Briggs push mower engine. Honda Vs. Briggs And Stratton Lawn Mower Which One Should You Choose

New E-Series™ Push Mower Engines from Briggs Stratton Are All About Easy

MILWAUKEE. March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/.- Consumers shopping for a new lawnmower this year will find a new engine packed with easy features mounted to the decks of their favorite mower brands. The new E-Series™ push mower engine will join Briggs Stratton Corporation’s (NYSE: BGG) product line-up this spring. The E-Series engine will be available on lawnmowers sold at Lowe’s, Sears, The Home Depot, Walmart and other retailers of outdoor power equipment.

Seven in ten consumers who bought a lawnmower in 2010 felt that it is ‘extremely important’ to have a lawnmower that’s easy to start according to PowerPulse™, an annual consumer survey on outdoor power equipment. Over half of consumers surveyed also wanted a lawnmower that is easy to maintain and maneuver. Briggs Stratton® E-Series™ engines deliver on all the easy features consumers want, making it easier than ever for homeowners to have a great looking lawn. From easy one-step starting to improved performance and reduced emissions, the E-Series engines deliver a distinctly enhanced lawn mowing experience.

The E-Series represents an evolution in push mower engines, offering homeowners distinct quality and features even on the most basic engine in the series, says JP Benjamins, product marketing manager for Briggs Stratton. Everything about these engines is aimed at making the mowing experience easier and better for consumers.

The new 550e and 550ex Series™ engines offer these Easy features including:

• Easy starting – An easier to pull rope helps you start the engine on the first or second pull.
• Easy to maneuver – A best in class torque-to-weight ratio means the engine has the power to cut your grass well while being light, making it easier to push your lawnmower.
• Easy to maintain – Using a Briggs Stratton tune-up kit, this engine requires less than 30 minutes of easy-to-do maintenance per year.
• Easy on your hands and ears – Reduced vibration levels and an improved sound level delivered by the Super Lo-Tone™ muffler enhances your mowing experience.

The 550ex Series™ comes equipped with the ReadyStart® starting system, eliminating the need to choke or prime the engine before pulling the rope to start the engine. The 550ex Series is also covered by the Briggs Stratton Starting Promise™. All 550e and 550ex Series engines also meet U.S. EPA Phase 3 emissions standards.

The arrival of the E-Series™ engine, designed at Briggs Stratton’s Milwaukee headquarters using U.S. and global components, represents a major milestone for company. In July 2010. Briggs Stratton announced an investment of more than 35 million to renovate its Murray, Kentucky facility over three years, including installation of upgraded tooling, new machinery, and workforce training. The Murray facility, opened in 1985, is now manufacturing the new 550e and 550ex Series™ engines.

The E-Series™, which went into production in November 2011. joins a full line of engines manufactured by Briggs Stratton in its U.S. facilities in Alabama. Georgia. Kentucky and Missouri. In 2011, Briggs Stratton’s U.S. engine plants produced more than 9 million engines and employed over 3,000 people. For more information on the new E Series™ engines, visit briggsandstratton.com.

Briggs Stratton Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. is the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Its wholly owned subsidiary Briggs Stratton Power Products Group LLC is North America ‘s number one manufacturer of portable generators and pressure washers, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of home standby generators, along with lawn and garden and turf care through its Simplicity®, Snapper®, Ferris® and Murray® brands. Briggs Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents.

SOURCE Briggs Stratton Corporation

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Honda Vs. Briggs And Stratton Lawn Mower Which One Should You Choose

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Anyone who has ever used a lawnmower, generator, pressure washer, or other gasoline-powered yard equipment has likely encountered one or both of these motors since Briggs Stratton and Honda are the market leaders in small engines in the United States and many other countries. The manufacturers provide engines for some of the most impressive lawn mowers available. Which one, however, really stands out as the superior option?

Honda engines are well-known for their dependability and durability, while Briggs Stratton engines are famed for their power and high performance. While their ratings seem comparable at first glance, a closer examination reveals significant variations in durability, bagging, and handling that will matter to specific consumers.

Given that these two well-established companies offer various models at a variety of price points, it would be reasonable to compare their finest lawn mowers in the same price range. As a result, we chose to pit the Honda HRN Lawn Mower against the Husqvarna HU725AWDHQ Lawn Mower with Briggs Stratton Engine. Continue reading as we show the ultimate face-off between Honda and Briggs Stratton engines.

Honda Lawn Mowers

Honda produces about 500 thousand lawnmowers each year and sells them in Australia, China, and other nations and the two biggest markets in the world: North America and Europe.

