The roar of a freshly tuned lawnmower is a sound of summer joy, but that symphony can quickly turn into a sputtering, coughing mess if your carburetor is clogged. A dirty carburetor can cause your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower to start poorly, run poorly, or even stall completely. Luckily, cleaning a carburetor isn’t as daunting as it might seem. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, equipping you with the knowledge to tackle this common lawnmower maintenance task.
In short, cleaning your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower’s carburetor involves removing the carburetor, disassembling it, soaking the parts in a cleaning solution, reassembling it, and reinstalling it on your mower. We’ll cover each step in detail, from identifying the carburetor to troubleshooting common issues.
Identifying and Removing the Carburetor
The first step in cleaning your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower’s carburetor is locating it. The carburetor is typically mounted on top of the engine, near the air filter. It will have a fuel line running to it and may also have a choke cable attached.
Step 1: Disconnect the Spark Plug Wire
Before you begin disassembling anything, ensure your lawnmower is off and the spark plug wire is disconnected. This prevents accidental starting while you’re working on the engine.
Step 2: Drain the Fuel Tank
Empty the fuel tank to prevent fuel spillage and potential environmental contamination. You can do this by tilting the mower and carefully pouring out the fuel into a suitable container.
Step 3: Disconnect the Fuel Line and Choke Cable (if applicable)
Locate the fuel line and choke cable (if equipped) connected to the carburetor. Gently disconnect these lines from the carburetor using a pair of pliers or a screwdriver.
Step 4: Remove the Carburetor
The carburetor is usually held in place by a few screws or nuts. Carefully loosen and remove these fasteners, paying attention to the order they were attached. Once the fasteners are removed, gently lift the carburetor off the engine.
Disassembling the Carburetor
Once the carburetor is removed, it’s time to disassemble it for cleaning. This step requires careful attention to detail and proper tools.
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Set up a clean work area with a large, flat surface. Having a small tray to catch loose parts is also helpful.
Step 2: Remove the Float Bowl
The float bowl is a small, round compartment attached to the bottom of the carburetor. It houses the float, needle, and seat, which are responsible for regulating fuel flow. To remove the float bowl, locate the bowl’s screws or clamps and loosen them. The float bowl may have a gasket, which you’ll want to carefully remove and store for later.
Step 3: Disassemble the Float Bowl
Once the float bowl is removed, disassemble it by carefully removing the float, needle, and seat. Be sure to note the order in which these parts are removed for reassembly.
Step 4: Remove the Jet and Main Jet (if applicable)
The jet and main jet are small, needle-like parts that control the amount of fuel that flows into the carburetor. These can be removed with a small screwdriver or pliers.
Cleaning the Carburetor Parts
Now that the carburetor is disassembled, it’s time to clean the parts thoroughly.
Step 1: Choose a Cleaning Solution
You can use several cleaning solutions to clean your carburetor parts. Some common options include:
- Carburetor cleaner: This is a specially formulated solution designed to dissolve varnish and gum deposits. It’s available at most auto parts stores.
- Mineral spirits: This is a less aggressive solvent that can be used to clean carburetor parts.
- Soap and water: While not as effective as the other options, soap and water can be used to remove light dirt and debris.
Step 2: Soak the Parts in the Cleaning Solution
Place the disassembled carburetor parts in a container filled with your chosen cleaning solution. Allow the parts to soak for at least 30 minutes, or longer for stubborn deposits.
Step 3: Clean the Parts Thoroughly
After soaking, use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub the carburetor parts, ensuring all dirt, debris, and varnish are removed. Pay special attention to the fuel jets, needle, and seat, as these are often the most clogged.
Step 4: Rinse the Parts
Once the parts are clean, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any cleaning solution residue.
Step 5: Dry the Parts
Let the carburetor parts dry completely before reassembling them. You can use compressed air to speed up the drying process.
Reassembling the Carburetor
Now that the carburetor parts are clean and dry, it’s time to reassemble them.
Step 1: Reassemble the Float Bowl
Reassemble the float bowl by placing the needle and seat back into the bowl, followed by the float. Ensure the float is positioned correctly so it can freely move and close the fuel valve when the bowl is full. Secure the float bowl to the carburetor using the screws or clamps.
Step 2: Reinstall the Jet and Main Jet
If your carburetor has a jet and main jet, reassemble them back into their corresponding holes. Make sure they’re seated properly and tightened securely.
Step 3: Reinstall the Carburetor
Once the carburetor is reassembled, install it back onto the engine in the same position it was removed. Tighten the screws or nuts that hold it in place, ensuring they’re secured properly.
