The Absolute WORST Briggs & Stratton Carburetor & Why It Won't Prime!

[@ignaciogutierrez2488]

I’ve been working with these lawnmowers six years and you just taught me three important lessons thank you

[@tobyu145]

Usually two gaskets will fix it but if it doesn't you can easily fix with some RTV. Look at the little groove path that is made into the plastic. This takes the air from the bulb and directs it to the small hole in the face of carb. The housing gets warped and the air leaks out of this channel. Put a very small amount almost just a film of rtv on both sides of this channel and use a small thin screwdriver to clear it the middle of any gets into the channel. Then put the gasket (s) on and install. Let it dry for several hours before you push the primer bulb. I have fixed many this way.

[@jdsnapp]

Thank You for this posting! I replaced my old carb with new one and had trouble starting after that. Figured something wasnt right. Saw your post and now all is as it should be. I used a pliable gasket sealer. Thanks again!

[@90mazda87]

I've got the same carb on mine. Bought the used non-running mower for $10.00 & cleaned the carb & replaced the torn-up air box gasket (previous owner ruined it) and installed a new primer bulb & the engine performs excellent. That was about 5 years ago & the mower still operates flawlessly.

[@QuaabQueb]

Good to hear, if you ever do work on the machine, be sure to carefully remove the gasket and save it!

[@Yankees_1996]

Mine is a Quantum from 1999. On my second primer bulb. Fires up on first pull for 25 years. 😊

[@applianceman6009]

Thank you for making this video. I got a mower with this type of primer. One tiny section, of this gasket, wouldn’t come off without tearing. However, I am replacing the carburetor. It was stuck onto the carburetor, and it tore in one small place. However, 99% of the gasket is intact. I am still reusing this gasket rather than replacing it!!

[@QuaabQueb]

Yes. I always leave them on, what ever they stick to, usually the carburetor face. I have never gotten a new gasket to seal properly. Another thing I started doing is storing them on the air cleaner box with a clamp to press in the ridges over time.

[@applianceman6009]

⁠I replaced the carburetor today. Thanks to this video, it still primes and it starts first pull too!! This video saved me from pain and suffering!!

[@paulbassen8509]

Best information I have found on this pos gasket

[@Part_121]

Another method you can add to your bag of tricks to get these gaskets to seal, which may help out in the case of a warped airbox surface, is to use large diameter washers under the airbox bolt heads. They tend to more evenly spread out the pressure on the gasket area, especially when there already is some warping. Not a guaranteed fix, but it sometimes does the trick.

[@philliphall5198]

I’ve used fender washers and cut to fit also 😢 it works sometimes

[@FabioAS]

What I've done seemed to solve this problem with mine. I got one of those new Chinese gaskets and glued to it's place in the plastic part. With the glue still fresh I joined with the carb and thighed two bolts and waited to dry. The silicone only goes between the plastic and the gasket. I think I used some gasket maker high temp silicone. Can't use too much, just enough to seal. It's been working fine since then. I only prime once and works!!!

[@dr.pickle5842]

My old Goodall mower has the same carb & airbox. The best design ever, it's just the nut behind the wheel that works on it.

[@timewa851]

B&S didn't really design any bad carbs, so being the worst of the trouble-free B&S carbs is really high praise. I wuv it!

[@RexenPrime]

I fixed this issue on a mower by double gasketing it. I used a new paper one and then I made another by hand with cerial box cardboard and that was the second gasket. Worked great!

[@mikerobinson579]

I chose the two washer solution and it worked for me without resorting to multiple gaskets, rtv, tape etc. Details: One Chinese gasket; two oversize washers, (backed by a smaller one), that extend into the air passage by about a 1/4 inch (this does not seem to affect running) tightened to a sensible minimum. Before fitting, I checked that the little air-hole was clear and functioning by blowing with an air-line held a few inches away in order not to over pressurise. This showed fuel coming out of the emulsion tube, which was reassuring. Lawn now mowed.

[@willdatsun]

crappy designs like this is why people will always choose a Honda over a Briggs if they get the chance

[@ChristopherTreadway]

I’ll take a Briggs over a Honda anytime

[@rickbales1880]

Great video, a must see for guys in there garage working on these!

[@SevenSixTwo2012]

Good advice. However, putting rubber parts (gaskets, etc) in automotive power steering fluid has a much better effect of rejuvenating old rubber and making it pliable. It can even close some small dry rotted cracks.

[@jw2par]

Very informative video , thank you

[@howard_nunes]

You nailed the issue for me. Thank You!