Honda manufactures tiny engines at five sites worldwide. Their annual manufacturing capacity exceeds 7 million units. Engines destined for the United States market are mainly sourced in the United States, Japan, and Thailand.

Honda’s reputation for high-quality engines extends to its lawnmower range. The Honda HRN 166-cc is the finest gas lawn mower on the market because of its potent engine, quick self-propulsion, and large-capacity discharge bag. The lawnmower works well, cutting your grass evenly and smoothly.

Honda manufactures gas-powered lawn mowers with innovative drive systems, mulching capabilities, and steel and plastic decks. On the other hand, Honda mowers are among the most costly on the market and are available only via dealers and Home Depot.

Honda Power Equipment products are manufactured and developed at 11 Honda manufacturing sites worldwide, including Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. in Swepsonville, North Carolina.

Briggs Stratton Lawn Mowers

Briggs Stratton Company, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA), has been manufacturing engines for over a century. Their engines are powerful, dependable, simple to run and maintain, and have a long life. These are just a few of the reasons why eight out of ten garden equipment manufacturers depend on Briggs Stratton engines to power their garden tractors and mowers.

Their air intake systems are unmatched, including a sophisticated cooling and filtration system that enables the engine to run at a cooler temperature, possibly prolonging its life.

Briggs Stratton Corporation has been constant throughout the years in providing superior engines by introducing new technologies. Additionally, the business is a market leader in the sector and has everything necessary to enhance the user experience with its engines.

Apart from their excellent reputation, Briggs Stratton engines are distinguished by their constant incorporation of new technology. These options can help you get the most out of your lawnmower engine by extending its life. The anti-vibration system is an example of creative technology that Briggs Stratton incorporates into their engines.

Additionally, you must realize that Briggs Stratton’s lawnmower engines need regular maintenance. Thus, if you want your lawnmower to endure for years, you must use it carefully.

Honda vs. Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower: which one is best for you

There are many factors to consider while buying a lawnmower. And, as previously said, although there are many differences between these two lawnmowers, I will FOCUS on the Honda HRN Lawn Mower and the Husqvarna HU725AWDHQ Lawn Mower to help you in making your selection.

Quality

Honda and Briggs Stratton Engines are well-known for their superior engine manufacturing. Briggs Stratton, on the other hand, is more renowned for the quality of its engines. Everything on the tractor is in perfect working order to provide unrivaled power and performance. Additionally, they are known for producing the industry’s most durable tractors and accessories. This is why their are higher than those of their rivals.

Power Rating

There is no way to describe machines with engines without bringing up the subject of power. The engine’s strength and capability must be unmatched. When compared to Honda, the Briggs Stratton Engine falls short in this category.

The Honda is equipped with more advanced technology, which results in larger engines. They can even mow muddy slopes! They are that powerful.

Cutting Performance

The Honda and Husqvarna machines performed similarly—and admirably—when it came to mulching and side-discharge cutting. Both engines could mulch long grass blades into fine clippings, and the Husqvarna worked just as well as the Honda despite having just one cutting blade.

Each model received a Very Good rating in the side-discharge mode, although it’s worth noting that the Honda HRN leaves clippings in your path rather than discharging them to the side; keep this in mind if you’re not a fan of walking through a trail of recently cut grass.

We discovered the most significant difference between the two push mowers when it came to bagging. While both machines filled their bags to the brim, the Honda contained much more clippings—25 pounds compared to the Husqvarna’s 20.

Features and Handling

Since push mowers do not have motorized wheels, they are often more challenging to operate than self-propelled versions. Additionally, push mowers have fewer functions. Due to the higher expense of self-propelled versions, many manufacturers reserve premium features like an electric start or a blade-brake clutch for those models and leave them off push mowers.

The Husqvarna does offer several handy features, and in our Florida mowing test site, we found it somewhat simpler to push, pull, and turn. Because the Honda proved a bit more challenging to handle, we awarded the Husqvarna the advantage here.

Reliability and Warranty

Honda is the clear winner when it comes to gas push mowers—it is the least prone to breakdowns of the nine leading brands surveyed. Husqvarna is more in the medium. Honda also offers a three-year engine guarantee on its push mowers, while Husqvarna provides a two-year warranty.

