MTD Mower: no room to install a fuel shutoff valve. Any suggestions?

[Secret Ingredient]

I have a Yard Machines/MTD model 12A-A1BA729 self propelled mower with a Briggs and Stratton motor. I received it from a relative who was tired of dealing with it. For me, every time I went to use it after it had sat for even a few days I had to remove and clean the carburetor; otherwise it would not start. Adding fuel stabilizer did not help. I figured adding a fuel shutoff valve might fix the issue. The problem I encountered was there is simply not enough room between the fuel outlet pipe from the gas tank, and the carburetor fuel intake. It's literally just a couple inches. I tried using a straight valve as well as a right angle. I even tried using elbow connectors and fuel line to make a loop for the valve, but that just leaked and it seemed like a lame solution. Any suggestions as to what to try next?

Thanks.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

I have a Yard Machines/MTD model 12A-A1BA729 self propelled mower with a Briggs and Stratton motor. I received it from a relative who was tired of dealing with it. For me, every time I went to use it after it had sat for even a few days I had to remove and clean the carburetor; otherwise it would not start. Adding fuel stabilizer did not help. I figured adding a fuel shutoff valve might fix the issue. The problem I encountered was there is simply not enough room between the fuel outlet pipe from the gas tank, and the carburetor fuel intake. It's literally just a couple inches. I tried using a straight valve as well as a right angle. I even tried using elbow connectors and fuel line to make a loop for the valve, but that just leaked and it seemed like a lame solution. Any suggestions as to what to try next?

Thanks.
View attachment 70844

I see this all the time across several different brands of mowers. The manufacturer decided to design the mower with a very short path of fuel to carburetor. There is nothing that can be done to add fuel shut off valve in this case.

 

[FixItFrank]

I have a Yard Machines/MTD model 12A-A1BA729 self propelled mower with a Briggs and Stratton motor. I received it from a relative who was tired of dealing with it. For me, every time I went to use it after it had sat for even a few days I had to remove and clean the carburetor; otherwise it would not start. Adding fuel stabilizer did not help. I figured adding a fuel shutoff valve might fix the issue. The problem I encountered was there is simply not enough room between the fuel outlet pipe from the gas tank, and the carburetor fuel intake. It's literally just a couple inches. I tried using a straight valve as well as a right angle. I even tried using elbow connectors and fuel line to make a loop for the valve, but that just leaked and it seemed like a lame solution. Any suggestions as to what to try next?

Thanks.
View attachment 70844

1. Try a mini inline valve with barbs + short fuel line.
There are very compact inline shutoff valves made for tight spots—some are less than 1.5" long. Combine that with tight-fitting Tygon fuel line (which resists leaks better than vinyl) and you might just squeak it in. Trim the lines perfectly to avoid slack that could leak or kink.

2. Relocate the valve slightly upstream.
If you have any slack room near the tank or can slightly rotate the tank (some models allow a bit of flex), you might be able to fit the shutoff closer to the fuel outlet before the tight space.

3. Consider a quick-disconnect fuel line fitting.
These can act like a shutoff when separated, and may help you drain the line easily between uses to prevent varnish buildup.

4. As a last resort: drain the carb manually after each mow.
Not ideal, but pulling the bowl drain bolt (if yours has one) after use keeps fuel from sitting and gumming it up. Combine that with stabilized fuel and regular run-outs, and the carb might stay clean longer.

You’re definitely on the right track—this issue is super common with these B&S motors. A tiny fuel valve with quality hose and tight clamps is your best bet if you can squeeze it in. Let us know what ends up working!

 

[ILENGINE]

The problem isn't the carb the problem is the absolutely junk fuel. Since Briggs came out with this engine in 2015 the biggest issue with this engine not starting is people trying to use fuel that isn't up to the standard. Fuel that will start and run in every other piece of equipment you own will not even fire in these engines.

Two issues I see every day with these engines is water in the fuel, even found them with 1/2 a tank of water. And the fuel that everybody is trying to use has the flammability of kerosene. If you dip something into the tank and try to light it, it should go poof and burn for a few seconds and go out. Most that I find light slowly and burn with the gusty of a candle. Or you spill some on a metal surface and the stuff is still sitting their 5 minutes later instead of evaporating in seconds.