HOW TO CLEAN The Carburetor on BRIGGS & Stratton Quantum Lawnmower Engines

[michaelsnodgrass18]

helped alot thanks

[michaelsnodgrass18]

well ur vid helped me a little bit (my prob.) i have 10hp tuchupsa that i race with cleaning out the carb helped but when i throttle up it sputters out can you help

[donyboy73]

@michaelsnodgrass18 try adjusting the carb

[deerslayer048]

alright thanks ill see if that will fix it. oh do all needle valves have a rubber seal? and do you know much they normally cost

[donyboy73]

@deerslayer048 what you need should be under $15

[deerslayer048]

I have a kohler 15 hp motor and it has a round thing that screws in the bottom instead of that bowl screw. the thing constantly drips gas and a friend of mine said i could just take the thing off and put a bowl screw in it, i really wish i knew what that things called but idk, its just a inch and a half round thing that screws to the bowl to hold it on?? any ideas

[donyboy73]

@deerslayer048 you probably need a new bowl o-ring and the bowl nut gasket

[deerslayer048]

@donyboy73 Thanks man i tryed it and it worked, runs better than it ever has!

[mcconnell51]

probably a good idea to wire brush the carb first before cleaning it out so you dont get little filings in it.

[tongo117]

used this cleaning process on a free craigslist mower with a 5.75 briggs quantum engine that would not crank. started on the second pull after the cleaning. many thanks !

[DoblyTufnell]

i have an XR600 that I had not run in about 3 years. A mechanic friend of mine told me to make sure I drain the old fuel out of it before starting it..

I should have listened. I put fuel in it today and took it for a run. Petrol was flowing out of the tube off the carb.

Seeing this vid I have the confidence to take the bowl off and give it a clean. Fingers crossed that is all i need to do.

Great video.

[donyboy73]

@DoblyTufnell if it keeps leaking just replace the needle valve

[DoblyTufnell]

@donyboy73 Today I took the big nut off the bottom of the bowl and let the fuel flow out. I then put the nut back on and started the bike up. I let it run for about 5 minutes before turning it off and watching... I seemed to have fixed it. I'll be watching it carefully however.

[donyboy73]

@DoblyTufnell ok that's good

[mcconnell51]

@DoblyTufnell probably a plugged or jammed needle

[aug853]

Great job! I have a lightly used 1100 (on a big chipper/shredder) with the float carb and when I turn the gas shut off to the on position, gas pours out of the air cleaner tube. Previous owner probably stored old fuel in the tank without Stable. Figure it is the float hanging up with the needle suspect too. Have the confidence to remove carb after watching your video twice and will grab a rebuild kit and have at it! Many thanks!

[donyboy73]

@aug853 probably need a new needle and seat

[mrkthmpsn]

Well done, thank you.

[backwoodsctryboy]

Awesome tutorial !

[donyboy73]

@backwoodsctryboy i'll link ur vid response from last week to friday's Q&A

[backwoodsctryboy]

@donyboy73 awesome thanks!

[gmag72]

great video, thanks!

[abcd007semaj]

Maybe useful to note:

I tightened the nut on the bottom that holds the float cup apparently too much and the engine dies quickly, so not too tight. My gaskets had some tiny gaps from probably age and compression and I couldnt find a carb repair kit anywhere for this engine , so with a toothpick, I smeared a bit of liquid gasket for a car engine - seems to hold up after some use. Now, the engine runs much slower and quieter. Also solved the problem of excess fuel use of the last few years.

[tchpandy]

Awesome, thanks! I was ready to buy a rebuild kit or a complete replacement carb, but tore down the carb and cleaned everything thoroughly (esp the jets+bowl) instead - my B&S Quantum 50 then started second pull on the rope and had the smoothest idle I've ever seen from it (bought second hand) and allowed me to finally get the thing in tune. Subsequent starts have occurred on the first gentle pull on the rope.

This is the same engine that wouldn't run for more than 20 seconds this morning!

[donyboy73]

@tchpandy good job!

[anonspam]

great detail and helpful. My engine still doesn't start but looks like the carb is not the problem.

THanks

[delanac]

Great Video! Thank you.

[BIGPETE686]

Thanks so much! Great video and great narration!

