Old 8hp Briggs and Stratton stalls regularly

[Forest#2]

Install a correctly gapped NEW spark plug. (and do not feel bad if it runs ok afterwards)

Yes leave the heads bolts alone for now they have been at rest since 1985 and good chance one or more will twist off. Your description does not warrant taking the head pull chance yet. NO NEED IN CLEANING ON A DEAD HORSE. You need to do some good through basic testing first.

I've got one of them old snappers with the 8-12 hp Briggs. One is manual start only and one is elec and manual.
Is yours both manual and electric crank? (or manual only??????????)
Does yours have the engine kill on the throttle lever?????????????or on a key switch?????????

 

[VegetiveSteam]

In that 2 or so minutes that the engine won't restart, have you checked for spark in that time period?

 

[SeniorCitizen]

The gas tank cap vent may be plugged on a engine that old .

 

[slomo]

Just because you see a spark is meaningless.

THIS is why I prefer the PET-4000.

 

[slomo]

Loose carbon would go out the exhaust port.

It will also flake off and get between the piston and bore.

This is why all engine manufacturers say to pull the head and de-carbon the cylinder/s every say 5 years or example. Check YOUR engine manual for proper info.

 

[slomo]

Have you replaced the spark plug?

Very wise very wise.