Briggs Intek, replaced everything, still surging.. Ideas?

[kbowley]

I put cheap Chinese carburetors on all the time. They are usually plug and play. I also don’t get comebacks as a result.

As I said, when I have seen one run correctly with my own eyes, I'll believe it. Until then, I'll stick with OEM. I have replaced countless Chinese carbs that customers purchase and can't figure out why they don't run right (stating, "but it's a brand-new carb"). The OEM parts are reasonably priced, typically costing less than 100.00 for a single large engine and less than 50.00 for a mower, and they consistently function flawlessly. I fix them correctly with OEM parts, and it has served me well. Look at my reviews on the web. Customers do not mind even a little as long as the machine is fixed right. I know, without a doubt, that the OEM will run right, and I don't have time to deal with returns, replacements, comebacks, complaints, etc. I take actions that I am confident will resolve the problem. Last week, I tried out a product from Amazon designed for a Tecumseh LEV195 engine. It even came with a spark plug, fuel line, filter, and an extra primer bulb for my Toro Personal Pace mower. I use this mower in front of the shop. To no surprise, it surges intensely for about 10 seconds before stalling. Junk. I ordered the OEM for 42.00, and I guarantee it will run perfectly when I put it on. It's merely an inconvenience. I knew better than to even attempt it. This is the carb I bought.

 

[JimP2014]

Until I personally see one small engine with a Chinese carb run correctly with my own eyes, and I have been doing this for 40 years and haven't seen one yet, I say it is a complete waste of money. An OEM carburetor works

 

[LMPPLUS]

As someone has said if your parts we're internet purchase only a few have any quality control, be suspect of them all.

 

[Sean2202]

Ah maybe yes and no. On the Chinese carbs, I've found you have to open her all up and see if something needs attention. Like float levels and several other differences. Make sure the needle/seat holds at 7psi for 30+ mins. Jets are the same size........

Hello, could you explain the method that you use to test 7psi for 30 mins on a carb that is not attached to an engine. I would like to try this on a carb I have on my shelf to test the needle and seat. Carb is from B&S 356447-0200G1 18hp v-twin carb#843325, has fuel solenoid valve on bottom of carb as well.

 

[slomo]

Mower carbs work like a toilet. Flip the carb over. Float should shut off the fuel flow into the bowl. Take a hand pump and put vacuum on the carb needle at 7pst for 30+ mins. Hook pump hose to the fuel inlet tube on carb body. Or youtube carb pressure testing. Several good videos out there. One in mind is the mower lady. She has a vid showing you how to test 2 strokes as well.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

As I said, when I have seen one run correctly with my own eyes, I'll believe it. Until then, I'll stick with OEM. I have replaced countless Chinese carbs that customers purchase and can't figure out why they don't run right (stating, "but it's a brand-new carb"). The OEM parts are reasonably priced, typically costing less than 100.00 for a single large engine and less than 50.00 for a mower, and they consistently function flawlessly. I fix them correctly with OEM parts, and it has served me well. Look at my reviews on the web. Customers do not mind even a little as long as the machine is fixed right. I know, without a doubt, that the OEM will run right, and I don't have time to deal with returns, replacements, comebacks, complaints, etc. I take actions that I am confident will resolve the problem. Last week, I tried out a product from Amazon designed for a Tecumseh LEV195 engine. It even came with a spark plug, fuel line, filter, and an extra primer bulb for my Toro Personal Pace mower. I use this mower in front of the shop. To no surprise, it surges intensely for about 10 seconds before stalling. Junk. I ordered the OEM for 42.00, and I guarantee it will run perfectly when I put it on. It's merely an inconvenience. I knew better than to even attempt it. This is the carb I bought.

One aftermarket carburetor that didn’t work as an example, is not exactly like having a hundred aftermarket carburetors that didn’t work for you, one after another. I am not trying to stir the pot, just saying that my experience, and many others online that I have read, has been good with cheap Chinese carburetors, and a wide variety of other parts for that matter. A $42 OEM carburetor vs aftermarket is also not a good cost difference. How about $20 versus $150?

 

[The Specialist]

Own a JD La115 with a Briggs Intek 19.5 engine. Have an issue with surging and backfiring when not under load. Have replaced fuel filter, gaskets, carburetor, spark plug, fuel pump, ignition coil/spark plug wire, air filter, adjusted valves, pumped out and refilled gas tank. Still have a surge/race condition and random backfire happening at any throttle position while at rest and during movement, it does smooth out when I engage the mower blades. I noted another post about surginng which indicated that the safety switch could somehow be involved, not sure I understand hwo that could be. Completely out of ideas and open to suggestions.

The valves need to be taken out and cleaned. The surging is the intake valve not closing all the way. Im also guessing that the exhaust valve is carboned right up and its not closing all the way either, hence the back fire.

 

[Johner]

A safety switch would not produce this kind of problem.

Please provide the number information stamped in the top of the valve cover on the engine.

Lack of proper choke operation is my initial thought with this running problem.

Next idea is the carburetor to cylinder block seal is leaking.

Had one do similar. Had to make the intake gaskets thicker, was an air leak.

 

[Gord Baker]

Own a JD La115 with an Briggs Intek 19.5 engine. Have an issue with surging and backfiring when not under load. Have replaced fuel filter, gaskets, carburetor, spark plug, fuel pump, ignition coil/spark plug wire, air filter, adjusted valves, pumped out and refilled gas tank. Still have a surge/race condition and random backfire happening at any throttle position while at rest and during movement, it does smooth out when I engage the mower blades. I noted another post about surginng which indicated that the safety switch could somehow be involved, not sure I understand hwo that could be. Completely out of ideas and open to suggestions.

 

[Johner]

Briggs 17.5 to 21 HP single cylinder engines are more prone to blow head gaskets, then comes the twin cylinder Briggs. However, it is not a common occurrence as stated above. If you replaced OEM carburetor with aftermarket carburetor and engine is hunting and surging, obviously it is running lean. You have an air leak, a carburetor that needs special attention, or learn how to live with it.

If it fits, take the new main jet out and replace it with the old main jet. See if it corrects the problem. Turn the fuel off when changing.