[PatGirvin]

This was really useful and well done. Thanks.

[darkmage4446]

uhmm question if the float has white stuff on it ? does it matter how old the float is?

[donyboy73]

@darkmage4446 just clean it and make sure there is no gas inside, just shake it

[darkmage4446]

@donyboy73 thx don apreceate it

[6joenc]

Great video and very well done. I have a similar older carb (Walbro LMS-3) and when I removed it, i noticed that next to the mixture screw was a well with 3 orifices that were open to contamination. I cleaned everything up and put a welsh plug in this well but had a lot of trouble cranking even using starter fluid. After it did crank and ran well, i noticed the welsh plug had been expelled and lay on the ground. Was this well supposed to have a welsh plug??? Thanks for sharing

[donyboy73]

@6joenc i would have to see it

[candycane6969]

great video. exactly my engine. what about welch plugs. do they need to be removed? How do you reinstall them?

[bullikins]

good video,really helpful.

[sasop117]

i type how to clean a carb, thinking there would be a video on how to clean a car carb, and there a video on the exact engine im looking for! thanks!

[paulfhelm]

Hi,

Your videos are great. Unfortunately my carb is still leaking gas. All gaskets and rings seem to be fine, any ideas?

Thanks,

Paul

[sell2sail]

Hurricane Irene is bearing down on us here in Eastern NC. I had someone who was going to throw out a generator that had not been cranked in 8 years. Instead I got it , changed the spark plug, and followed your video. She fired right up and we are good to go when the power goes out....Thanks!!

[donyboy73]

@sell2sail that was a great deal for you!

[scatcat3]

This is awesome. I'm a girl and I think I can do this. Quantum 5HP Comm/Ind ran fine last week. Now the only way to keep it running is to hold in the primer bulb.  Friend suggested I replace it...I did...still cuts out after 2 seconds. Thinking of Seafoam or something. Instead of buying a bunch of stuff, I'm going to follow what you did here with the bowl and check rings. Too big to put in the car to have repaired. If I fail, then'll I'll take it in. Thanks SO MUCH!

[urjokingrntu]

Thanks. Mower is now running fine. Really helpful and clear.

[IronWill7]

Thanks for the video. I'm about to do a carb rebuild on a Quantum 5 HP. You've saved me a bunch of time. I usually just figure it out as I go along. Take care.

[donyboy73]

@eBeWellness if there is one it should be under the fuel tank

[eBeWellness]

Do you need to drain the gas out first?

[donyboy73]

@eBeWellness it would be better or turn the fuel valve off

[whiskeyindejar]

Thanks for taking the time with this great video.I never worked on mowers and your video sorted out my problem --Big thanks.

[cyclemainia51]

a couple of comments useing medium steel wool i n a screw gun cleans the center hole quickly allso instead of wire use a welding tip cleaner steel wool allso cleans needle hole and general corrosion allso a very small peice of steel wool cleans the bevel of the main jet to a shine tip cleaner cleans float post so pin slides back in easily this is a little more high proformance stuff but good advice!!!!!

[MrMooseful]

This is really too excellent. Thank you SO much for making this!!!!

[daluke61]

I've got the feeling my B&S lawnmower's carb is going to require a thorough cleaning, including removal. Your video will most certainly help. Very well done from lighting to camera work... wonderful detail.

No manual necessary. Thanks!!!

[donyboy73]

@daluke61 thanks for watching

[hanyoukimura]

Excellent how-to, many thanks. First time really disassembling any carburetor. My problem was that it was very dirty inside, clogged jets (especially the jets on the screw) worn seat and corroded needle. Originally it wouldn't run an leaked gas from the carb. Just got finished with it and its working great. A small drill but works well for removing the old seat, its the method I used. Also for anyone wondering the needle/seat kit is part # 398188 and costs about $5.

[vtmusher2]

Excellent video! Thank you for putting it together. I struggled with my Craftsman mower for hours and still couldn't get it to run. I had changed the oil, plug, air filter and fuel and taken the carb. apart but it would still only run a for a second or two and then stall. Your advise about using a wire to clear all holes made the difference. The second time I took the carb. apart and cleaned with a wire made the difference. I put it back to together and it started right up.

[swokpicker]

Yeah! What leden said. Very well done!

