I have an 18 hp Briggs. It will not start. Was running great then just quit. Was told to check the fuel solenoid. I did! Put it back in and it cranked for a second or two. Heard stories about this same event and putting in a new solenoid did not seem to help. Should I pu a new one in? :confused:

The solenoid has two wires going to it. One is a ground and the other is a hot wire. Make sure that you have this to the solenoid before you replace or it won't help.

The solenoid has two wires going to it. One is a ground and the other is a hot wire. Make sure that you have this to the solenoid before you replace or it won't help.

I had the wires connected as they were when I took it off to try cleaning it. Thanks for responding. Gene

I had the wires connected as they were when I took it off to try cleaning it. Thanks for responding. Gene
Sorry I wasn't clearer.

You should be able to hear it click when you turn the key on. You can also unhook the plug, unscrew it from the carb bowl and while it's in your hand plug it back and just turn the key on. You should see the plunger retract back into the solenoid. If that doesn't happen then you either have a bad solenoid or no current going to it.

To figure this out you can use a test light or a volt meter of some kind to make sure you have current to those wires. If you have current and it doesn't retract then it is the solenoid.

Sorry I wasn't clearer.

You should be able to hear it click when you turn the key on. You can also unhook the plug, unscrew it from the carb bowl and while it's in your hand plug it back and and just turn the key on. You should see the plunger retract back into the solenoid. If that doesn't happen then you either have a bad solenoid or no current going to it.

To figure this out you can use a test light or a volt meter of some kind to make sure you have current to those wires. If you have current and it doesn't retract then it is the solenoid.

Thanks again for responding. I will try that in the morning. If there is no current, then I have a problem, right?

Thanks again for responding. I will try that in the morning. If there is no current, then I have a problem, right?

That's correct. If you have no current then the problem is someplace else. In that case, it could be a wiring problem etc...

That's correct. If you have no current then the problem is someplace else. In that case, it could be a wiring problem etc...

Again, thanks for your help. The solenoid does not click when the key is turned on. However, the wiring to the solenoid is okay in that there is 12.4 volts getting to the solenoid. So I guess I need to find a new solenoid. Couldn't have done this without your help. Thanks a lot. Gene Stella

To fjfolke... This is gene stella concerning the fuel solenoid we were talking about earlier. Well I went to NAPA to see if they could help me out and they could order me one from Tupelo, MS. Anyway the man I talked to worked on these small engine for years and had the same proble. Well, he suggested I cut the tip of the plunger off and put the solenoid back in. Came home and cranked the mower immediately. Well, it worked so now you have a quick solve problem for future use and information for others. Thanks again for your help.

That will work and make it run.

The reason for those solenoids is to shut the gas off as soon as you turn the key off. As long as you don't have a problem with it backfiring when you shut it off then you can get away with doing that. The chances are after you have used it a while and have gotten the engine good and hot you might experience it when you shut it off. If not, you've saved about thirty bucks.

Just a note on the purpose of the solenoid.
It is designed with two purposes. When the engine is turned off, it stops the flow of fuel to the engine, and helps control backfire after shutdown. Don't be surprised when the muffler pops. Secondary, the solenoid stops the fuel from entering the cylinder when the engine is off. Over time, the fuel can get past the float needle, and eventually in to the crank case.

While it is great that you found the problem, I strongly advise that you make the repair.

Regards,
Victor