Snapper lawn mower woes

12 years ago

Hello everyone. I'm working on a Snapper Quantum XM self-propelled mower and just can't seem to get it to start. It has a 5hp Briggs and Stratton motor.

I took the carburetor apart and cleaned it out completely using carb cleaner and a wire to clean out the jets. I also repaired the primer bulb since it was dry rotted. The spark plug is fine and the primer bulb is working.

If I remove the spark plug and put a small amount of gas in the plug socket and then put the plug back in and reconnect it, I can get the mower to start but it will only run for 3-5 seconds before shutting off. This is the only way I can get it to start. Trying to start it by using the primer bulb first does nothing. The fuel lines are in good shape and there aren't any clogs.

What else can cause this besides the carburetor? It seems like everything I try gives me the same result. Only starting when I put a smalle amount of gas in the spark plug socket.

Comments (3)

lumniaman58
12 years ago
can you pour a little gas in carb and will it start.if it dose start its the carb. if it dose not start sound like the intake value is not opening. its a long shot but good luck
andyb1
12 years ago
you need to replace the primer housing gasket ,thats the gasket thats sets on the plastic housing that mounts to the carb,it takes one but sometimes it needs two to prime,if she wont prime it wont start.
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seakaye12
12 years ago
andyb1....the OP says that his primer bulb is working.....

How do you know that it's working? With the air cleaner removed you should be able to see a squirt of gas in the carb throat after a few pushes of the bulb. Are you seeing that?

If not...take the bowl off and see if there's any fuel in there. If it's dry....re-check the needle and seat.

With the carb off the engine and the bowl removed.....
Blow through the fuel inlet with the carb inverted. You should not be able to blow. Turn the carb right-side-up and blow...you should be able to.

Let us know what happens...

Chuck

Snapper lawn mower woes

Comments (3)

lumniaman58

andyb1

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seakaye12

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