is down. Because of this my choke doesn't work. Has anyone noticed this?

 

[Auto Doc's]

I have a riding mower with a Briggs 44R677 Type 0018G1. I acquired it from a sketchy used repair/dealer in my area. I put about 2 hours on it - ran fine - until I noticed it was leaking gas out of the fuel pickup under the seat. After replacing the pickup grommet, hose, and fitting it no longer runs on gas. If I hit it with starting fluid it runs fine for about 2 seconds then quits. I have replaced the carburetor, plugs, fuel pump, fuel filter and lines. The motor runs better with the new parts but only for about 2 seconds. Along the way I have corrected several issues, wrong intake gaskets, misaligned throttle and choke linkage etc. No difference after all of that.

I put a clear gas filter between the fuel pump and the carburetor and it does fill up about half way to be at or near the exit tube.
I have blown out the fuel line. I also plugged one end and blew in the other to check for leaks - OK.
I have tried 2 fuel pumps.
The hose between the pump and valve cover is new.
For the 2 seconds it runs - it is very smooth.

My one concern is the connection for the fuel cutoff solenoid. The connector is not keyed so the wire can connect either way. I have tried both was - no difference. I would still like to know if the black wire is up or down.

I'm sure this is a fuel issue but have been running in circles. Everything between the tank and intake manifold has been replaced and still no result.

I'd also like to know how that fuel pump works. Is there really enough vacuum generated (by the starter) at the valve cover to pump fuel into the carb?

Hello R.,

The fuel shutoff solenoid (anti-backfire valve) can be connected either way. It is individually insulated internally.

One problem that is common is the shutoff solenoid can go bad, or they are bad right out of the box on replacement carburetors.

Personally, on my own equipment, I snip off the plunger end and install a manual shutoff valve in the fuel supply line before the pump. I got tired of fooling with them always shutting me down or getting stuck.

If you idle the engine down for a few seconds and then shut the manual valve off, there is no backfire issue.