Rough running B&S Quantum XTE 6 hp

andrewslarge said:
Do you think it’s fuel/carb issues?
Could it be spark? Did you do anything recently?
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Not sure but don't think it's fuel/carb as it starts up easily.
But I've little experience with this.

May try a different spark plug.

I did not do anything to it recently.
It was not mine.
Belonged to my father n law and was seldom used last few years.

Just thought someone here may have a good idea on what would cause it to run that way.

Thanks
 
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I do. Here is my recommendation.
This engine is now probably close to 30 years old. I have 6 of these on hand and have worked on many over the years. It’s a great engine if you change the oil with 30W or 10w-30 annually and keep a clean air filter on it.

Can you post a photo of the model/type/date code?

1. There is a bowl nut/main jet at the bottom of the carburetor bowl. I believe it’s either a1/2” or a 13mm. Remove it carefully as to not tear the bowl gasket and let ALL the fuel drain.
It sounds like bad/old stale fuel. The engine is “hunting”. It’s not getting enough fuel.
2. Examine the bowl nut/main jet and clean it with carb cleaner. Ultrasonic cleaning is the best. Probably need to clean out the bowl too.
3. Reassemble everything and the fill with fresh fuel from a can that can be sealed. You’d be amazed at people that leave gas cans out in the shed and fuel is contaminated with dirt, water, bug parts, dirt dubber mud, etc. They then pour this contaminated fuel in their engine fuel tank and wow it doesn’t run anymore.
4. I recommend 1 oz of Seafoam in the new fresh fuel.

Lets start here before cleaning the carburetor throughly?

I do not recommend the made in China replacement carburetors. The main jet is too large and they get too much fuel. I can enlarge a main jet but I cannot make it smaller :-(
 
If it was seldom used, it could easily have carb issues, and still start easy. I'd start by pulling fuel line from carb, and checking flow. If sluggish, blow compressed air into fuel line and try again. If there's a filter, replace. Next I'd pull the bowl from the carb, and clean the bowl, needle valve, and seat. If there's crud in the bowl, you may need to clean deeper in the carb.
 
Today I let it run until it stopped on it’s own, to get all gas out.
There was not much gas in tank but sure it was not new gas.

Thanks for all that info andrewslarge.
Will look into this early this coming week.

Thanks for your input Mark.
Since it started so easily would not have thought of carb issues
but I have little experience with this.

Would like to get it running good and save the motor as I think it will fit on my current push mower body.
Little larger body with the large wheels on rear of frame. ( 3.5hp B&S )

Was surprised to see a 6hp motor on this little push mower body.

Thanks
Will report back.
 
There are a number of fuel problems that don't always interfere with starting. If fuel flows, but not enough, it starts, then starts starving. The needle valve/float, and fuel pickup in the tank can both do this Whenever you're troubleshooting, it's best to do basic fuel testing. It doesn't take long or cost much, and is so often at least part of the problem.
 
I’m reading wisdom above!
This is a great engine. If you check the flywheel it might have teeth for an electric starter! I made an outboard engine out of one.
 
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