Bolens, 15.5hp Briggs engine - starting problem

[KeW]

Last week it started up but put-put-putted over to the shop where I shut it off. Then it wouldn't start again. It turned over but wouldn't run.
Checked the battery.
Changed the plug.
Changed the fuel filter.
None of those helped.
Friend stopped by, said it was a stuck choke, fiddled with something, it started right up and I mowed for 3 hours, no problem. This week - same thing except it starts and runs about 2 seconds then shuts down.
I've checked the battery - full charge.
The fuel is fresh.
Spark plug is clean.
No trash in the fuel filter or tank.
Above mentioned friend is out of town. :laughing:

I'm no mechanic but can work with a manual if I had one.
Any suggestions for a lady with tools and not afraid to get dirty?
I may not know all the part names but will do my best to follow along if anyone has any suggestions.

 

[ILENGINE]

The choke shaft is sticking shut causing the engine to flood itself. The carb has two levers on top of the carb. The one closes to where the air goes into the carb is the choke and is mos likely plastic. The shaft tends to warp inside the carb causing it to not open when the choke is release. For a quick fix to mow, you can set the parking brake on the mower, start the engine and return the choke to the off position with your hand. For a more permanent fix, may require removing the carb and replacing the shaft.

 

[KeW]

Makes perfect sense to me and I'll give it a try tomorrow.
Thanks so much for your reply.
:thumbsup:

 

[BobbyR]

Sometimes spraying the choke shaft and plastic butterfly with WD-40, then working it manually a few times works wonders. I'd try it before anything more in depth. It may just be dry and squeeky like my knee joints get from time to time. lol!

 

[DaveTN]

Last week it started up but put-put-putted over to the shop where I shut it off. Then it wouldn't start again. It turned over but wouldn't run.
Checked the battery.
Changed the plug.
Changed the fuel filter.
None of those helped.
Friend stopped by, said it was a stuck choke, fiddled with something, it started right up and I mowed for 3 hours, no problem. This week - same thing except it starts and runs about 2 seconds then shuts down.
I've checked the battery - full charge.
The fuel is fresh.
Spark plug is clean.
No trash in the fuel filter or tank.
Above mentioned friend is out of town. :laughing:

I'm no mechanic but can work with a manual if I had one.
Any suggestions for a lady with tools and not afraid to get dirty?
I may not know all the part names but will do my best to follow along if anyone has any suggestions.

Could be the choke shaft binding as was suggested earlier. Or again it could be the choke plate that is
bolted to the shaft maybe came loose and binding. I had some engines do that to me. A Kohler 14 old
cast iron sideshaft in a Ford mower, and a 15.5 B&S in a rider just a few weeks ago. Kept choking itself out
and the choke plate was only snapped (cheap!!) onto the shaft. I HATE these new plastic carbs!!! Take the
filter box off and physically inspect the choke and see if it's working ok and not binding. Couple of bolts
holding it on. Good Luck! Dave