How to Find Briggs Stratton Model Number

Use this guide to learn how to find your Briggs Stratton small engine model number for your lawn mower, riding mower, zero-turn mower, walk-behind push mower, lawn equipment, and outdoor power equipment. Below is a quick jump section where you can pick your desired equipment or engine type and you will be automatically redirected to the corresponding set of instructions:

How To Locate Your Push Mower Engine Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the image below? The first 10-characters (i.e., model and type) stamped on your engine will look like this:

Please Note: If the model type numbers on your Briggs Stratton engine are only 9 characters, please enter a 0 (zero) at the beginning of the model number.

Does the number you have the look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

As shown in the Where to Find Your Lawn Mower Engine Model Number video below, the engine model number is generally a number stamped into metal directly on your engine.

Some push mower engines come with a cover or shroud. It should be noted that these covers come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. Regardless of your cover, the engine model number will be in one of 3 locations:

Above the spark plug Tools you may need: Flashlight 1/4 or 5/16 socket or screwdriver

On the front of engine Stamped on metal plate in between the overhead valve cover (OHV) and the air filter.

Above the muffler Stamped on the sheet metal above the muffler, which can be on the right or left side of the engine.

How To Locate Your Riding Mower Engine Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the image below? The first 10-characters (i.e., model and type) stamped on your engine will look like this:

Please Note: If the model type numbers on your Briggs Stratton engine are only 9 characters, please enter a 0 (zero) at the beginning of the model number.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

Some riding mower engines come with a cover or shroud. It should be noted that these covers come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. Regardless of your cover, the engine model number will be in one of 2 locations:

On the valve cover stamped on the metal plate over the overhead valve (OHV) Tools you may need: Flashlight

On an aluminum tag located on top of the blower housing right next to the rotating screen Tools you may need: Flashlight

How To Locate Your Snow Blower Engine Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the image below? The first 10-characters (i.e., model and type) stamped on your engine will look like this:

Please Note: If the model type numbers on your Briggs Stratton engine are only 9 characters, please enter a 0 (zero) at the beginning of the model number.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

As shown in the Where to Find Your Snow Blower Engine Model Number video below, the engine model number is generally a number stamped into metal directly on your engine.

Some snow blower engines come with a cover or shroud. It should be noted that these covers come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Regardless of your cover, the engine model number will be in one of 4 locations:

Label by the Starter Label on the rewind housing to left on recoil Tools you may need: Flashlight

On the Cylinder Shield Label on the rewind housing to left on recoil Tools you may need: Flashlight

On the Metal Shield Stamped on the shield below the muffler Tools you may need: Flashlight

On the Valve Cover Stamped on the left side of the overhead valve (ohv) cover Tools you may need: Flashlight

How To Locate Your Utility Engine Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the image below? The first 10-characters (i.e., model and type) stamped on your engine will look like this:

Please Note: If the model type numbers on your Briggs Stratton engine are only 9 characters, please enter a 0 (zero) at the beginning of the model number.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

As shown in the Where to Find Your Engine Model Number video below, the engine model number is generally a number stamped into metal directly on your engine.

Some engines come with a cover or shroud. It should be noted that these covers come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Regardless of your cover, the engine model number will be in one of 5 locations:

Above the Starter Metal tag directly above the rewind starter Tools you may need: Flashlight

Label on the Fuel Tank Label on the side of the fuel tank Tools you may need: Flashlight

On the Metal Cover Stamped directly into the metal near the spark plug Tools you may need: Flashlight

On the Valve Cover Stamped on the left side of the overhead valve (OHV) cover Tools you may need: Flashlight

On the Valve Cover Stamped on the left side of the overhead valve (OHV) cover Tools you may need: Flashlight

How To Locate Your Gas Pressure Washer Engine Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the images below? The 6-character model number and 2-character revision of your Briggs Stratton pressure washer will make it easy to order maintenance or repair parts either online or from your local dealer.

Please Note: Briggs Stratton pressure washer model numbers start with 02. Including the revision in your manuals search will increase the accuracy of the search results.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

Regardless of your pressure washer, the model number will be found in one of these 2 locations:

On the frame. vertical shaft models On the data tag next to the left wheel or on the bottom of the unit

On the frame. vertical shaft models On the data tag next to the left wheel or on the bottom of the unit

How To Locate Your Electric Pressure Washer Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the images below? The 6-character model number and 2-character revision of your Briggs Stratton pressure washer will make it easy to order maintenance or repair parts either online or from your local dealer.

Please Note: Briggs Stratton pressure washer model numbers start with 02. Including the revision in your manuals search will increase the accuracy of the search results.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

The model number of your electric pressure washer should be in the location shown below:

Near the left wheel On the data tag near the left wheel

How To Locate Your Portable Generator Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the image below?The 6-character model number and 2-character revision of your Briggs Stratton portable generator will make it easy to order maintenance or repair parts either online or from your local dealer.

