17.5 Briggs and Stratton engine on a craftsman riding mower model 311707 starts but won't stay running seems to be starving for fuel. It has a new fuel filter (yes filter is in the right way) let the unit sit for a couple of minutes and it will start but won't stay running.Any ideas will be much appreciated.
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17.5 Briggs and Stratton engine
- Thread starter Cannuck
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Lawn Pro
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Post all numbers from engine: model xxxxxx, type xxxx, trim xx, code xxxxxxx.
1.Remove fuel tank. Clean out 100% with compressed air. Install new fuel line, filter and shut off valve if you have room.
2.KEEP and remove OEM carb. Remove carb from engine. Break it down removing all small parts. Boil clean the carb on your stove top with water and those automatic dishwasher balls. Use a candy thermometer to keep water/soap temp at 200F. Boil for 30 minutes. Rinse well in clean water to neutralize after. Reassemble carb. Flip carb over and blow test carb needle/seat. Should hold 7psi for 30 minutes.
3.Clean block and cooling fins YEARLY per your engine manual. Remove top metal engine shroud exposing cooling fins. Neglect this and you will get engine damage.
4.Adjust valves per your engine manual.
5.Decarbon cylinder and valves every 5 years or suggested interval in your engine manual. Neglect this and you will get engine damage.
6.Test ignition coil with old spark plug gaped to 0.250" or 1/4". Check for good blue spark. Check for spark if and when engine dies with inline spark tester.
2.KEEP and remove OEM carb. Remove carb from engine. Break it down removing all small parts. Boil clean the carb on your stove top with water and those automatic dishwasher balls. Use a candy thermometer to keep water/soap temp at 200F. Boil for 30 minutes. Rinse well in clean water to neutralize after. Reassemble carb. Flip carb over and blow test carb needle/seat. Should hold 7psi for 30 minutes.
3.Clean block and cooling fins YEARLY per your engine manual. Remove top metal engine shroud exposing cooling fins. Neglect this and you will get engine damage.
4.Adjust valves per your engine manual.
5.Decarbon cylinder and valves every 5 years or suggested interval in your engine manual. Neglect this and you will get engine damage.
6.Test ignition coil with old spark plug gaped to 0.250" or 1/4". Check for good blue spark. Check for spark if and when engine dies with inline spark tester.
Tinkerer200
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Before you do all that, check that the gas cap vent hole is not obstructed.
Walt Conner
Walt Conner
thanks the boiling part actually worked1.Remove fuel tank. Clean out 100% with compressed air. Install new fuel line, filter and shut off valve if you have room.
2.KEEP and remove OEM carb. Remove carb from engine. Break it down removing all small parts. Boil clean the carb on your stove top with water and those automatic dishwasher balls. Use a candy thermometer to keep water/soap temp at 200F. Boil for 30 minutes. Rinse well in clean water to neutralize after. Reassemble carb. Flip carb over and blow test carb needle/seat. Should hold 7psi for 30 minutes.
3.Clean block and cooling fins YEARLY per your engine manual. Remove top metal engine shroud exposing cooling fins. Neglect this and you will get engine damage.
4.Adjust valves per your engine manual.
5.Decarbon cylinder and valves every 5 years or suggested interval in your engine manual. Neglect this and you will get engine damage.
6.Test ignition coil with old spark plug gaped to 0.250" or 1/4". Check for good blue spark. Check for spark if and when engine dies with inline spark tester.
i will be pulling that shroud before I put it back in service1.Remove fuel tank. Clean out 100% with compressed air. Install new fuel line, filter and shut off valve if you have room.
2.KEEP and remove OEM carb. Remove carb from engine. Break it down removing all small parts. Boil clean the carb on your stove top with water and those automatic dishwasher balls. Use a candy thermometer to keep water/soap temp at 200F. Boil for 30 minutes. Rinse well in clean water to neutralize after. Reassemble carb. Flip carb over and blow test carb needle/seat. Should hold 7psi for 30 minutes.
3.Clean block and cooling fins YEARLY per your engine manual. Remove top metal engine shroud exposing cooling fins. Neglect this and you will get engine damage.
4.Adjust valves per your engine manual.
5.Decarbon cylinder and valves every 5 years or suggested interval in your engine manual. Neglect this and you will get engine damage.
6.Test ignition coil with old spark plug gaped to 0.250" or 1/4". Check for good blue spark. Check for spark if and when engine dies with inline spark tester.
Post pictures of your filthy block and cooling fins please. Remove it all down to the flywheel.i will be pulling that shroud before I put it back in service
Several people are saying they pulled the shroud and all was clean. Every, I repeat, every used mower I've bought or curb grabbed, there is a ton of cleaning to do. Fins and block all slathered with oil/grass/dirt and valves, piston and head are loaded with carbon.
If you engine is over 5 years old you've got work to do.
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Again every year of mowing this is a must. If you have a bagger, even more cleaning jobs are needed.i will be pulling that shroud before I put it back in service