Starting problems after troubleshooting Mower with B&S 14.5hp OHV Model 287707

Hi from Oz. I have inherited my fathers ride-on mower, a Victa 4015HX with a B&S 14.5hp OHV Model 287707 engine. It had been garaged for about 3 years and it started for 5 minutes in a cloud of white smoke.

So researched online... took off the fuel bowl, which was relatively clean, but the float and needle were stuck. I also noticed heaps of fuel in the oil. Unstuck the needle, checked the tip and cleaned it and put it back in and it seemed to operate correctly as I connected the fuel line and could see the fuel stop / start when moving the float. I also checked the float and installed an inline fuel stop valve tap just in case.

Also physically checked that the solenoid gizmo under the fuel bowl was working and of course the spark plug. I did an oil change making sure I got rid of as much of the contaminated oil as possible before topping up with fresh oil... and fresh fuel. I started it and it fired up nicely... for 30 seconds... and that was it.

I just can't get it to fire up. It will start for a couple of seconds if I squirt carb cleaner into the carb. I have noticed a "popping" sound through the carb when turning over the engine. So from a layman's simple perspective the electrics, fuel and oil appear ok and there's good compression... what's left? Although a few years old this machine has done very little work so I'm keen to get it going. Any ideas... anyone?

 

Need to remove and disassemble the carburetor completely and clean it with carburetor cleaner.
Get rid of the old fuel in the tank.
Look inside the tank to see if there's a filter in it, if so change it.
Start using nonethanol fuel or at least add an additive to counteract the effects of it.
Ethanol destroys fuel lines, diaphragm's, causes rusting, and gums up inside the carburetor.

 

Actually the fuel delivery is not ok.
By spraying the carb cleaner and it fired proves it runs.

Without the spraying the carb cleaner and it doesn't start indicates the engine isn't getting gasoline from the carb.

 

Try to start it with the fuel cap off to rule out a gas tank venting problem. By the way. If the carb was full of fuel, about 30 seconds is all you would get if you turned off your new manual shut off valve and started the motor, so it does seem like the fuel flow is restricted in some way. How about the fuel filter. Is it clogged up perhaps?

 

Hi all, thanks for the responses thought I'd just let you know the progress. Thought it through logically... there was fuel going to the bowl but not getting into the carb. Found this Disassembly, Cleaning and Repair of Walbro LMT Carburetor used on Briggs and Stratton Engines that clearly showed pics and brief explanation of the Walbro LMT Carb on my machine.

The main jet is screwed to the side of the main pedestal and I thought it was a solid brass screw only. Turns out the hole in this jet was totally gummed / concreted up even though the carb was spotless. Carefully cleaned it out, reassembled and voila she started first go and purrs along... so all is well. The good thing is that I didn't need to dismantle the carb, just access that jet by taking the bowl off.

Of course Murphy's Law dictates that one thing leads to another... happily driving around I tried to engage the blades... absolutely no go. Looks like the system has seized up... the various pulleys brakes simply won't budge. Belt is good and have soaked bolts with RP7... any ideas.

 

RP7 left to soak in overnight on the belt tension pulley and a couple of light taps and it all came together... almost better than new. Very pleased with the end result. Cheers all.

 

Good on ya ! Thanks for the follow up