Weird B&S issue

[dxk3355]

I'm having a real conundrum with my Briggs & Stratton engine on my craftsman mower. The model is a 6.5 HP. It has the autochoke and no throttle control. I've attached the manuals so you can see it.

The problem is weird, when I mow after 5-15 minutes the mower will suddenly stop. I can't start it up again unless I wash it down with a hose to 'cool it off'. Then it'll work for another 5-10 minutes before repeating this.

I've replaced the spark plug, air filter, and the oil is pretty new. There's plenty of gas in the engine as well. I also checked that the deadman switch cable wasn't extending from heat but that didn't have any issues.

I haven't noticed any funny noises from it before this kicks out, though it done sound like it's running richer than I am use to.

Does anyone have any ideas about what I can try to diagnose this?

 

[jeff]

Next time it quits immediatly check for spark. If youhave no spark, the coil is bad, if spark is good try loosening the fuel cap.

 

[dxk3355]

Thanks for the response,
I've done the gas cap thing, is there another name for the 'coil' I don't see it listed on the parts list.

 

[ILENGINE]

otherwise called a ignition module or as briggs calls it a magnetron. Its the thing attached to the other end of the spark plug wire next to the flywheel.

 

[dxk3355]

So I finally had another go at this, the spark plug is going strong. So I think the ignition module is functioning.

 

[crazyoldtractor]

something else they like to call it is "ignition armature."

 

[dxk3355]

crazy, i think i just said that I'm getting a spark so it's not that module... and I've checked the gas cap too. At this point I think I'm just going to have to disassemble the engine.

 

[KennyV]

...At this point I think I'm just going to have to disassemble the engine.

Disassembling the engine, could be fun, but It won't find the problem...
You only have to have a few things, (at the proper time) for any engine to run... Fuel, air, compression & ignition... You are loosing one of these 4...
Usually a heat related failure is something to do with ignition...
You may have a valve sticking and that will remove the compression ... :smile:KennyV

 

[vandredi]

as soon as it dies on you, try pouring a few drops of gas directly into the carburetor, and see if it will start up, this would rule out the carburetor, ya might leave the air cleaner ''breathe''r off to make it faster for this test, be careful though, dont use too much gas or spill any on the hot motor, it could catch fire, i put a little gas in a 20 oz soda bottle and punch a small hole in the lid so i can control the amount of gas you add to the carb, good luck