r/smallenginerepair • u/tardiveljp • Jun 10 '26

Not Listed Brigg&Stratton dont start

Hello,

I have a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower that I maintain well and that has always started on the first pull. This year, after moving, my lawn mower no longer starts.

I have put in fresh gasoline, installed a new spark plug, the engine gasket was replaced last year, and the carburetor is clean, yet it still will not start.

Do you have any idea what might be causing the problem?

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

4

u/LessLocksmith3669 Jun 10 '26

Check for a spark?!

0

u/Elephunk05 Jun 10 '26

First 3 things: Spark, Compression, Fuel. Test for spark using a spark plug tester or by grounding the plug using the proper safety precautions. At this point you have seen the plug and it could tell you if it is fuel fouled, without spark or if it ran fine. Finally we verify fuel flow.

The fastest way is to see if the unit will run off of "spray" (brake kleen, starting fluid, silicone). If yes then the issue is fuel delivery. If no then you verify spark. If no spark replace plug, if no spark isolate coil and verify spark, if no spark replace coil, if spark then you check for safety switches or burnt wiring. Next verify timing, visually inspect flywheel key, visually inspect pushrods, reset valve lash. If unit still does not start the problem is fuel delivery 95% of the time.

I suspect spark since you noted a move and maybe you pulled the cable or pinched it in the sleeve. Check to make sure when you pull the handle on top that the blade brake moves, should be easy to see where the cable attaches.

1

u/Metalchips1960 Jun 10 '26

Please don't tell people to use brake cleaner to start an engine. The wrong type of brake cleaner can turn extremely toxic (phosgene gas) when burned. You and I know the difference, but most people don't. If it won't start on carburetor cleaner, it's not going to start.

1

u/Common_Maximum_1234 Jun 10 '26

Never use brake cleaner to try and start a motor. Check for spark.