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mol · Apr 23, 2007, 11:14 AM

I have a 6 year old Murray Select lawn mower with a 6.5 Briggs & Straton engine. The engine cuts out after a few seconds after I prime it. I had the same problem last spring so I had the engine serviced, they tuned it up, replaced the gas line and put fresh gas in. I am having the exact problem this year, is there something I can try before I bring it in for service.

ballengerb1 · Apr 23, 2007, 11:42 AM

The first thing to consider is how fresh is your supply of fuel. Gas sitting in a can can go stale just like gas sitting in your mower. Insure you current supply is fresh. If there is a remote chance the fuel is old then drain it along with opening the carb bowl to get a fresh start.

mol · Apr 23, 2007, 12:21 PM

Hi ballengerb1,

Thanks for the quick response. When you say opening the carb bowl to get a fresh start, do you mean take off the bowl and empty the old gas or is there some adjustment to make.

mol

newaukumdon · Apr 23, 2007, 10:23 PM

When you remove float chamber (bowl) the bolt that holds it on IS the main jet. Clean it well and put fresh fuel back in.

Don

ballengerb1 · Apr 24, 2007, 06:30 AM

Adjustments might be needed but for a start I'm just saying to open the bowl, dump it and flush it with fresh fuel. Once you get tis engine running then you may find a need to adjustment the fuel/air mix or idel speed. Your fuel is most likely gravity fed. Before putting the bowl back on add fresh fuel to the tank. With the float hanging down there should be fuel dripping out in the bowl area. Raise the float gently with your finger. When the float tops out the fuel should stop dripping. If nothing else this procedure has flushed out the fuel line immediately prior to the carb. I'll leave the adjustments to Newaukumdon.

newaukumdon · Apr 24, 2007, 11:25 AM

That machine is a fixed jet version, has no adjustments. The bolt has an orifice that is sized for the machine and should be cleaned.

Don

mol · Apr 30, 2007, 08:12 AM

Thanks Guys,

I did exactly as you suggested and my mower is runnnig great. Thanks again for your help.

mol

ballengerb1 · Apr 30, 2007, 09:11 AM

Congrats on fixing the problem. 4 cycle engines are pretty forgiving when it comes to bad gas when compared to 2 cycle. Be sure to run the engine dry at the end of the season.