[@headpainter1]

Great video! I learned a lot about how the primer works. Is there not a low speed jet and a high-speed jet in these type carburetors. I have thoroughly cleaned my carburetor but it will only run with my hand over the air inlet. Like maybe a vacuum leak behind the carburetor but it's got a decent ring gasket on the tube. Runs great on starting fluid. Any thoughts? Thank you.

[@sar11809redwork]

thanks good tips, just did the new gasket and no prime. Now I know what to look for and a pip on how to correct it.

[@kalaharimine]

There's a gasket? Any way mine starts, idles badly but won't rev up? How does the governor work? My motor has run for 19 years without problem, but i moved to Europe and the removals company flipped the mower so that oil got everywhere.

[@stoneshot4906]

Hey mate just watched your video, I’m a marine mechanic and we use this product made by quicksilver called perfect seal. Worked first time straight away 👍

[@Papi4l2]

Where do u get this stuff from? I googled it. Looks like it comes in a can with a brush top?

[@sabertown1653]

Have you come across the 190cc b&s carb with auto choke and no adjustment running lean, causes occasional popping when running? Even after cleaning still slight pop now and then, anything can be done to the carb to get richer or need to replace carb? Seems very common with 190cc quantum

[@stevesabo1269]

My Snapper more is 25 years old and has a Briggs & Stratton engine and I've never had a problem with it.

[@ET42Driver]

Good for you.

[@mikedevita5558]

​@@ET42Driver😆

[@fldave612]

The gasket is very cheap, $3 to $4 at most. I usually order 2 of them when I know I'm servicing these carburetors that way I have a spare on hand. I've never had issues with them working.

[@robdmau]

So mine primes fine, ones it fires up, it dies right away. If I keep priming it while it’s running, it stays running. Any ideas why it won’t run after it’s primed?

[@CharlesPare]

Wow thanks, exactly my problem

[@superalexandre8450]

Hi, Nice review... Can you tell me the size and threading of these 3 black screws attaching the base to the carburetor... I lost them accidentally... and can not find replacement number

[@georgehunt6380]

i had a prime problem replaced the bulb it still would not prime turns out air could not get through because the manufacter left a rubber piece inside that would not let air go through probably happens one out of 1000 but ran me crazy trying to figure it out

[@ProjectsPat]

great video sir! Mine didn't have a bulb, there was a blockoff. The carb kit i got came with a bulb. I didn't save the old gasket. wondering if i should block off that channel as it could be giving me a vac leak. I cant get it to start(other than spraying starter fluid in the carb)

[@bobbrennert2945]

But where does the carb spring go?

[@paulbassen8509]

Can I get new style carburetor and install without issue or do we have to use what came with it?

[@DanielCochranSC]

Thx very much for this information.

[@nigelmillett7836]

Great tip, too bad I'd already trashed the original gasket before realizing the new gasket wouldn't work. I used a thick layer of RTV on both sides of the new gasket making sure the prime hole wasn't blocked, let it set for a few hours before installing and it worked fine. But what a crap design!

[@QuaabQueb]

Indeed. Always carefully peel away the original gasket like a used condom, and carefully store it like a piece of rare art while you are cleaning the carb. If it wont come way with out tearing just leave it there, clean the carb and put it back together.

[@davidperry4013]

The plastic square carburetors are a better design but with one flaw the jets clog easily.

[@philliphall5198]

They need inline filter or inside hose filter

[@bluegrassman3040]

I have the carb like this one in the video, except it has the choke. It’s on a Campbell Hausfeld pressure washer with the B&S Diamond Power engine. For some reason, Briggs no longer carries that carb anymore. So I had to end up buying a chineseum carb…

[@christophertavenner3547]

Just finished a rebuild on one of these, but as it runs it's choking out. Primer bulb is slow to react when pushed. Nly runs okay at low throttle, crank it up and it chokes out. Any.ideas?

[@QuaabQueb]

Primer bulb just replace. If it's choking out then something is blocked still and needs to be cleaned

[@jw2par]

Totally agree! Only the oem backing plate with gasket worked for me . Bought 3 of the China ones didn't work, tried added two gaskets to them and still didn't work . Any tips on how to get the cheap China ones to work ?

[@jwayne777]

Use 3 to 4 gaskets.

[@jw2par]

@jwayne777 using that many worked for you ?

[@jwayne777]

@@jw2par yes. I initially used 2 with No luck. Then I added the 3rd one and it shot fuel right up. It worked for me

[@jw2par]

@jwayne777 ok thank you will give it a try in the spring

[@Papi4l2]

Just came here to tell u im laughing at all the time u take to tell everyone to SAVE THE ORIGINAL GASKET, when me, and im sure most people, are here watching this, cause we already replaced the gasket with a new one, and it doeant freakin work! Lol

[@loboudl]

I'm glad I got to watch this video. I've got the one where the primer area is plugged and I was thinking about taking it out I've got a kit coming today that has a primer bowl in it and I was going to try and put it in there but I don't think I'm going to do that now. Is there a benefit if I do that later or should I just leave as is?

