Troubleshooting
NEW MOWER
| If the engine of a new mower won't start you should ask yourself the following questions: | |
|---|---|
| Is the fuel tank empty? | If yes, please fill the fuel tank. |
| Did you forget to hold the brake handle when trying to start the engine? | If yes, please make sure to hold the brake handle when trying to start the engine. You cannot start the engine without holding the brake handle. |
| Is the spark plug in place and secured? | If no, please ensure the spark plug is secured and well connected, otherwise the engine won't start. |
| If needed, have you primed the engine? | If no, please prime the engine before starting by pushing the red primer button 3 times. Attention: Do not over-prime, i.e. push the red primer button more than 3 times. |
| Did you over-prime the engine? | If yes, take off the spark plug and pull the starter rope a couple of times. This will remove excessive fuel from the carburetor. Then re-install the spark plug. |
| In any case make sure to read the product and engine owners' manuals carefully. If problems still occur please contact your point of purchase or an authorized BRIGGS & STRATTON Service Dealer. | |
USED MOWER
| If the engine of your "used" mower won't start you should ask yourself the following questions: | |
|---|---|
| Is stale / old fuel in the tank or is the fuel contaminated by dirt / debris? | If yes, please empty and if necessary clean the fuel tank and replace the stale fuel with fresh fuel. |
| Is the spark plug in place and secured? | If no, please ensure the spark plug is secured and well connected, otherwise the engine won't start. |
| Is the spark plug fouled? A spark plug is considered fouled when the insulator nose at the firing tip becomes coated with a foreign substance, such as fuel, oil or carbon. | If yes, please remove the spark plug, clean the contacts before installing it again or replace the spark plug with a new one. |
| Is the air filter in good condition? Does the air filter need to be replaced because of dirt / debris? | If yes, please install a new air filter in case it has begun to break down or tear, is bent or humid or too dirty to function properly. A well maintained air filter is your engine's first line of defense against the destructive effects of dirt. Never start the engine with the air filter removed. |
| Is the mower blade installed? | If no, please make sure to install the mower blade before starting the engine. The engine might not start without the mower blade installed. |
| Is the mower blade blocked with dirt or damaged? | Please disconnect the spark plug. Make sure that the fuel tank is properly closed or empty before turning / tilting your lawn mower. Clean the blade carefully of dirt. If the blade is damaged please replace the blade. |
| Did you store your lawnmower tilted (on its side), which could have caused oil to enter the carburetor? | If yes, please take your lawnmower to your nearest BRIGGS & STRATTON dealer. |
| Does the engine still not start although you went through the above steps? | If no, please take your lawnmower to your nearest BRIGGS & STRATTON dealer. |
| In any case make sure to read the product and engine owners' manuals carefully. If problems still occur please contact your point of purchase or an authorized BRIGGS & STRATTON Service Dealer. He will be happy to support you with anything you might need. | |
Fuel
Top up the fuel tank before storing.
Filling the tank helps prevent moisture from condensing in your fuel tank, and stops rust and scale before it starts.
Before you fill up, add Briggs & Stratton fuel stabilizer to the fuel*, then run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the additive through the carburetor. The fuel stabilizer will help prevent gum from forming in the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts.
* Note: if you choose Not to use the Briggs & Stratton Fuel Stabilizer, or if the engine is using fuel-containing alcohol, such as gasohol, remove all fuel from the tank and run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.Oil
While the engine is still warm, change the oil and the oil filter (if equipped).
Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle motor oil is available through your local dealer or retailer.Battery
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal, on units so equipped.
Remove the battery. Your battery should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Clean the battery terminals using the Briggs & Stratton Battery Terminal Cleaner, and coat all terminals with the Briggs & Stratton Terminal Protector.Cleaning Your Equipment
Don't store your engine dirty. Clean the engine surface of debris, chaff or grass.
With the spark plug lead removed from the engine, use a garden hose to wash away any residual grass clippings.
Once the majority of the grass clippings have been removed, it will be easier to identify a clump of grass that may be interfering with blade motion.
Using a wooden stick or other implement other than your hands and feet, remove the offending material and wash the deck thoroughly.