I have a 13.5 HP Briggs & Stratton motor that after sitting for a while, will start for a second or two then shut off. I have replaced the spark plug which is getting a spark. I have checked the fuel lines which are flowing correctly and replaced the fuel filter. If I pour gasoline straight into the carb, it starts. Then of course once used it shuts off. I am assuming there is NO fuel making it into the carb because fuel is making to each location except into the carb.

I have narrowed it down to the fuel solenoid and the float I think.

Does anyone have any idea on what the problem may be?
Thank you!

Does the solenoid make a faint click when the key is turned to the on posistion?

To be honest, I took it off to do a little more exploring. I was going to replace it anyway. Does that have to do with fuel not entering the carb?

I had the same problem on a chipper. I'm not sure if a 13.5 is the same but on mine there is a small plate on the side of the carb with a rubber diaphragm inside which was varnish stuck. I was able to carefully peel it off and then put it back and it runs like a charm.

13.5 should have a float type carb, not diapragm... though for your diapragm problems bubba, I'd replace it (they are pretty cheap for a carb kit) and it should run a little better then!


As for the solenoid, when the engine is off, or right when you turn the key off, it pops closed, shutting fuel off to the rest of the carb, keeping that POOF you might hear when shutting them off (the ones without) from full throttle.. its spent gas hitting the hot combustion chamber. EPA decided it was greatly needed to save that tiny drop... Now fuel will get to the carb, just the carb bowl, but not the rest of the carb (main jet)

Well, thebriggsdude... I replaced the soleniod and cleaned the jets in the carb with some air and it started up without a problem.

Thanks a million!