Mower is a Problem to Crank - Briggs 4HP

I have the following: 4HP B&S Model 10A902; Type 2139 E1; Code 99042255

The mower is a being difficult to crank. It has fresh gas, new spark plug, carbureator appears clean, diaphram replaced 2 years ago, is run annually about 55 hours per year.

The mower when it does crank is Not doing the surging like when the diaphram needs replaced. The mower has a missing sound while it is running. Then it sometime just stalls out while idling.

Should I try cleaning ot the carbureator? Please make additional suggestions.

ANY SUGGESTIONS??? THANKS

 

It could be some water in the fuel or old fuel, however it is most likely the carb, here is my normal post for the carb:
You need to install a new diaphram kit, it is Briggs part # 795083 or old # 495770 also Lowe's has a kit #5083 which has the same parts.
Here we go:

Remove air cleaner, there are 2 bolts that hold things together, one on the front of the tank 3/8" and one into the block 1/2", remove these bolts, now "slowly" slide the carb/tank off the intake tube and breather tube, now tilt the tank in to release the throttle linkage and waalaa the carb/tank is removed. Check the intake tube to see if the “O” ring seal and plastic retainer are still on the intake tube, if so remove them and re-install them into the carb. Remove the 5 screws from the carb/tank remove carb(don't loose the spring) now spray all holes, cracks and crevases in both the carb and tank surface with brake parts cleaner, remove the main screen(looks like a thimble), now with a small screwdriver pry out the main jet(carefully) and clean it, check the “O” ring on the main jet for damage, if it is damaged it must be replaced, reinstall the jet, it can be difficult some times to get it to snap back in place(I use the rounded end of a screwdriver handle). Remove and clean the fuel pickup stem(not necessary if the fuel tank was clean). Clean any junk/rust from the tank. Install the diaphram on the tank then the gasket(no goo or sealer) now carefully replace the carb(the spring will try to misalign the diaphram), tighten all screws a little at a time so as not to crimp the diaphram until they are all tight. Install the carb/tank in reverse order and you are done. If I missed something one of the real mechanics will correct me. Have a good one. Geo

 

Have you checked the air filter?

 

Yes it does need cleaning too. I will do that and the steps Geogrubb provided. Thanks always

 

Try cleaning the filter first. That may the only problem. Your description of the problem matches what happens when the air filter is clogged, which is why I asked.