B&S auto-choke not working

[marcantonio]

I have a Briggs and Stratton 128M02-0133-F1 on my push mower. Recently it wouldn't start. I found that if I hold the choke closed it starts, but I need to hold it closed to keep it running. I tied a string to the choke so I can pull it while I'm mowing. Obviously, I don't want to keep doing this. Can someone give me an idea as to what might be wrong?

I've never replaced anything other than the plug, oil, and air filter.

Thanks.

 

[upupandaway]

It is not difficult.
At the bottom of the carb(behind the air filter) is the metal "bowl" at the bottom. There is a 1/2" bolt underneath it. unscrew that and find a sewing needle or some very small wire as at the internal end of the bolt is a fine hole. it is clogged up with dirt making u need the choke to run. Clean that out with the needle, rinse it and that should fix your problem.
While u r at it, the bowl that the bolt holds up, knock that loose and clean it out.

*WARNING*
have someone step on the handle to minimize spilling gas or just do this when u run out of gas.

 

[marcantonio]

Clean that out with the needle, rinse it and that should fix your problem.
While u r at it, the bowl that the bolt holds up, knock that loose and clean it out.

Great, thanks! I'll try that tonight. What do I rinse with?

 

[marcantonio]

That worked! Thanks so much!