Murray with 13.5hp Briggs Idles very rough

[royrodgers]

I have an older black Murray and last year it started idling very rough and even popping through the carb. It ran at high speed just fine, but just idled terrible. Over the winter I took the carb off, drained all the old gas, cleaned and rebuilt the carb and put a new gas filter in the line. Today I decided to give it a try so I filled the tank with non-ethanol gas and started it up. It didn't even turn over one full round and started right up. The only trouble is, same problem exists, idles very rough, popping and cracking , but give it gas an it runs fine. I am 73 and have forgotten a lot of things and I sure need some help on this problem.

 

[reynoldston]

You said you removed the carburetor, check for vacuum leaks.

 

[royrodgers]

You said you removed the carburetor, check for vacuum leaks.

What would be the best way to do that?

 

[mechanic mark]

Check air filter & spark plugs for replacement, adjust valves engine cold per manual. Post model xxxxxx, type xxxx, trim xx from engine data plate, thanks.

 

[royrodgers]

Check air filter & spark plugs for replacement, adjust valves engine cold per manual. Post model xxxxxx, type xxxx, trim xx from engine data plate, thanks.

I do remember a couple years ago, over the winter, the needle and seat went bad and the gas mixed into the oil. Could this have had any thing to do with my problem? I caught it right off and corrected that problem.

 

[EngineMan]

" popping through the carb " the carb is running lean recheck it.

 

[bertsmobile1]

What would be the best way to do that?

Using a trigger spray bottle spray WD40, Water, or similar all around the back of the carb.
Engine changes speed, blows black smoke etc means you have an air leak.

 

[bertsmobile1]

" popping through the carb " the carb is running lean recheck it.

Bad timing and bad valve adjustments can also cause popping as can sticky valves.
Since the mower has been laid up all are possible.

 

[reynoldston]

Using a trigger spray bottle spray WD40, Water, or similar all around the back of the carb.
Engine changes speed, blows black smoke etc means you have an air leak.

This how you check for vacuum/air leaks.

 

[EngineMan]

Using a trigger spray bottle spray WD40, Water, or similar all around the back of the carb.
Engine changes speed, blows black smoke etc means you have an air leak.

That is also true, like you say he needs to check them out one by one.