Trying to get my Murray riding mower up and going. It's got the Briggs & Stratton 21hp OHV I/C twin with dual-barrel carb. If I squirt starter fluid in the intake it fires up and runs for 3-4 seconds, then dies. Choke on/off and throttle position makes no difference. I'm guessing it's starved for fuel, but the little pump (just before the carb) appears to be working. If I disconnect the fuel line and try to start the engine, fuel spurts out. I've disassembled and cleaned the carb best I can, and dumped all the old fuel out of the tank and lines, so the gas is good. Any tips on what to check next?
Engine model 407777-0137-E1
Murray Select model #465602X8B
Mfg date 01199
Pull the carburetor bowl and see if there are any sediments, water, etc. in there. Also spray it out and work the float and needle up and down by hand and squirt carburetor cleaner around the needle to make sure it's not sticking. Could be something as simple as the needle and seat stuck together. Have you checked for good fuel flow to the needle and float and it is letting fuel in and shutting it off? Even clean carbs and needles and seats can still bind up occasionally, cause big headaches. Can also not seat properly and cause flooding, which is what I've been working on today with a 17.5 HP Kohler single. Finally had to put a shut off valve on it until I can get a new needle ordered and installed.