[@QuaabQueb]

The one with the primer port plugged or missing is an auto-choke style. Look up briggs & stratton quantum auto choke to see how it works. It's actually a much better and morw reliable system. Your carburetor/jet probably just needs a cleaning.

[@loboudl]

Thanks for the reply, yeah I decided I'm not going to mess with it I'm going to leave as is. About one of those four-in-one yard vacuums really cheap and it really wasn't taken care of. I'm thinking I may need to take the carburetor off and clean it but it does start. When I bought it they told me that it would only start with starting fluid and I just cleaned the air filter and got it to start so there's that lol.

[@QuaabQueb]

@@loboudl watch the videos on how to take them apart and clean them. It is a bit trucky because of the linkage and small spring. Often time the small spring that holds the choke closed when cold falls off. You can also try to just clean the carb on the machine by only removing the air cleaner housing and bowl.

[@tomhackman8115]

I have lawn mower with this carburator my primer after few times pump not have petrol machine no start if i put some petrol manualy in to carburator it starts work only several seconds until petrol i put in the carburator how can i fix it easly ? Petrol coming when i pull out hose from petrol tank to to carburator petrol comes but no going into carburator even i pump many time the primer why ???? How can i fix make petrol come to carburater thank you , sorry about my english enlish is not my language may be you not understand good sorry about it

[@ianmackenzie686]

Any advice on cleaning that little hole on the carb where the air from the primer bulb is supposed to go into? No air flow going through mine, I think it is plugged.

[@DP-hy4vh]

Use the thin wire in the middle of a plastic twist tie from a bread bag.

[@mikerobinson579]

@@DP-hy4vh I just used an airline (held a few inches from the little hole in order to attenuate the pressure) and that gave enough pressure in the bowl to show fuel exiting the emulsion tube, which confirmed the passage was clear.

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

There are 2 different float bowl rubber seals if bowl dosent seal no prime

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Will the mower run with the air filter housing completely removed? Thanks

[@QuaabQueb]

Yes but that is not a good idea

[@greggregson9687]

What engines were these on? Quantum XTS 50? 60? Old Quantum original 35?

[@RedfishCarolina]

625e in my case

[@sonnyc3826]

this is interesting ...i started this as a hobby years ago and ran into a mower with this type of primer system and it really beat up my confidence becasue it wouldnt start unles si sprayed carb cleaner into the filter..no matter what i did it wouldnt star tuntil then..but i sild it anyway.... and agian recently i have 2 mowers like this and ran into teh same problem i asked eveyrhwere about this years aog the first time i encountered it and no-one would tell me or say anythign or knew wha ti was tlaking about and now i see so many videos on youtube about this and eveyrone is having the same problem that i had no idea what was going on .. its a design flaw , a shotty idea put together by briggs to save money for themselves and make you buy spare parts as theyre in the selling spare parts business..they deserved to go under becasue of an idea like this..its terrible..the metal plate was better...nonetheless the problem isnt the carberator its that plate getting worn down those ridges, it can soemtimes be beaten using 2 gasket sive heard and i saw a guy just use a piec eof tape and thats what i did was use a piec eof tape to seal it and it starts right up wihtout the carb spray..that small tube on the plate has to be sealed completely with the little hole at the end..air is escaping is why its not starting when primed or not priming altogether.. it snot the carberator..

[@QuaabQueb]

It was pretty poor design, they moved away from it in later years with the auto-choke system. What is funny is that on much older versions of this mower the primer bulb was actually mounted on the back of the fuel tank, and connected via a dedicated rubber hose to a port on the carburettor. Those always work flawlessly. Another trick I have discovered is to store your spare carburettors with the gasket and air cleaner screwed together, this way as it sits over time the ridges have time to wear in. You can also put a gasket on the back of the air cleaner box and leave a clamp on it to press in the ridges.

[@Qda_15]

Will a carburetor that has an auto choke system work on a primer system mower?

[@philliphall5198]

Yes I’ve seen people rig up a manual choke rod to choke it but I laughed but it worked 😊

[@brewcrew5854]

wacked out design they say guaranteed to start -ha . multi gasket is no lock 4 sure . seems like the small shim rig works for many

[@philliphall5198]

Have you tried super glue the gasket to the plastic base and added couple of extra gaskets ?

[@QuaabQueb]

No. If anything a very light coating of silicone. Necer super glue anything. You you can double them

[@philliphall5198]

@@QuaabQueb I have 40/50 used covers so I have nothing to lose with super glue

[@QuaabQueb]

@@philliphall5198 In that case go for it. I recommend you take a gasket and put it on each cover with a clamp or something to press in the ridges over time.