[alrector]

Thanks a lot for making this video. I think I need to do this and had no idea how to. I have a very similar engine (B&S 3.5hp that looks identical). I've already tried using carb cleaner on the carb and surroundings, replaced the fuel hose and fuel, and changed the oil. Still won't start. I did try spraying some carb cleaner in the air intake and it started for a second, so I know the spark is working. Next I guess I'll have to take the carburetor apart and see if I can fix it.

[tecnolover2642]

Thank you so much!!! Fantastic vid. This is exactly what I needed!! My exact mower engine.

[elichappy]

Thank you!

[leden24]

Great video, very well done. Step to step instructions and great camera work makes it so much easier to learn how to clean carb. Thank you!

[donyboy73]

@leden24 thanks, make sure to subscribe

[badbilly60]

great video,i put mine back together and it dont seem to rev up as high as it did before.mabey the fuel mixture screw not right?

[donyboy73]

@badbilly60 could be

[dvader1949]

of the two you put the wire in one of mine doesn't go thru. when you blow it with carb cleaner it just blows back this mower will run for two seconds after you put carb cleaner in it. i cleaned the carb but the one orifice woould not go thru is it supposed to?

[trunk516]

@dvader1949 No..the second one does not go thru...and your problem ( assuming the carb is all cleaned and the float and needle gasket isn't damaged ) sounds like you need the valves lapped. It's a kinda pain in the ass job but it is doable and no real money is involved.

[Anthonyalan44]

I do not know how or if I can send pics through YouTube. I have them ready and can email them quickly? I have removed the carb, I have been told by other mechanics when cleaning the carb the screws/pins that fill the jets can be very fragile and if stripped or torn up you will have to replace the whole carb?

[Anthonyalan44]

I am trying to clean the carburetor on an older 8 HP Briggs & Stratton go devil outboard boat engine. The engine has not been ran in years and needs a tune up. Is the carb layout similar to the one on the 4 HP you have in this video? Would you recommend I just clean out the bowl with the floater in it? Or remove the whole entire carb and clean it? I am in need of advice I have never done this before, and there is no one near me who can work on a Briggs and Stratton engine.

[donyboy73]

@Anthonyalan44 u can try just removing the bowl first, send me some pics of the carb

[Anthonyalan44]

I am trying to clean the carburetor on a 8 HP Briggs a

[TheDaredevil1968]

3:36 till 3:40 "thats what she said"

[larinoriani]

Hi, very explicative video. Where can I get the tool you used to remove the seat and how is it called? I think I have to replace that because all the gas is coming out from the air filter area. Does that come in a kit? Thanks!

[berns123456]

@larinoriani Mate, i have the same problem did you end up fixing yours?

[kiolee]

good video very details very easy to understand, thanks.

[blueshirt94]

Great example of how a fix-it video should be done. Good focused close-up views, no stumbling around, good pace, well-planned. Thanks for a good clear explanation of everything needed. You just won over another new subscriber.

[donyboy73]

@blueshirt94 thanks, all my videos will be in HD soon

[filipinofighter1]

what is the reason why my lawn mower string is stack & hard to pull

[88ariesk]

Very good video. ... now if i can only find one for the 10 HP horizontal shaft Wisconson Robin engine......

[mwswewawfw1]

loved this video. i have a john deere L-120 that tends to die when i'm horizontal on hill sides.when i disengage the blades, the engine will regain its composure. any suggestions? i didnt know if the carb. would play ANY part in this. any suggestions would be app.

[donyboy73]

@mwswewawfw1 could be a number of issues, make sure ur carb is clean and also make sure the gas cap is venting

[kourptFmx69]

Thanks, It was a big Help.

[mckinzi1]

without reading all your comments the 'mechanic' needs to clean the metering orifice and crossfeed on the 'bowl nut' i've often found that term misleading because it's not a nut....if anything it's a bolt with holes drilled into it aka the jet and crossfeed. if the plug (my terminology) is blocked the motor will not start and usually will not prime on motors so equipped nice close ups on your vid keep it up -the shadetree lawnmower guy (G)

[penn707]

Excellent video. Thanks for making it clear and concise.

[siralexu]

the throttle valve is stuck on mine ant idea on how to unseize it ?

