Trying to get 190cc Briggs & Stratton to start - with video

[Gil]

Har

Harbor Freight.....$229. it's a 173cc (5.5hp) almost the same. just check shaft size

Harbor Freight sells some pretty good engines. Seen to be "Knockoffs" of Honda. They have various sizes and shaft configurations, so make sure you get the one that will fit. Have used them as replacements on log splitter, Garden Tillers, with good results. They seen to run price wise about half as would pay for a Honda. If wish to go Honda, check "Northern Tool" as they have best prices in my area and always have a sale on something.
Regards, Gil

 

[TobyU]

The first thing is to stop throwing Parts and time at it.
You need to have an established diagnostic procedure.. and preferably a logical one that works best.
Spraying the car cleaner into the carburetor intake was certainly the first thing to do after making sure the spark plug wire was actually on and when it doesn't run at least for a few seconds after doing that two or three times then you know the engine is not mechanically sound so it doesn't do any good to worry about the carburetor at this point or even consider putting a new one on or even clean the bowl and stuff like you did to start with.
Since most of the time when an engine doesn't run it's lack of fuel delivery on its own spraying carb cleaner into the intake carb hole below the air filter is the easiest way to determine if the engine is mechanically sound and it is a carburetor issue but you have determined that you're supposed more than likely is not.
Those particular engines have a common problem of the head gasket failing and leaking and I might be able to hear it puffing on yours but since it's from the rear I can't tell.
You can put your hand around the side of the front head where it meets the block and various locations and have someone pull it and you will hear and feel the air blowing out if it's a leaky head gasket.
Then you can pull the spark plug out and put your finger in the hole, do not get a compression tester and do not bother to go to the toolbox and screw one in because it's just a waste of time...lol...and with your finger stuck in the edge of the hole have someone pull the rope or pull it with your other hand which I'm really good at and see if it blows your finger out of the hole or see if the compression feels low.
If it has low to no compression it could also be a valve issue but it could also be the head gasket but normally you can hear that puffing out around the side.
Those are unlikely to have a flywheel key sheared but it is possible.
Normally when one of these engines on the time Master does not start and run with carb cleaner or dripping some fuel in there etc then it is either the head gasket, or something with the valves or the head like that push rods, rocker arm jumped off the push rod, loosen rocker arm studs, slid valve guide, or popped valve seat all of which would be considered a valve train / head issue.
Also, all of which can be fixed without buying any new parts!
Too many people jump on Amazon and pay $138 or more for a head when they have a problem like this when it's just not necessary.
And to answer your other question, no starting fluid is not worth a shot.
If it won't run on carb cleaner then it won't run on starting fluid and starting fluid is way hard on the engines when they do start and run on it. I do not own a can of starting fluid and I do thousands of mower repairs and diagnoses a year.

 

[dgsj]

Do you have any pictures of the govenor spring and vane linkage? I just got one of these as bonus with used Honda mower purchase. I can get started but hard to keep running. Revs and slows and linkage looks to be homemade as well as spring.

 

[slomo]

Hi,
Took a pic of the McLane Edger I put together.
Bought the used Edger for $25 and it came with a nice old 3.5HP Briggs I/C Engine.
The Seller told me the Fuel tank was bad but thought I could make it work...I was wrong, Tank was trashed.
Ok, I'll find a tank but wanted the Edger running so went to my old country Lawn Mower shop and they had a MTD Edger with a 3.5 Kool Bore Engine with some missing wheels in the Junk Pile.
As I do business and have known the Owner for 30 years...
He told me to just take the MTD and I had a Engine.
Stripped the Kool Bore down cleaned the Fly Wheel and Coil of rust.
Rebuilt the carb, new pull cord and new air filter and the engine was good.
Oil sump was clean and the oil changed.
Cleaned and installed new bearings in the Cutter Head on the McLane with a new belt...
Installed the Engine and I had a nice little Edger for about north of $50!
Found a good Gas Tank with an OEM Carb for the Briggs 3.5 I/C Engine on the Bay, and it will be totally stripped down, and rebuilt this Winter.

View attachment 67191

Those McLane edgers are easy flips. Problem is the gas caps down seal anymore due to rust around the cap area. I bought a new Briggs cap and polished the cap area on the tank. Over time the tank warps in this area leading to leaks. The metal thins in this cap area over time.

 

[slomo]

T

I emailed the shop back and they said they can't do it since the cylinder is scored

These are not Rolls Royce turbines. Millions of mowers right now are cutting with scored cylinders. That shop should be avoided.

but would it run even with a scored cylinder if I were able to replace the gasket?

Yes and for many a year to come.

Remember you must, lap the head and block area, where the gasket sits. Extra commas for importance. De-carbon the piston, valves and behind them while you are there.