I have a 18.5 hp Briggs & Stratton model # 31P777, type # 0348-E1 that is blowing oil out of the screen on the fuel pump. It will blow out about 1 pint by the time I finish cutting my yard. Any ideas?

The fuel pump works off crankase ventilation positive and negative pressure. It is more than likley an overfull issue or gasoline leaking into crankcase through carb.

The other possibility is that you have lost crankcase vacum, if a gasket goes bad such as sump cover, head, gasket or even if the dip stick is off or not sealing well you will loose vacum. Very rarely does a vent go bad but it happens.

Look for the obvious first check the oil level go from there.

Good Luck
Don

The fuel pump works off of crankase ventilation positive and negative pressure. It is more than likley an overfull issue or gasoline leaking into crankcase through carb.

The other possibility is that you have lost crankcase vacum, if a gasket goes bad such as sump cover, head, gasket or even if the dip stick is off or not sealing well you will loose vacum. Very rarely does a vent go bad but it happens.

Look for the obvious first check the oil level go from there.

Good Luck
Don

Hello there, what does the oil level have to do with the problem, that is provided there is no gas in it ? Please, if you would explain the function of the fuel pump operation for this engine. I fully understand how the 5hp. b&s fuel pumps work with the pulsa-jet systems. Thanks, jim

Hello, I know this is a little late, but did this ever get resolved? I have the same model number that is doing the same thing. I was just wondering if the issue was ever resolved and what was done to resolve it. Thanks in advance for any insight.

HELLO THERE, WHAT DOES THE OIL LEVEL HAVE TO DO WITH THE PROBLEM, THAT IS PROVIDED THERE IS NO GAS IN IT ? PLEASE, IF YOU WOULD EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE FUEL PUMP OPERATION FOR THIS ENGINE. I FULLY UNDERSTAND HOW THE 5HP. B&S FUEL PUMPS WORK WITH THE PULSA-JET SYSTEMS. THANKS, JIM

I will ask you to please once again use lower case in the postings nitro. Have you checked the level of oil yet dnldrupp?

Your head gasket is blown. From the piston into your pushrod cavity. I just repaired this problem today on the same eng.

I have the exact problem also on a 18.5 ohv b&s motor. I believe it may be the head gasket because I pulled it off and reused it because I was far out of town and it has worked fine for 2 seasons. I will pull it off and replace it and see if that fixes my crankcase problem.

I.m new to this web format and really can use you guys help on a 18.5hp Power kraft twin cyl.. . just bought, hard start.n... gas floods out carb. RIGHT OFF THE BAT.. Just keeps crank.n... I got plugs, but NEED GAP SIZE? Please help

"Your head gasket is blown. From the piston into your pushrod cavity. I just repaired this problem today on the same eng."

Same thing here... John Deere EZtrak 225 with Briggs and Stratton Intek 31P777. New head gasket stopped the leak you describe.

Can anyone give me the valve clearance spec and head bolt torque and tightening sequence for this 18.5 briggs engine