23HP B&S Riding Mower turns over but won't stay running

Hi,

My father-in-law passed in early 2016 and his riding mower has been sitting since then. No sure that it was winterized after the 2015 mowing season.

Engine is a Briggs and Statton 23 hp
Model: 445777
Type: 0122 E1
Code: 010130YH

Charged the battery, added new gas and the starter works but it won't run. Pulled the fuel line at the carb and gas comes out when I try to start it. Poured a little gas in the intake and it would run for a second or so. If I continue to dribble gas in the intake it continues to run so I'm guessing good spark. I did pull the plugs and they looked ok. Figured maybe the float was stuck or gummed up so I took the carb off and sprayed it out with carb cleaner. Cleaner came through all the orifices. The float was ok but there was some gunk in the bottom of the float bowl. Cleaned it out well, reassembled it and still the same problem. I did notice that if I let it sit for a 3-4 minutes after trying to start it, it will turn over for less than a second the next time I try to start it. Not sure if that means anything??

Figure it may be an issue with the solenoid but not sure how to diagnose that. Or maybe, its something else all together.

Sure would appreciate any help in getting this running!

Jim

 

The carburetor solenoid may not be opening... check operation to see if it opens and closes when you turn the key on and off.

 

Pull the solenoid and if it has two wires plug it in and turn the key on and make sure the plunger retracts, if it has one wire plug it in and hold it against the engine block to test. If you feel it click but the plunger does not move, you might be able to free it with some carb cleaner and manually pushing the plunger.

 

Thanks.

Pulled the carb and removed the bowl. With the solenoid connected I can see the pin retract when I turn the key. Figured maybe the fuel passage was blocked so I filled the bowl with gas to just below where top of the center piece is and then turned the key. I could see the gas flow in to the center section when the pin retracted.

Stumped again!
Thoughts on what to check next?

Jim

 

Crank it while the bowl is off and see if gas is actually entering the bowl area.

 

There was gas in the bowl that I poured out each time I removed the carb. Is there a way to check if the gas is getting from the bowl into the carb? When I sprayed it with cleaner the cleaner did flow from the orifices on top through the carb to the bowl and into the air intake. Not sure if that is where the air/fuel mixture enters the engine or if there is another place that may still be blocked?

Any links to pages that show how this carb works?

Thanks,
Jim

 

If the bowl was full of gas, then there is still a restriction somewhere. Follow the fuel from the bowl to the center jet(s)... make sure there is a free flow all the way through every part. SOme of them have a jet in the side of the stem that drops into the bowl, make sure it's clear.