[@hns747]

I think the slight sanding down of the face .. reinstalled the damaged gasket with a little coat of fresh engine oil , worked for me .. primes and runs perfectly now

[@tomhaydon6651]

My mower stopped running so I bought a 799868 amazon china carburetor put it on and now gas floods the spark plug and it still will not start. fewy!

[@philg4116]

Does anybody else in the universe besides me have the bulbless kind that apparently self-primes? Does anybody know what this kind is called? Searching with the words "primer", "priming" etc ONLY brings up results for the push-bulb kind.

[@tobyu145]

You might be taking about the Ready Start auto choke system.

[@Dooker1958]

I've just had to use three!!! gaskets on one of these to get it to prime......nightmare

[@QuaabQueb]

Pisspoor design. I have no idea how they get them to work. I have never had one work after replacing the gasket. Always try to save the original no matter how nasty it is.

[@84yung]

Can you please point me to where i can get these gaskets? I have a 650 Series, 190cc. Much appreciated.

[@QuaabQueb]

Search for a local small engine repair shop. They will have them and you can get them right away.

[@84yung]

@@QuaabQueb Thanks for replying, I also unknowingly messaged your other video. Yea unfortunately that is not possible, will have to buy it online. I think the part number is 795629 but am not quite sure yet so still researching.lol

[@QuaabQueb]

@@84yung You can order packs of those on amazon for a few dollars. Any small engine shop will also have them fairly inexpensive. It is the same gasket regardless of which model Quantum engine you have.

[@84yung]

@@QuaabQueb Aah! I see! So they're all the same. That's exactly what I needed to know. Thanks again for the much needed info brother.

[@QuaabQueb]

@@84yung No problem, good luck!

[@philliphall5198]

I just add 2 gaskets and leave whatever is there and it works most of the time, I have had to put clear tape on bottom also Have used the China plastic cover and socked gaskets in gas or water Good luck but don’t use power tools to tighten period

[@fleadoggreen9062]

It has no choke ?

[@QuaabQueb]

No

[@stevehorton2771]

Did the double gasket on my quantum one worn plus brand new one and priming like a champ followed advice from watching various videos .tinkering and fiddling in wales Great Britain

[@QuaabQueb]

@@stevehorton2771 Cheers

[@RedfishCarolina]

This piece of trash design is a disgrace to humanity. I am unlucky enough to own one, and am one more problem away from lighting the whole thing on fire and buying a new mower

[@ToddLandholm-ch2ng]

I’m done with Briggs and Stratton they’re crap and when you need to fix them they have discontinued the fricken part? They have chosen to to go out of business I guess!

[@QuaabQueb]

They filed for bankruptcy and have been going downhill ever since. Newer products are not as well made, and parts are becoming hard to get. All part of the plan to ban gas powered equipment and take away our ability to fix things.

[@bluegrassman3040]

I had to get a chinesium carb for my pressure washer. Can’t get one from Briggs…

[@ToddLandholm-ch2ng]

@@QuaabQueb and that’s why I’m done with them I had a Toro mower that had a Briggs and Stratton motor on in and it was only 6 yrs of use the ignition coil was bad and they discontinued the part? Why would they discontinue them? I’m not going to anything from a company that doesn’t value there customers. They went to battery mowers now and they might work good but they lost me as a customer!

[@jackfrosty79ify]

New carburetor rtv work the best .

[@Izabella_playz]

replace carburetor every year is just $10 on amazon, issue solved…

[@QuaabQueb]

Those are from china and not as good as the original. Always try and clean fhe original. Regardless this will not solve the problem

[@anderslindberg5761]

That video should have tanken no more than 3 minutes

[@Definitely8860]

Briggs is garbage. Buy a Honda lawnmower

[@xb0xisbetter]

Yes, my 1969 Simplicity with a 3.5 HP Briggs engine that sat in a garage attic being shat on by mice for decades before I got it for free on the side of the road and got running with 0 parts replaced is garbage. These quantum engines are fantastic as well. Of the 3 non-running quantum engines I've gotten, all 3 ended up being 1 pull starts and were very easy to get running with simple carb cleans. At least 1 of the 3 had water in the gas tank and carb. All 3 had very dark oil because it seems like they're so reliable that nobody ever seems to bother to change it.

[@ThePjones1]

It’s a scam

[@QuaabQueb]

It's a shit design

[@DKSE123]

Actually , I've Had Very Little Issues W/ Them . Keeping The Carb Clean & Using Genuine Briggs Primer Covers Help Greatly