When your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower won't start then, it can put a pause on your house chores. What do you do in this situation, and what could be wrong with your lawnmower? We have done the research to help you pinpoint the problem.
If your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower doesn't start, then it could be due to the following:
- Loose/Dirty/Worn Spark Plugs
- Dead Battery
- Faulty Fuel Filter
- Clogged Air Filter
- Dirty Spark Arrestor Screen
- Bad Gas
- Faulty Choke
- Bad Gas Valve
- Bad Engine Oil
- Dirty or Bad Carburetor
- Bad Ignition Coil
- Bad Air Compression System
- Clogged Main Jet
Lawnmowers have small engines, but it can be a big problem if it's not starting. To figure out the culprit, you will need to troubleshoot the lawnmower components.
This article will look at each of these parts to help you pinpoint this problem. In addition, we will discuss what can cause a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower engine to surge, so read on!
Why will my Briggs and Stratton engine not start?
Lawnmower engines are relatively small, and as such, are susceptible to a variety of problems. When these engines don't start, it can be challenging to determine the cause. There are many possible sources of the problem, and each must be investigated and corrected for the engine to start.
A lawnmower works by converting an engine's power into mechanical work. The drive mechanism of the lawnmower rotates the blade over the ground while the engine drives various auxiliary systems to turn this rotation into a propeller-like thrust.
These other systems often include a clutch, which delivers power to the propeller; air filters; idle speed control; an ignition system; or a fuel delivery system.
When a lawnmower does not start, the problem is often one of these auxiliary systems. Therefore, each system should be checked to determine whether or not it is working correctly.
The following is a list of some of the most common reasons a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower won't start:
Loose/Dirty/Worn Spark Plugs
If your lawnmower's spark plug is worn, dirty, broken, or loose, it won't start. Examining the plug's tip is a quick way to determine if the spark plug is worn out or damaged.
If the end of the metal insert on a new spark plug looks grayish white and there are brown tips present, it is likely worn. On the other hand, if the metal insert is almost entirely black, the plug is too dirty to reuse.
If the spark plug wires are loose or not connected properly, it can also stop the lawnmower from starting.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is another common reason a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower won't start. If the lawnmower's engine cranks but doesn't turn over, this is likely the cause. Jump starting may work, but it will need to be charged afterward.
We recommend using an automatic charger to charge and maintain your battery correctly.
Faulty Fuel Filter
A faulty fuel filter can cause a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower not to start. The fuel filter is responsible for filtering debris from the fuel line before reaching the carburetor. In addition, a dirty or faulty fuel filter can also reduce gas flow, making it difficult to start the lawnmower.
Make sure to inspect the fuel filter and replace it if necessary.
Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter can also prevent a lawnmower from starting; compressed air is used in combustion engines for fuel atomization or turning liquid gasoline into finely divided particles to be ignited by heat and pressure during the engine's power cycle.
Make sure to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Dirty Spark Arrestor Screen
A dirty spark arrestor screen in the muffler can also cause a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower not to start. Cleaning the spark arrestor will be required when this happens. Doing so will allow the lawnmower to produce complete combustion, which will not cause a backfire.
If your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower won't start, it may be time to replace the spark plug or clean the spark arrestor screen.
Bad Gasoline
Sometimes, the lawnmower won't start because the gasoline is bad. Unfortunately, this means that it has gone bad and needs to be replaced.
If you have this problem, we recommend using a fuel stabilizer to help keep the gas fresh. In addition, try to use high-quality gasoline in your lawnmower. Low-quality gasoline can also cause the lawnmower not to start.
Faulty Choke
A faulty or dirty choke can also cause a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower not to start. If your lawnmower has a choke lever, ensure it is not in the full choke position when you pull the starter cord.
If the motor doesn't turn over but does kick back once or twice, then there's likely a problem with the choke. Remove the air filter and pull on the starter cord a few times to remove any dust or debris on the piston and cylinder walls.
Bad Gas Valve
A faulty or dirty gas valve can also cause a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower not to start. This means that the metal valves are either wide open or closed, causing no fuel to enter the carburetor.
If this is your problem, you will need to remove the spark plug wire, pull on the starter cord until you see the valves open, and quickly put the wire back on the spark plug. If it doesn't start, you will need to replace the gas valve.
Bad Engine Oil
If the engine runs rough or seems to lack power, it may be time to change the engine oil. If you've been using low-quality gasoline, this could also cause the oil to go bad and should be changed immediately.
In general, Briggs and Stratton engines will have a dipstick to tell you if the oil needs to be changed.
Dirty or Bad Carburetor
A dirty or faulty carburetor can also cause a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower not to start. Again, cleaning the carburetor will be required when this happens for it to work correctly.
If this is your problem, we recommend that you remove the air filter and pull on the starter cord several times to remove any dust or debris that may be on the piston and cylinder walls. If it still doesn't start, you may need to replace the carburetor.
Bad Ignition Coil
A bad ignition coil can also cause a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower not to start. This means that the spark plug is not getting the correct amount of voltage, preventing it from igniting the fuel and air mixture.
If this is your problem, you will need to replace the ignition coil.
Bad Air Compression System
A faulty air compression system can also cause a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower not to start. This means that the piston and cylinder walls will not keep a strong and steady compression, which will prevent it from running correctly.
Clogged Main Jet
If the lawnmower is running out of gas before it's finished, then the main jet may be clogged. This will need to be cleaned for the lawnmower to start.
In general, the main jet can become clogged when too much debris or dirt in the fuel tank. You will need to remove the air filter and pull on the starter cord several times to remove any dust or debris. If it still doesn't start, you may need to replace the main jet.
How do you test a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower coil?
You can test a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower coil by using a multimeter. First, take the coil and place the negative cable to the boot. Now, take the positive reader and touch it to the coil itself. If you have a low reading, then your lawnmower coil is bad.
How do you fix Briggs and Stratton lawnmower engine that starts and dies?
If your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower engine starts and dies, you may need to adjust the choke. Remember, the choke should only be used when the engine is cold. If you're using the choke while the engine is hot, it will cause more problems.
You can also try adjusting the throttle control to see if this will resolve your problem. Also, check that you have enough gas and the gas is in good condition.
If none of the above steps work for you, you may need to replace the carburetor, spark plugs, or ignition coil. Make sure that the lawnmower is off and cooled before replacing any parts.
What can cause surging on a Briggs and Stratton motor?
If your Briggs and Stratton motor is surging, it may be due to a dirty air filter, bad spark plugs, or a clogged fuel line. First, you can clean the air filter and replace the spark plugs. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the fuel line.
Final Thoughts
If your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower won't start, there are several things that you can try before taking it in for repair. First, check the engine oil, the carburetor, the ignition coil, and the air compression system.
If these don't seem to be the problem, you may need to replace other parts, such as spark plugs or carburetors.
If your lawnmower still doesn't start, you may need to bring it in for professional repair.
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