Small engine issue

Code54 · Oct 29, 2015

We have a 6.5 briggs on our log splitter and it is giving me fits.
The motor is basically new, maybe 10 running hrs. Looks great, oil clean, filters clean, no issues there.
Runs fine AFTER it heats up and is running for a while but getting it to that point is a real workout.
Prime it with the plunger button about six times and yank and it may turn right over. The problem is you have to immediately start pumping the primer a a fast rate to keep it running, if not it dies.
If you don't mine hitting the primer for about 3-4 minutes it will then stay running and is fine.
The machine has a brand new carb (replaced under warranty because it surged) but the warranty is out and now I have a new issue.
Any ideas what I need to do - I presume it is a fuel issue and at the carb but not sure exactly where.

Mysfyt · Oct 30, 2015

No choke?

Code54 · Oct 30, 2015

No sir, no choke
thank you

4570Man · Oct 30, 2015

Code54 said:
Any ideas what I need to do - I presume it is a fuel issue and at the carb but not sure exactly where.

Buy a Honda. I don't think the carb is the issue or it wouldn't run at all.

Code54 · Oct 30, 2015

If I could find a brand new splitter with a Honda on it for under $700 (what it cost me new)I would have but for the price I can live with a B&S - most likely not a major issue, I been thinking about it and kind of leaning towards ordering a new diaphragm and seeing if that does it????

Mysfyt · Oct 31, 2015

Model Number

13L332-0036-F8
If this is your engine,it shows a manual choke. Usually small engines like this have three settings: full choke for starting, half choke for warm up and wide open for running. Hard to believe yours didn't come with one.
Also, if you are using blended fuel (ethanol), switch to no ethanol fuel if you have that option. Lots of threads here on this forum about that subject. I doubt that it's your fuel pump as it runs OK when warmed up.

Egon · Oct 31, 2015

Maybe even go to a high octane gasoline.

Gunny · Oct 31, 2015

Yep, I only use premium grade gasoline in all my single cylinder engines. It may just be me, but I swear they start easier and run much better

Code54 · Oct 31, 2015

I am currently running 93 (premium) in my small machines but it is normal pump gas. Just put fresh gas in it (well I hope at least, as it came from the pump recently)
I will check on the model when I am out there today
thanks

davesl708 · Oct 31, 2015

Code54 said:
I am currently running 93 (premium) in my small machines but it is normal pump gas. Just put fresh gas in it (well I hope at least, as it came from the pump recently)
I will check on the model when I am out there today
thanks

Add a little Sea Foam to fresh pure gas and run it. B&S engines do not like ethanol. If it has been sitting for a long time between uses it may have gummed up and phase separated in the fuel.
Clean the spark plug too.

4570Man · Oct 31, 2015

You should always run no ethanol gas in your small engines. The no ethanol cost a littler more, but I doubt the difference will put you in the poor house.

TCSavage · Nov 10, 2015

4570Man said:
You should always run no ethanol gas in your small engines. The no ethanol cost a littler more, but I doubt the difference will put you in the poor house.

The rewards of no ethanol in small engines will more than offset any cost involved.

Code54 · Nov 10, 2015

Agreed!

SPYDERLK · Nov 10, 2015

Make sure there isnt a drop of water in the float bowl. This will partially block the main jet.

Code54 · Nov 11, 2015

That makes sense and is a good idea - thank you

nikdfish · Nov 11, 2015

Similar thing happened with the youngest daughter's lawn mower, except it would stop when you stopped priming even after an extended period ...

Fix was pouring out the fresh, alcohol free gas that had just been poured in & replacing with a few ounces of Seafoam. Did the prime, start, then prime as needed to keep running thing for a bit. It was running on its own in a minute or so, I let it continue on its own for another minute or two & then stopped, re-fueled with the saved gas & let it run till it had consumed all the straight Seafoam & stopped smoking. It was good to go after that.

Nick

prs · Nov 27, 2015

nikdfish said:
Similar thing happened with the youngest daughter's lawn mower, except it would stop when you stopped priming even after an extended period ...

Fix was pouring out the fresh, alcohol free gas that had just been poured in & replacing with a few ounces of Seafoam. Did the prime, start, then prime as needed to keep running thing for a bit. It was running on its own in a minute or so, I let it continue on its own for another minute or two & then stopped, re-fueled with the saved gas & let it run till it had consumed all the straight Seafoam & stopped smoking. It was good to go after that.Nick

Whal I'll be a suck-egg mule! I had never heard of using straight SeaFoam as a "fuel" temporarily. I thought I was pushing the envelope by adding 2fl oz to a cup of fuel mix.

prs

Threepoint · Nov 27, 2015

4570Man said:
You should always run no ethanol gas in your small engines. The no ethanol cost a littler more, but I doubt the difference will put you in the poor house.

I dunno. I'd have to drive 1-1/2 hrs. each way to get to the nearest ethanol free pump around these parts.

Jeff Lary · Feb 1, 2016

Check your fuel line it may have a pin hole or a crack in it causing it to loose prime .

Code54 · Feb 1, 2016

Thanks Jeff - it is still acting up even though this is an older thread.
I dumped all the fuel, ran sea foam, even changed the carb out and it is still doing. The little I use it I just keep hitting the prime until it warms up then it runs great. Need to mess with it sometime soon so I will check the lines!!!