11.5hp Briggs & Stratton Intek hard starting

9 years ago

Hello all :)

I am having some starting issues with my mower and I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction .

The mower is a 1974 Rover Rancher fitted with a 11.5hp OHV Briggs & Stratton Intek engine .

When starting the engine with the key it takes 2-3 minutes of cranking before it will fire up . Once started, the engine will idle and rev at full throttle fine (seems to stumble 1/4 - 1/3 throttle when cold) . So far I have replaced the spark plug, air filters, fuel filter, fuel lines and pump and cleaned fuel bowl .

I suspect carb problem but can't be sure, any advice ?

Comments (3)

bill_kapaun
9 years ago
If cranking speed seems to be an issue, adjust the valves. Correct valve lash is mandatory for the compression release to function.
A battery load test could also be performed, to make sure it has sufficient output.
Slower than normal cranking makes starting difficult.

From a carburetor standpoint, make sure the choke plate is fully closing.
walt2002
9 years ago
"From a carburetor standpoint, make sure the choke plate is fully closing."

Ditto

Walt Conner
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optsyeagle
9 years ago
It sounds like flooding to me. Install a manual fuel shut off valve between the tank and fuel filter to rule out a leaking carb. It only takes about $7 and 10 minutes and these mowers should have had one installed on them from the factory.

If this fixes your problem, change the oil immediately since some of that leaking fuel will now be in your crankcase. You can give that a sniff as well. Sometimes you can smell the fuel in the oil, but not always.