Please Note: Briggs Stratton portable generator model numbers start with 03. Including the revision in your manuals search will increase the accuracy of the search results.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

The model number of your portable generator should be in the location shown below:

On the inner side of the frame On the data tag next to the engine

How To Locate Your Inverter Generator Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the image below? The 6-character model number and 2-character revision of your Briggs Stratton inverter generator will make it easy to order maintenance or repair parts either online or from your local dealer.

Please Note: Briggs Stratton inverter generator model numbers start with 03. Including the revision in your manuals search will increase the accuracy of the search results.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

The model number of your inverter generator should be in the location shown below:

On the top of the unit On the data tag under the handle

How To Locate Your Home Standby Generator Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the image below?The 6-character model number and 2-character revision of your Briggs Stratton standby generator will make it easy to order maintenance or repair parts either online or from your local dealer.

Please Note: Briggs Stratton standby generator model numbers start with 04. Including the revision in your manuals search will increase the accuracy of the search results.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

Regardless of your Standby Generator, the model number will be in one of these 3 locations:

Inside the door. vertical models On the data tag on the inside of the door or on the floor of the enclosure

Inside the door. horizontal models On the data tag on the inside of the door or on the floor of the enclosure

On the control panel assembly

How To Locate Your Water Pump Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the image below? The model number of your Briggs Stratton Water Pump will make it easy to order maintenance or repair parts either online or from your local dealer.

Please Note: Briggs Stratton water pump model numbers start with 02. Including the revision in your manuals search will increase the accuracy of the search results.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

The model number is generally a number stamped into metal or on a sticker directly on your product. Regardless of your Water Pump, the model number will be in one of 3 locations:

On the Frame Data tag is on the bottom part of the frame

On the pump Data tag is on one of the sides of the metal pump

On the frame Data tag is on the backside of the frame

How To Locate Your Amplifi Hose Cleaning System Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Knowing the model number of your Briggs Stratton Cleaning Hose will make it easy to order maintenance or repair parts either online or from your local dealer. The model number is generally a number stamped into metal or on a sticker directly on your product. Regardless of your Cleaning Hose, the model number will be in one of two locations. Below is an example of what the engine model number looks like:

Above the electric cord

On the back of the unit

How To Locate Your Air Compressor Model Number

Step 1: Confirm Correct Model Number

Does your model number look like the image below? Knowing the model number of your Briggs Stratton Air Compressor will make it easy to order maintenance or repair parts either online or from your local dealer.

Please Note: Briggs Stratton air compressor model numbers start with 03. Including the revision in your manuals search will increase the accuracy of the search results.

Does the number you have look like this? If not, locate the correct number by following instructions in Step 2.

Step 2: Locate the Model Number

The model number is generally a number stamped into metal or on a sticker directly on your product. Regardless of your Air Compressor, the model number will be in one of 3 locations:

On the frame or cylinder

On the frame or cylinder

On the frame or cylinder

Can’t find the part you are looking for? Use our Parts Lookup Diagrams.

Mower Hard To Start When Hot – Mechanics causes fixes checklist

Stop to empty the grass bag, and the mower won’t restart? You’re not on your own, I had this exact problem with a Briggs engine, and the cause of the problem surprised me.

So what’s wrong with a mower that’s hard to start when hot? Hard hot starting mower issue is most likely caused by a failing coil, but there are other possibilities:

Now let’s take a look at all the simple stuff first before we go deeper.

This post covers the complete diagnosis and repair process. If, however, you need video help, check out “Mower won’t start video”. It walks you through the complete process, from diagnosing no-start issues (including hot-start issues) to repair.

Check The Oil Level

OK, I know this sounds like it’s not relevant, but some mowers won’t allow the engine to start/restart if the oil level is low – it’s designed that way to help protect the engine from a critically low oil level.

The oil should be checked regularly every time you fill the gas. Most mowers will take from empty.6 lt. of 5w30 or 10w30. Mowers don’t like to be overfull either, so add just a little at a time. If in doubt, Check out “Lawn mower oil level check.”

Check The Spark Plug

Plugs come in a variety of lengths and heat ranges. If the wrong plug is fitted to your mower, it can cause issues, including hot start failures. It’s a good idea to check the correct plug code with your engine maker.

