The warm weather has arrived, and your lawn is calling. But as you pull out your trusty Briggs & Stratton lawn mower, a familiar dread sets in: will it start? Don’t let a stubborn engine hold you back from a perfectly manicured lawn. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps of starting your Briggs & Stratton mower, equipping you with the knowledge to tackle any lawn care challenge. We’ll cover everything from checking the basics to troubleshooting common starting issues. So grab your mower, your tools, and let’s get started!
Starting Your Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower: A Quick Overview
Starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower is generally a straightforward process. It involves a few key steps: ensuring adequate fuel and oil, priming the engine (if necessary), and engaging the starter. However, there are some nuances and potential hiccups that can make the process seem more complicated. This guide will provide clear instructions and troubleshoot common starting problems, ensuring you can confidently get your mower running smoothly.
Preparing for a Successful Start: The Essential Checklist
Before you even think about pulling the starter cord, a few simple checks can save you frustration and ensure a smooth start. Here’s your pre-start checklist:
1. Fuel: The Lifeblood of Your Mower
- Check the Fuel Level: Make sure your mower has enough fuel. A low fuel level can cause starting problems and lead to engine damage.
- Fresh Fuel: Old fuel can gum up your carburetor, making it difficult to start the engine. Use fresh gasoline and consider adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.
- Fuel Line: Ensure the fuel line is free of kinks or blockages.
2. Oil: Lubrication is Key
- Check the Oil Level: Your Briggs & Stratton engine needs oil to lubricate moving parts. Use the dipstick to check the oil level and top it off as needed. Use the correct type of oil as specified in your mower’s owner’s manual.
- Clean the Dipstick: A dirty dipstick can give inaccurate readings. Clean it with a rag before checking the oil level.
3. Spark Plug: The Igniter
- Spark Plug Check: A faulty spark plug can prevent your engine from starting. Inspect the plug for damage or buildup. Replace it if necessary.
4. Air Filter: Keeping the Engine Breathing
- Air Filter Check: A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, impacting its performance. Inspect the filter and clean or replace it as needed.
Starting Your Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that your mower is prepped and ready, let’s dive into the starting process:
1. Engage the Choke (If Necessary)
- Purpose: The choke restricts airflow, enriching the fuel mixture for easier starting, especially when the engine is cold.
- How to Engage: Locate the choke lever (often a lever or button). Engage the choke by pushing the lever or button to the “choke” or “on” position. Most newer Briggs & Stratton engines have automatic chokes that engage automatically when you turn the key.
2. Prime the Engine (If Necessary)
- Purpose: Priming helps introduce fuel into the carburetor, assisting with starting, especially if the engine has been sitting for a while.
- How to Prime: Locate the primer bulb (usually a red bulb near the carburetor). Press the bulb a few times to pump fuel into the carburetor.
- Note: Not all Briggs & Stratton mowers have primer bulbs. Consult your owner’s manual.
3. Turn the Ignition Key
- Location: Locate the ignition key, usually near the handlebars.
- Turn to “On”: Turn the key to the “on” position.
4. Pull the Starter Cord
- Grasp the Handle: Firmly hold the starter cord handle.
- Pull Smoothly: Pull the cord smoothly and with moderate force. Don’t yank it violently as this can damage the starter mechanism.
- Don’t Give Up: Continue pulling the cord several times until the engine starts. If it still doesn’t start, don’t give up! Move on to troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Common Starting Issues:
While starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower is usually straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
1. The Mower Won’t Start at All
- Check Fuel and Oil: Double-check that the fuel tank is full and that the oil level is within the correct range.
- Check the Spark Plug: A faulty spark plug is a common culprit. Replace the spark plug if necessary.
- Check the Air Filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and prevent the engine from starting. Clean or replace the air filter.
- Inspect the Fuel Lines: Make sure the fuel lines are free from kinks or blockages.
- Examine the Ignition System: If you suspect a problem with the ignition system, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic.
2. The Mower Starts but Dies Immediately
- Check the Fuel: Make sure you’re using fresh fuel and that there’s no water or debris in the fuel tank.
