B&S Lawnmower Engine Hunting and Surging

must066 · 05-25-2009, 04:57 PM

I have a Briggs and Stratton Lawnmower engine (4.5 HP, Model 10H902 Type 0333E2, Code 06011155). The engine ran fine the first two years, and for the first two mowings of about 45 minutes each the third year. Starting with the third mowing, the engine speed increased and decreased and used about twice the normal amount of fuel. I replaced the fuel tank and carb assembly and the mower ran fine the rest of last season. This spring it ran fine for the first mowing but towards the end the engine seemed to loose power, but kept running. At the next mowing, I had the same problem as the previous year with the hunting and surging. This time I replaced the diaphragm (no obvious rips) and gasket and the engine ran fine. I previously owned two lawnmowers with B&S engines. Never had a problem with them. Has B&S changed the diaphragm design/material? Perhaps it's loosing its resiliency? I called B&S and they told me I need to use their Fresh Start fuel stabilizer. I find it hard to believe not using it is causing the diaphragm problem. (I put about 20 hours a year on the mower. At the end of the season I let the engine run until it is out of fuel, drain the oil, turn the mower upside down to get remaining fuel out of the tank, then soak up remaining fuel with a paper towel.) Is anyone else experiencing the same problem? Will the use of fuel stabilizer really help? Appreciate any info.

**pat mcgroin** · 05-26-2009, 08:19 AM

Yes stabilizer does help.
I have the same troubles where I live with the snow blowers.
I have found that when I drain the fuel as you stated above I have the same troubles.
Now I use the stabilzer and a little fuel injector cleaner in the gas and and dont drain at the end of the year.
I found that even with running it out of fuel, enough stays in the carb to dry up and turn into varnish.
Starting it up once or twice in the off season helps a bit also.

**Basementgeek** · 05-26-2009, 08:39 AM

I second that motion ! I just pulled at 3 1/2 BS tiller, started on the first pull. It has been sitting in a un heated shed for 9-10 months. It had the same gas it had in it when I put it away.

I use stabilizer all the time.

BG

05-25-2009, 04:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
must066 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1 OS: XP	B&S Lawnmower Engine Hunting and Surging I have a Briggs and Stratton Lawnmower engine (4.5 HP, Model 10H902 Type 0333E2, Code 06011155). The engine ran fine the first two years, and for the first two mowings of about 45 minutes each the third year. Starting with the third mowing, the engine speed increased and decreased and used about twice the normal amount of fuel. I replaced the fuel tank and carb assembly and the mower ran fine the rest of last season. This spring it ran fine for the first mowing but towards the end the engine seemed to loose power, but kept running. At the next mowing, I had the same problem as the previous year with the hunting and surging. This time I replaced the diaphragm (no obvious rips) and gasket and the engine ran fine. I previously owned two lawnmowers with B&S engines. Never had a problem with them. Has B&S changed the diaphragm design/material? Perhaps it's loosing its resiliency? I called B&S and they told me I need to use their Fresh Start fuel stabilizer. I find it hard to believe not using it is causing the diaphragm problem. (I put about 20 hours a year on the mower. At the end of the season I let the engine run until it is out of fuel, drain the oil, turn the mower upside down to get remaining fuel out of the tank, then soak up remaining fuel with a paper towel.) Is anyone else experiencing the same problem? Will the use of fuel stabilizer really help? Appreciate any info.

05-26-2009, 08:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
pat mcgroin TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2009 Location: Toledo Oh. Posts: 560 OS: XP Professional SP2 Vista Ultimate SP2	Re: B&S Lawnmower Engine Hunting and Surging Yes stabilizer does help. I have the same troubles where I live with the snow blowers. I have found that when I drain the fuel as you stated above I have the same troubles. Now I use the stabilzer and a little fuel injector cleaner in the gas and and dont drain at the end of the year. I found that even with running it out of fuel, enough stays in the carb to dry up and turn into varnish. Starting it up once or twice in the off season helps a bit also.

05-26-2009, 08:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
Basementgeek Moderator, Home Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Central Ohio, USA Posts: 1,470 OS: XP Pro SP2/Vista Ultimate SP2 Blog Entries: 3	Re: B&S Lawnmower Engine Hunting and Surging I second that motion ! I just pulled at 3 1/2 BS tiller, started on the first pull. It has been sitting in a un heated shed for 9-10 months. It had the same gas it had in it when I put it away. I use stabilizer all the time. BG __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. Proud member of ASAP