Engine Craftsman with B&S runs great for 5 minutes, then dies

[stevenwbennett]

I have a Craftsman mower with a Briggs Quantum motor. It runs great for about 5 minutes, then just dies. Then it won't start again until it cools off. I have cleaned the carburetor bowl and jet, and I ran some Seafoam in the gas tank. Any suggestions?

 

[OutdoorEnvy]

I'd check the air filter and around it to make sure it's not clogged and air is getting through cleanly.

Are you having to prime it a lot before it will start or in between starts?

 

[stevenwbennett]

I'd check the air filter and around it to make sure it's not clogged and air is getting through cleanly.

Are you having to prime it a lot before it will start or in between starts?

Air filter is new and everything's clean. I push the primer 5-6 times and it starts right up.

 

[OutdoorEnvy]

So it will only start after you prime it again? If that's the case it might not be getting enough fuel when running and the lines could be clogged or something. If it's running fine and then dies it's usually either starved for air or fuel.

 

[stevenwbennett]

So it will only start after you prime it again? If that's the case it might not be getting enough fuel when running and the lines could be clogged or something. If it's running fine and then dies it's usually either starved for air or fuel.

No, it won't start again until it cools off no matter what I do to it.

 

[OutdoorEnvy]

Well I'm out of ideas for my limited knowledge. I bet someone else smarter than me chimes in as I'll be curious as well. I run a B&S Quantum series too so it's peaked my interest if I ever have the same problem.

 

[stevenwbennett]

Well I'm out of ideas for my limited knowledge. I bet someone else smarter than me chimes in as I'll be curious as well. I run a B&S Quantum series too so it's peaked my interest if I ever have the same problem.

Yeah, what's weird (to me, with my limited knowledge) is that it starts and runs perfectly, then about 5 minutes later it just suddenly stops, as if you let go of the safety handle. No sputtering, just sudden death.

 

[silver1]

Yeah, what's weird (to me, with my limited knowledge) is that it starts and runs perfectly, then about 5 minutes later it just suddenly stops, as if you let go of the safety handle. No sputtering, just sudden death.

Check the fuel tank cap is breathing
- Check that you have the correct heat range spark plug.
- Check that the air flow around the engine/head is clear.
You must check for spark when it will not start to verify that
the coil is ok.
Good luck.

 

[reynoldston]

How old is the gas?

 

[Fish]

You need to buy some feeler gauges and check your valve clearences