Briggs Max difficult cold starting

powerfarm · Oct 26, 2021

Hi all,
I wonder if anyone can shed some
light on an issue I m having with an
old Briggs and Stratton 4hp Max
series (vertical shaft) engine.
It's in a push mower and was always
easy to start until recently but now
it takes maybe 10 pulls until it
grudgingly comes to life. The spark
plug is new and has good strong
looking spark.
When hot it starts first time.
Does anyone have any suggestion
where to start looking , I don't
want to waste time throwing parts at
the thing.
Thanks

T.R.K. · Oct 26, 2021

The actual model number and code number would have helped.

If your engine has the carburetor screwed to the gas tank, it probably needs a new diaphragm.

Otherwise, the choke is where I would start looking for the cold start problem.

Russ from MN · Oct 26, 2021

I used to say I was a mechanic,not a parts changer, when people suggested buying replacement carburetors. But last year I had one that seemed hopeless so I ordered a carb, spark plug, fuel filter in a kit, all for <$20! It started the first pull after that!

da.bees · Oct 27, 2021

Have you tried starting fluid or something to see if hard start is due to dry carb and not primed.

Preacher bought a push mower from kid down the street and couldn't get it started after getting it home. Preacher looked up and saw boy walking by licking ice cream cone bought with the money.
Hey son,how do I get this mower started Little boy asked if he had cussed it and preacher said no I don't cuss. Boy said just keep pulling and you will begin to after a while.

powerfarm · Oct 27, 2021

Hi,
Thanks for replying,
the information on the engine is
Code
87032024

Type
0181-03

Model
110702

Briggs Max difficult cold starting

powerfarm

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T.R.K.

Well-known Member

Russ from MN

Well-known Member

da.bees

Well-known Member

powerfarm

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