[7bikerboy7]

I have a question....does the bowl normally fill up with gas or is it supposed to be empty all the time?

[donyboy73]

@7bikerboy7 always fills up with gas

[7bikerboy7]

@donyboy73 Ok...so it fills with gas, the float rises and closes what?

[donyboy73]

@7bikerboy7 makes the needle shut the fuel intake in the carb

[tjjrtjjr]

Great video,I have a lawn tractor with a solenoid on the bottom of the carb.Can you tell me how this works and how can you test it to make sure it's working

[donyboy73]

@tjjrtjjr watch this vid John Deere SST16 Lawn Tractor with 16HP V-Twin Briggs Engine

[Alexsslawncare]

I have a that same motor. i pulled it off and put it on my bagger mower. But be for it was a bitch to start. Now its an angel. what would cause that?

[pameacs]

Great, helped me to fix up my carby on such an engine ran like new after watching this

[bellerve201]

i just want to say that carburator cleaner can damage the carburator, so it is better to let the carb soak in gas overnight, then there is no risk of damage

[sprydo7]

Thank you for the great video...donboy73, btw i have a 3hp older briggs& stratton edger. I've taken off the side panel, where the magneto is located...tried to fired it up this morning...but it probably an electical problem i presume...what do you think it could be? At one time it started up with no problem but, since it was sitting outside for a little while...that may be the problem.

[ProudConservativecom]

Thanks for posting. The engine on my log splitter wouldn't start. I figured no fuel was getting through but had no clue what to look for. A friend said check the carburetor. I have no mechanical experience, although I am handy, so I had no clue how to go about this. I found this video....the engine and carb are similar not exact matches though. I followed the instructions in the video and just started the log splitter! Success!!! Thanks for saving me money by allowing me to fix it myself

[donyboy73]

@ProudConservativecom tell your friends about my videos!

[ProudConservativecom]

@donyboy73 I will. Quick question for you. So I started it yesterday. Just for a minute or so. When I moved the choke to run, it stalled out. Started right up again...moved the choke to run and it stalled again. Funky smell...guessing it was the fuel burning too rich. Today, I started it and let it run about 5 minutes then moved it half way....let it run some more....and then moved it all the way to run and it was fine. Does that sound about right? It hasn't been started in 2 years.

[ProudConservativecom]

Oh and by the way, there was no screw to adjust the carb on this engine like the one in your video. Don't know if that matters any....

[donyboy73]

@ProudConservativecom sounds good,

[robviolin1]

thanks for sharing with us.

[kellykart]

Great video, that carb looks just like my 5hp quantum engine. I rebuilt the carb but did not replace the seat. As soon as I put gas in the fuel tank it drips out the air cleaner. Is this because I did not replace the seat? What could be wrong with it? I'm spinning my wheels trying to fix! thanks!

P.S.~ When I spray starter fluid in the air cleaner opening (that leads to carb) it keeps running very well, but it does not seem to want to use any gas from the tank.

[donyboy73]

@kellykart replace the seat and shake the float to make sure it does not have gas inside

[OldTek]

Glad I eventually found your video! Unlike other videos for 3.5 Briggs engines this looks exactly like the one on my 1990 mower. It's a 3.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Max. Gas went bad last winter and it stalls constantly now. I almost pulled the trigger on a new mower since I thought cleaning the carb would be complicated but your instructions make it look simple.

Great job! One of the best instructional videos I've seen.

What's the best way to winterize the engine?

[donyboy73]

@OldTek run it dry or use fuel stabilizer

[klaustopher1]

Excellent video. Thanks for posting it.

[littleelvisofMA]

so if the washer under the nut was completely removed would that trigger a gas leak?

[donyboy73]

@littleelvisofMA yes

[ljbrandt500]

Fantastic video! This guide allowed me to disassemble and clean the carb on my Briggs readystart quantum engine with ease! There were some minor differences between engines (i.e - no adjusting screw on mine), but nothing major. My engine, being less than 2 years old, was surging pretty bad and the local shop told me fuel related repairs were NOT covered under warranty. After opening the carb, it looked really clean but I cleaned it anyway and now it's running smoothly! Do you use B'laster LMT?

