Briggs and stratton Engine popping while running?

[3930dave]

A dose of Seafoam in the gas won't hurt, and may help with a varnish or minor water issue.

Rgds, D.

 

[Deekes]

After you have exausted the good suggestions of all these members, try this. Critters, mice to be exact love to build their nests in the cooling fins of the engine. Take the shroud completely off and inspect for any tenants that may have taken claim. The engine will overheat enough to cause this symptom. Be vigilant, the little buggers can really pack it in there. I've experienced this more than once and a heavy blast of compressed air sometimes could not free it. They are determined little builders. Good luck.

 

[3930dave]

After you have exausted the good suggestions of all these members, try this. Critters, mice to be exact love to build their nests in the cooling fins of the engine. Take the shroud completely off and inspect for any tenants that may have taken claim. The engine will overheat enough to cause this symptom. Be vigilant, the little buggers can really pack it in there. I've experienced this more than once and a heavy blast of compressed air sometimes could not free it. They are determined little builders. Good luck.

Good point. Buddy of mine pulled about 10lbs of "mouse hotel" out of an RV generator one day.

Rgds, D.

 

[Mattc8832]

A new plug with the gap set about .030 would probably fix the issue.

 

[The Fred]

if its consistently popping , its not the gas .... bad plug, valves or no spark to 1 cylinder.

most likely a sticking valve on one of the cylinders if it "just happened" all of a sudden . Happens a lot on older B&S engines.

Baseline the engine first. Chances are a valve not seating or compression release sticking?? Broken valve spring?? Compression and leakdown test is in order before wasting UN-needed time.

Regards, Fred

 

[downsizingnow48]

I grew up in suburban southern California. Everyone had lawnmowers and they all had Briggs engines and they all popped. I used to routinely take the engine apart, clean the valve stems and guides, and lap the valves, which worked for a season or so before the popping started again.

 

[chad22]

I forgot to update this thread.

It finally stopped popping after draining the fuel tank and cleaning it out. There was indeed water in the fuel.

Now it runs great without the popping.

Thanks for the help guys.

Chad

 

[Baby Grand]

I forgot to update this thread.

It finally stopped popping after draining the fuel tank and cleaning it out. There was indeed water in the fuel.

Now it runs great without the popping.

Thanks for the help guys.

Chad

Thanks for posting the cause, Chad. YOu just made this a much more useful thread for anyone having the same problem.
You'd be surprised how many threads end without any explanation of what was actually causing the problem.

 

[3930dave]

Thanks for the update Chad.

Esp. if you have to use Ethanol contaminated fuel, using something like Stabil, Startron, etc.... is a good idea with seasonal or low use equipment.

Rgds, D.