It’s always worth having a spare plug; it allows you to troubleshoot quickly by replacing the plug with a known good one. Sometimes simply changing the plug will fix the problem, and you only invest a couple of minutes. Check out “Spark test video”.

Spark

A spark plug is the most likely cause of a hot starting problem and is the easiest problem to solve. A new spark plug should be fitted at the start of every season.

What Is A Coil?

A coil is a solid-state unit that is dedicated to producing a voltage at every revolution of the engine. It works hard and is exposed to high temperatures; it lives right above the cylinder head next to the flywheel.

Coils are made from copper wire and wound around a metal core, known as a winding. Most coils will have two independent winding – primary and secondary.

How a Coil Works

The flywheel on the top of the crankshaft has a magnet attached, and every time it passes the coil, it creates a voltage in the windings. A transistor built into the coil controls the spark by opening and closing the circuit.

The high voltage travels along the plug wire, searching for ground. The spark plug provides an almost perfect path to the ground, and so the positive voltage is made the jump from the plug electrode to the ground; this is where the spark occurs.

The process takes milliseconds to unfold and is repeated every revolution for as long as the engine is running.

Need info on how small engine ignition system works, check this out.

Coil Control

A mower engine is shut down by stopping the voltage from reaching the plug; this is done by offering the coil voltage a shorter, easier path to the ground. So when you release the bail lever, you’re offering the voltage a perfect path to the ground, and since it loves a shortcut, the engine shuts off.

If the coil control wire is chafing off a ground source, the engine will not run or run intermittently.

The coil is a non-serviceable item. Examine the plug cap for arcing and the coil wire for chafing. If damaged, it will cause an intermittent no-start. Higher temperatures create higher resistance to the flow of voltage; that’s why coils usually fail when the mowers are hot and start working again when the engine cools.

The enemy of electrical systems is moisture, so a mower should always be kept indoors in a ventilated area.

The Coil Plug Test

In the following guide, we will test the spark plug, coil wire, plug wire cap, bail lever, and the stop/start switch. You won’t be surprised to know that there is a special plug spark tool called an in-line spark testing tool.

Check out the “Small engine tools page” to see the spark plug tester I use. It’s simple to use and gets the job done.

The tool loads up the coil, wire, cap, and plug, and so is a preferred way to test for spark. Anyway, we’ll do it MacGyver style.

Spark Check

Tools – For this test, you will need a new plug, plug spanner, insulated pliers, and a kind helper.

1 Remove – Hold the plug against the metal of the engine (Ground) using the insulated pliers, be sure to ground it well as poor grounding will lead to misdiagnosis.

2 Replace – Replace the plug with a test plug and check for spark again.

3 Pull – The helper now attempts to start the mower while you watch the plug spark.

Coil

4 Cap – If you have no spark or it’s poor, you may have a faulty: Spark plug wire, Plug cap: Bail lever cable: Short circuit of coil control wire: Coil damage.

If your spark is good and the problem still persists, then check out “carburetor cleaning.”

5 Wire – Plug wire damage can be caused by old age, mice, or chafing of the mower body.

If all looks OK, move on and check the bail lever and switch.

Bail Lever

6 Bail – Check that the bail lever cable is tight. If not, adjust it. Most models will have an adjuster at the handlebars or at the engine. If the bail lever isn’t pulling all the way, the mower won’t start.

7 Switch – The bail lever is connected to the engine brake, which usually incorporates a simple on-off switch. When the lever is released, a brake block pushes against the flywheel, slowing the engine down; at the same time, the simple ground on-off coil control switch is operated.

Check that the cable is operating the assembly.

Replace Coil

8 Coil – If all checks out okay, then remove the pull start assembly, and replace the coil. It’s not uncommon for them to fail, I replace lots, and the good news is – they’re easy to fit!

9 Remove – Remove these two bolts and remove push-on wire connector. Coils are specific to each model, so check your engine type code before ordering.

10 Wire – On the underside of the coil, there is a single push on the wire connector; this is the coil control wire, usually on the underside of the coil.

Coil – Ordering a coil online is easy, but you will need your engine number or look for a part number. Although all coils look the same, they’re not. Check out the Amazon link below for common coil types.

11 Wire – Place a business card between the flywheel and coil. This creates just the right air gap. Push the coil snug against the business card and tighten the two bolts.

Fit push on wire connector. Reassemble don’t forget to remove the business card.

Engine May Be Overheating

This can cause serious damage; common reasons for an overheating mower: engine running lean; using the wrong plug or fuel type; air cooling fins or fan obstructed.

