Hard to start Briggs & Stratton 5.5 hp #129802-1517-21

[jonesandjones]

I'm having a hard time starting the engine on my 15yo Ariens walk behind mower (911-070). I have replaced the coil and kill switch. Now I have good spark. I have replaced the plug. The engine runs great once I get it going. The problem is starting it. After several tries it will start, run for a few seconds and die. If I can get it started and play with the automatic choke for quite a while, it will start running and runs fine. Once I shut it down, the problem starts all over and I have to go through the same routine. I hope this is a carburetor problem and not something internal (valves?). I'm contemplating a new mower, but I would really like to get this running as the transmission is still in good shape. If it's only a carburetor problem it is worth repairing. Any help would be very much appreciated.

JJ

 

[Rivets]

I suspect that either your carb needs a good cleaning or the carb linkage is not right. With the age of the engine, the first thing I would check is the throttle shaft. If it is sloppy and worn it may be time for a new carb, as you won't know if the shaft or carb body is worn. If it is good, I would clean and rebuild the carb. I've attached a parts breakdown and service manual which might be of some help.

http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/01_270962SingleCylinderLHead.pdf

http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Briggs-&-Stratton-Parts-Manuals-IPL/129800-ms0558-0905.pdf

 

[jonesandjones]

I suspect that either your carb needs a good cleaning or the carb linkage is not right. With the age of the engine, the first thing I would check is the throttle shaft. If it is sloppy and worn it may be time for a new carb, as you won't know if the shaft or carb body is worn. If it is good, I would clean and rebuild the carb. I've attached a parts breakdown and service manual which might be of some help.

http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/01_270962SingleCylinderLHead.pdf

http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Briggs-&-Stratton-Parts-Manuals-IPL/129800-ms0558-0905.pdf

Thanks for attachments!

I pulled the carb and I think I'll just go ahead and replace it. The new carb is less than $40.00 on line and I think it is worth the gamble. I really want to get this thing running as it was a gift from my dad some 15 years ago...