[donyboy73]

@ljbrandt500 i don't think i have ever used that

[kodibass]

How does this engine choke system work?

[donyboy73]

@kodibass on this one you push the throttle all the way to the end and the choke is on then pull back once warm to release the chke. the newer ones have a primer and no choke

[MrDamascusman]

@donyboy73, I have the same motor and everything runs fine, but every time I remove the bowl it is filled with gasoline. The O ring is securely in place, do you know what could be causing the bowl to fill up? Could it potentially damage my motor or carburetor? Thanks in advance.

[Erik78101]

@MrDamascusman It's supposed to fill with gas, the o-ring is ti keep it fro leaking out again. The jet sucks gas from the bottom of the bowl, and the floa performs a job similar to the float in a toilet tank.

[klaustopher1]

@MrDamascusman The bowl normally stays full of fuel ,as long as there is fuel in the tank.

[sideshow45]

you have very good videos i'm subscribing :)

[donyboy73]

@sideshow45 thanks for the sub, tell ur friends

[birdwing98]

Great camera work. Your video is excellent because you show every small and important detail. Thanks!

[SuperKONR]

OMG! I have that same engine! That carb is on my 6hp now. When I cleaned it the float was stuck to the bowl with gum gas. Where do you get that needle seat kit? Thanks awesome video!!!

[donyboy73]

@SuperKONR go to a small engine shop

[1972FordF150]

Cool video dude ! and was that a vertical pull quantum ?

[donyboy73]

@1972FordF150 yes

[1972FordF150]

@donyboy73 Wow, I don't see very many of those.

[adrienj67]

I cleaned my carb yesterday,maybe not quite as thoroughly as you did but it ran fine when I started it. After running about 10 minutes,the engine slowed down again. Sometimes I push the primer and the rpm's pick up again. Those lawnmowers at Sears are starting to look pretty good.

[donyboy73]

@adrienj67 sounds like it's starving for fuel or maybe had it's day

[adrienj67]

@donyboy73 You mean the carb could be finished? I'm trying to make it last the summer(never-ending strike here). The compression is still good.Could it be the coil that weakens when it gets hot?

[donyboy73]

@adrienj67 no i mean ur mower may have seen better days. does it just act up when hot?

[adrienj67]

@donyboy73 Yes,it always starts good. Today I was able to do the whole front lawn no problem. Every time it acts up is after running 10-15 minutes.

[donyboy73]

@adrienj67 do u have a choke on it, and if u choke it when it's hot does it make a difference, let me know, just wondering if it's the coil, i have many used ones here that i could mail u

[adrienj67]

@donyboy73 No choke,it exactly like the one in this video.The gas cap thing could make a lot of sense,this mower used to get beat up in my trees in Ramore.

[donyboy73]

@adrienj67 i'm pretty sure it's the gas cap

[donyboy73]

@adrienj67 when u remove the fuel line from the carb make sure fuel flows freely from the tank. usually there is a screen in there and dirt may plug it.

[donyboy73]

@adrienj67 it could also be that ur gas cap isn't venting, i just remembered having the same problem on another lawnmower, try that first or use it for a bit with the cap loose

[ncrdisabled]

I have a Coleman generator that sat for a year the engine runs great but I get no voltage out I checked for mouse nest and found none It had voltage and good current before I stopped using it it is in a enclosure.

Any Ideas ?

I thank you for this video because I put that seat in upside down.

Thanks!!!

[gpzDave]

hey dony, what happened to that FS120 with the scratched bore/piston?

[donyboy73]

@gpzDave the guy took it back like that

[boat6868]

Another nice vid...thanks!

[johndeere445]

Hey man! Love the videos!!

What do I do if the float pin is stuck? The carb in question has also been sitting for around 2 years. (from an MTD)

[donyboy73]

@johndeere445 spary it with penetrating oil and use a small finishing nail to take it out, be careful that u don't pound too hard becasue the pin arms will break

[th19940305]

hey can you tell me if a generator that has been sitting in someones shed is now locked up from lack of oil is it repairable? Like can i squirt oil in and hope it penetrates.

Thanks for all the help

Great Videos too!

[donyboy73]

@th19940305 if they ran it with no oil it's finished but if it's just locked up from sitting it's repairable. spray penetrating oil in the cylinder