Step 4: Reconnect the Fuel Line and Choke Cable
Reconnect the fuel line and choke cable (if applicable) to the carburetor. Make sure they’re secured tightly to prevent leaks.
Step 5: Reconnect the Spark Plug Wire
Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Troubleshooting
After cleaning your carburetor, you may still experience some issues with your lawnmower. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:
The Mower Won’t Start
If your lawnmower won’t start after cleaning the carburetor, it could be due to several issues, including:
- Fuel problem: Ensure the fuel tank is filled with fresh fuel, and the fuel line isn’t kinked or blocked.
- Spark problem: Check the spark plug to ensure it’s properly connected and in good condition.
- Choke issue: Ensure the choke is properly engaged or disengaged, depending on the starting procedure.
The Mower Runs Poorly
If your lawnmower runs poorly after cleaning the carburetor, it could be due to:
- Fuel problem: Ensure the fuel is fresh and the fuel filter is clean.
- Air filter issue: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the engine to run poorly.
- Dirty carburetor: Even if you cleaned the carburetor thoroughly, some stubborn deposits may remain, affecting performance.
The Mower Stalls
If your lawnmower stalls after cleaning the carburetor, it could be due to:
- Fuel problem: Ensure the fuel line isn’t kinked or blocked.
- Air leak: Check for any air leaks around the carburetor or intake manifold.
- Dirty carburetor: Even if you cleaned the carburetor thoroughly, some stubborn deposits may remain, affecting performance.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower’s carburetor can seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s a manageable maintenance chore. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively clean your carburetor, improve your lawnmower’s performance, and enjoy a smooth, powerful cut. Remember to perform this maintenance regularly to prevent future issues and keep your lawnmower running like new.
FAQs
Q1: Why Do I Need to Clean My Lawn Mower Carburetor?
A: A dirty carburetor can cause various problems with your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower, leading to poor performance, difficult starting, and even engine stalling. Over time, dirt, debris, and fuel varnish build up inside the carburetor, obstructing the fuel flow and air intake. This restricts the engine’s ability to receive the necessary fuel-air mixture, resulting in a sluggish and inefficient operation. Cleaning the carburetor regularly ensures optimal fuel delivery and a smooth running engine.
Q2: What Tools Do I Need to Clean the Carburetor?
A: To clean a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower carburetor, you’ll need a few basic tools. Start with a carburetor cleaning kit, which typically includes a spray cleaner, a small brush, and a few different sized jets. You’ll also need a screwdriver set, pliers, a bowl, rags, and a pair of gloves. If you’re working with a float-type carburetor, you might need a small adjustable wrench to loosen the bowl.
Q3: Can I Clean the Carburetor Without Removing It?
A: While you can attempt to clean a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower carburetor without removing it, it’s not recommended. The cleaning process is much more effective and thorough when the carburetor is removed from the engine. Removing the carburetor allows you to access all the internal components, including the jets, passages, and float needle, for a proper cleaning. It also eliminates the risk of damaging other engine components during the cleaning process.
Q4: What’s the Best Way to Remove the Carburetor?
A: Removing the carburetor from your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower requires a few simple steps. First, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting. Then, locate the carburetor and identify the fuel and air intake hoses. Carefully detach these hoses from the carburetor. Next, use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or screws that secure the carburetor to the engine. Once all the fasteners are removed, gently lift the carburetor off the engine, making sure to avoid any stress or damage to the fuel lines.
Q5: What Should I Do Once I’ve Removed the Carburetor?
A: After you’ve removed the carburetor from your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower, it’s time to thoroughly clean it. Start by dismantling the carburetor as much as possible, removing any loose parts like the float, needle, and jets. Soak all the removable parts in carburetor cleaner for a few minutes, then use the brush and cleaner to scrub the internal passages and jets. Once you’ve cleaned all the parts, rinse them with clean water and let them dry completely before reassembling.
Q6: How Do I Know When the Carburetor is Clean?
A: You’ll know the carburetor is clean when all the passages and jets are clear of any debris and varnish. The fuel should flow freely through the carburetor without any restrictions. If you encounter any stubborn clogs, you might need to use a small wire or pin to clear them. You can also use compressed air to blow out any remaining debris. Once you’re satisfied with the cleanliness, reassemble the carburetor and reinstall it on your lawnmower.
Q7: What Should I Do After Cleaning the Carburetor?
A: After cleaning the carburetor, ensure all the connections are secure, and reattach the fuel and air intake hoses. Then, reconnect the spark plug wire and start your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower. If the engine starts easily and runs smoothly, you’ve successfully cleaned the carburetor. If you still have trouble starting or running the engine, there might be another issue with the lawnmower. In such cases, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.