What Are Some Common Problems With Briggs & Stratton Engines?
Briggs and Stratton engines are known to develop a few common issues, such as the engine overheating or smoking, the engine not starting at all, and the engine running poorly during use, states the company. These issues are generally repairable by the owner instead of requiring a mechanic’s aid.
An overheating Briggs and Stratton engine can have a number of causes. The engine may be dirty and require the removal of dirt and debris during a thorough cleaning. The engine may also be low on oil or need the air-fuel mixture adjusted upward. A leaky gasket may also require replacement to prevent further overheating issues.
Fixing a smoking engine depends largely on the color of the smoke. White or blue smoke indicates that the engine is burning oil, whereas black smoke often requires a carburetor adjustment to fix. The air filter may also require cleaning or replacement.
A non-starting engine is usually caused by stale fuel, dirt and debris. Replacing the fuel and cleaning the carburetor and spark plugs can often fix the issue. If not, the problem may be the engine’s valves and compression system, which may require professional repair.
Brigs and Stratton engines can run roughly once started, stalling out during use. This may also be the result of stale fuel or a dirty engine. A thorough cleaning of the engine’s parts along with the replacement of the fuel and oil often fixes the problem.
