I had the exect same problem on a Briggs and Stratton powered pressure
washer. When I used the bulb to force gas in the carb it would round
for 5-10 seconds and then die. I tried many of the things suggested
here, new spark plugs, cleaning the air filter, etc - none of these
worked.

I got a manual and the problem ended up being a clogged jet that was
easy to fix. There is a brass screw that holds the bowl on the carb,
take this screw out and there is a tiny hole at the base near the head
of the screw. This hole feeds the gas into the carb normally, so if
it's clogged no gas gets to the engine (pumping the bulb takes the gas
a different route so thats why pumping the bulb works). I used needle
to unblock it and it works like a champ now.


Bruce wrote in message . ..
I have a lawn mower with a Briggs & Stratton 5HP Quantum I/C engine
that suddenly developed problems. It's run great for the several
years that I have had the mower (bought it used) and the engine has
been well maintained during that period of time (regular oil/air
filter changes, stored inside and out of the weather).

Last Saturday, while cutting grass, the engine stalled. Each time I
pulled the cord and it would start immediately but quickly stall
(within a few seconds). This engine has a little rubber primer bulb
on the fuel tank that you can use to squirt a little gas into the carb
for a cold start. When I pressed the bulb repeatedly right after the
engine started and began to stall, the engine received enough fuel to
keep running for a few seconds. When I stopped pressing the primer,
it soon stalled.

At first I suspected that the main fuel line was blocked so I took the
air filter and holder off and detached the fuel line from the gas tank
(the primer bulb has a smaller, separate line that goes from it to the
carb). Fuel flowed easily from the tank through the nipple where the
main line attaches. Next I blew some compressed air into the fuel line
and a nice vapor of gas mist exited from the orifice in the carb. I
took the opportunity to blow out the air filter and pre-cleaner screen
(somewhat dirty but not too bad).

I put everything back together but the problem continues -- same
symptoms as before. Anyone have any ideas? I don't know squat about
small engine carburators (or engines for that matter) but would love
to fix this without a trip to the shop.

- Bruce
rbloth at yahoo dom com

PS ... In case anyone needs it here's the model/type/code for the B&S
engine:

126802-3423-01 92111658