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HomeRepair HelpBriggs & Stratton RepairBriggs & Stratton Small engine hard to start Repair
Briggs & Stratton Small engine hard to start
When your Briggs & Stratton small engine is hard to start, begin with the spark plug, the most likely cause listed for this problem. A worn, damaged, or carbon-fouled spark plug may produce a weak spark or no spark at all, making the engine hard to turn over. Test the plug with a spark plug tester while cranking the engine, and replace it if the spark is missing or weak. Next, check the carburetor. A clogged carburetor can restrict fuel flow, while a choke that does not close properly can deliver too much fuel. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common root causes of starting problems on seasonal equipment. Finally, inspect the fuel cap. A clogged fuel cap vent can prevent air from entering the tank, causing pressure to build and making the engine hard to start. Loosening the cap slightly during a test can help confirm the problem. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, fuel cap, or other part for your specific Briggs & Stratton engine.
01 - Briggs & Stratton Spark Plug
Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.
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02 - Briggs & Stratton Carburetor
The engine may be getting too much fuel or not enough fuel. This is usually due to the carburetor not working properly. If the carburetor is clogged, the engine won't get enough fuel. If the carburetor choke isn't closing properly, the engine may get too much fuel.
Highly Likely
03 - Briggs & Stratton Fuel Cap
As fuel is consumed, the pressure in the gas tank rises. To relieve this pressure, the gas cap uses a small vent to allow air to enter the gas tank. If the gas cap vent is clogged, air won’t be able to enter the gas tank, and the pressure in the tank will begin to rise. When the pressure in the gas tank exceeds the pressure in the engine, the engine may be hard to start. To determine if the gas cap vent is clogged, try slightly loosening the gas cap and then starting the engine. If the loosening the gas cap allows the engine to stay running, this indicates that the gas cap vent is clogged. If the gas cap vent is clogged, r...
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Briggs & Stratton engine hard to start?
Can old fuel cause a Briggs & Stratton engine to be hard to start?
How do I know if the fuel cap is causing hard starting?
What should I check if my Briggs & Stratton engine has spark but is still hard to start?
How do I find the correct Briggs & Stratton replacement part for my engine?