Pray tell what this has to do with difficulty in cranking?
"Ether Jones" wrote in message
ps.com...

Stubby wrote:

Try some "Starter Fluid" from an auto parts store. It's ether and will
usually start an engine.

True, except the OP said the engine will "barely crank". Ether may not
start an engine in that condition. He needs to fix the cranking
problem first.


Replace the fuel filter. I had a car that
would stall out going up steep hills or going at 70 mph for a few
minutes. The problem was the fuel filter was letting only a trickle get
through to the carburetor; consequently, the car would die after the
fuel in the bowl in the carb was used.

The carb on the Briggs 180 opposed twin L-head engine is extremely
sensitive to contamination. Use utmost care if you decide to replace
the fuel filter. Use a toothbrush and a vacuum cleaner to clean the
locations you intend to disconnect. Then spray with WD40 and wipe with
clean lint-free cloth. If you replace the fuel line, be absolutely
certain the new fuel line is clean inside. There may be manufacturing
debris inside it. Use a flashlight to inspect. Hold the flashlight
on one end, and look through the other end. If you see any debris,
rinse it thoroughly with kerosene or mineral spirits before installing.


Parts for many Briggs engines can be found in the garden center of
WalMart, since WalMart sells MTD tractors which use Briggs engines.
You can buy spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters, oil filters,
blades, and belts there.