- Check the Air Filter: A clogged air filter can cause fuel to build up and lead to engine stalling.
- Check the Spark Plug: A faulty spark plug can also cause the engine to start and die immediately.
- Inspect the Choke: Ensure the choke is disengaged once the engine has started. A stuck choke can cause the engine to stall.
- Inspect the Fuel Lines: Check for any leaks or kinks in the fuel lines.
3. The Mower Starts But Runs Rough
- Check the Air Filter: A dirty air filter can cause the engine to run poorly.
- Check the Spark Plug: A faulty spark plug can cause the engine to misfire.
- Inspect the Fuel Lines: Ensure the fuel lines are free from kinks or blockages.
- Adjust the Carburetor: If the carburetor is out of adjustment, it can cause the engine to run poorly. It’s best to have a professional adjust the carburetor.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Briggs & Stratton Mower Running Smoothly
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Briggs & Stratton mower in top shape and ensuring it starts reliably. Here are some essential maintenance tasks:
- Change the Oil Regularly: Change the oil every 25 hours of operation or as recommended in your owner’s manual.
- Clean or Replace the Air Filter: Clean the air filter every 25 hours or as needed, depending on the usage environment.
- Inspect and Clean the Spark Plug: Inspect the spark plug regularly and clean or replace it as needed.
- Check the Fuel Lines: Inspect the fuel lines for any leaks, cracks, or blockages.
- Sharpen the Blades: Sharpen the blades regularly to ensure optimal cutting performance.
Conclusion
Starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower is a straightforward process, but it can be frustrating if you encounter problems. By following these steps and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll be mowing your lawn with confidence in no time. Remember to perform regular maintenance to keep your mower running smoothly and avoid future headaches. Now, go forth and conquer your lawn!
FAQ
Q1: What is the first step to starting a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
A: The first step is to ensure that the fuel tank is full and the choke is in the correct position. For cold starts, the choke needs to be engaged, which enriches the fuel mixture for easier ignition. However, once the engine warms up, the choke should be disengaged. If the fuel tank is empty, you will need to refill it with fresh, unleaded gasoline.
Q2: How do I prime the engine on a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
A: Priming the engine helps to get fuel to the carburetor, which is necessary for starting. To prime the engine, you will typically need to press a small primer bulb located near the carburetor. The number of pumps required varies depending on the model, but generally, 3-4 pumps should be enough. Ensure the primer bulb is firm after priming, indicating it’s filled with fuel.
Q3: Where is the ignition switch located on a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
A: The ignition switch is usually located on the mower’s dashboard or control panel. It will likely have three positions: “OFF,” “RUN,” and “START.” To start the mower, turn the switch to “RUN,” then pull the recoil starter cord. If the mower is equipped with an electric starter, you will need to turn the key to “START” and press the start button.
Q4: How do I use the recoil starter cord on a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
A: The recoil starter cord is used to manually start the engine. To use it, firmly grasp the cord handle and pull it out quickly and smoothly. Do not pull the cord all the way out as this can damage the starter mechanism. It’s best to pull the cord a few times before engaging the blade to ensure the engine is running smoothly.
Q5: What if my Briggs & Stratton lawn mower won’t start?
A: There are several reasons why your lawn mower might not start. First, ensure you’ve followed all the steps correctly. Double-check that the fuel tank is full, the choke is engaged (for cold starts), the primer bulb is firm, and the ignition switch is in the “RUN” position. If the engine is still not starting, you might need to inspect the spark plug, air filter, or carburetor for any issues.
Q6: How do I use the blade engagement lever on a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
A: The blade engagement lever controls whether the blades are spinning. To engage the blades, simply move the lever to the “ON” or “ENGAGE” position. It’s important to disengage the blades before starting the engine and when not in use. This helps to prevent accidents and prolong the life of the mower.
Q7: How do I properly maintain my Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
A: Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity of your lawn mower. Regularly check the oil level and change it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Clean the air filter, spark plug, and mower deck regularly. Also, be sure to store your mower in a dry place during the off-season, and ensure the fuel tank is empty to avoid any fuel issues.