Running Lean

A lean running engine is lacking fuel or getting too much air – the air/fuel ratio is off. The extra air could be from a carburetor fault or a vacuum leak somewhere in the engine.

Ethanol Gas

Small engine manufacturers recommend regular gas or e10 ethanol. E15 and e85 burn hotter and will damage the engine; worst of all, it voids your warranty.

Air Cooled

Small lawn mower engines are engineered with clever cooling fins that help cool the engine by having a larger surface area exposed to the atmosphere. These fins get packed with old dry grass, which, if not cleaned, starts to act as insulation, causing the mower to overheat.

The solution is simple enough, remove the plastic engine covers and clear the grass with compressed air.

Low Oil Level

Oil is used to cool as well as lubricate. When the oil level is low, it will cause engine temps to rise. Engine components like coils and plugs will fail when they get too hot.

Is It A Mechanical Fault?

Total failure is rare, but it does happen; problems often only show up then. Coincidence? No, metal expands as it heats, problems such intake manifold cracks/gaskets, cylinder head gaskets tend to leak when the engine is up to temperature, bearings, and valve train uglies are at their worst then too.

Cylinder head and intake gaskets are not expensive or challenging to replace, but anything deeper in the engine may not be economically viable to repair. Often a whole engine is cheaper, faster, and, as Spock would say, “the logical choice.”

A compression test will rule a mechanical fault in or out. You’ll need a compression test gauge; you’ll find all these tools on the “Small engine tools page”.

Is It Getting Fuel?

Most mowers will typically have a lever to control the choke; more recent engines from Briggs Stratton and Honda offer a thermostatically controlled automatic choke system. It’s a simple setup.

A thermostat positioned beside the muffler pushes open the choke plate progressively as the engine heats. The system is a great idea, no doubt; no more fiddling around with choke levers or priming bulbs.

Some of the BS auto choke carburetors tend to supply too much fuel to the cylinder when hot starting; this floods the spark plug, causing a no-start. They have since modified the carburetor. So if you have an auto choke, Briggs, with the hot start problem, go ahead and swap out the carburetor.

Need more info on the fuel system, carburetor components, and how they work, you can check them out here.

In the guide below, we will check that the choke is working correctly. The test will apply to both auto and manual choke systems but not to the priming bulb-type carburetor.

AFR

Gas engines run best when the ratio of air to fuel is 14.7 to 1. Meaning 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel, also known as an air-fuel ratio (AFR).

Using the choke or priming bulb enriches the fuel mixture, which counteracts the lean condition caused by the dense cold air on a cold start.

Auto Choke

Most mowers will typically have a lever to control the choke; more recent engines from Briggs Stratton and Honda offer a thermostatically controlled automatic choke system. It’s a simple setup.

A thermostat positioned beside the muffler pushes open the choke plate progressively as the engine heats. The system is a great idea, no doubt; no more fiddling around with choke levers or priming bulbs.

Choke

Some automatic choke systems are prone to over-fueling when hot starting. If your mower has a priming bulb, this test does not apply. An engine fitted with a priming bulb-type choke that’s hard to start hot and is smoky – will likely need the carburetor cleaned or replaced.

12 Choke Off – When the throttle is set to run – the choke plate should be open.

Often a choke plate may be partly closed even though the throttle lever is set to run – adjusted cable. Your mower may not have a choke lever; you may have an auto choke; this test will still apply.

Check the choke plate when hot; it should be open. If not, check for binding in the linkages / failed thermostat.

13 Choke On – The choke plate is closed (on position). This is the correct position for starting a cold engine.

Check that the choke closes fully when the choke is lever-operated; if not, adjust the cable. If you have the auto choke system – the choke plate should be in the closed position as per the picture when the engine is cold.

If not, check for binding or fault with the thermostat choke control unit – fitted against the muffler.

Replace Carburetor – It’s also quite common for carburetors to fail, causing either too much or too little fuel. Cleaning the carburetor is always a good plan, and if this doesn’t help, replace it.

Replacement Briggs Stratton carburetors are inexpensive and easy to fit.

Check out the Amazon common carburetors link below.

Related Questions

How do you fix a mower that overheats? Remove the engine cover, and using a hand brush or compressed air, remove the dry grass clippings from the engine cooling fins. Check also that you’re using the correct gas; regular gas is best for small engines, e10 is OK, but e15 or e85 will cause the engine to overheat.

Lawnmower won’t start oil on a spark plug? The most common reason for oil on a mower spark plug is too much oil in the engine, but there are other possible causes: