Briggs & Stratton Engine: It Has Spark, but Won't Start

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Flathead screwdriver

  • Air filter

  • Bucket

  • Carburetor cleaner spray

  • Gas

Fix your Briggs & Stratton engine that won't start.

A Briggs & Stratton engine relies on a few key components to start and run. These include air, gas and ignition. If your Briggs & Stratton engine has a spark but won't run, then it is most likely a problem with the gas or air intake in the engine. The spark on the spark plug ignites the gas in the piston, but if the air filter is clogged or the gas can't flow, then the engine won't start.

Advertisement

Step 1

Unscrew the air filter cover from the side of the Briggs & Stratton engine with the screwdriver. Remove the old air filter and replace it with a new clean one and tighten the air filter cover back onto the side of the engine.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Locate the carburetor mounted on the side of the engine. The fuel hose from the gas tank leads to the side of the carburetor. Unscrew the clamp, holding the hose onto the side of the carburetor with the screwdriver.

Advertisement

Step 3

Pull the hose off and allow all the old gas to poor into a bucket.

Step 4

Point the carburetor cleaner spray can into the side hole of the carburetor and spray it for 10 to 20 seconds. This will allow enough carb cleaner fluid to dissolve any debris or gummy gas in the carburetor and allow gas to be injected into the piston.

Advertisement

Step 5

Reattach the fuel hose to the carburetor and tighten the clamp with the screwdriver.

Step 6

Fill the gas tank with fresh gas.

Step 7

Pull the spark plug cap off of the spark plug and push it back on to ensure that it is on the spark plug tightly. Start your engine.

Warning

Use caution when working with gasoline and cleaners as they are flammable and can be harmful if ingested or come in contact with your eyes.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references