How to Start a Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower: A DIY Guide

Are you confused about how to start your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower? We’ve got you covered. Our guide is designed to walk you through the process step by step. With our help, you’ll be able to get your mower running in no time. We’re confident we have the solution you’re looking for.

How to Start a Briggs & Stratton Lawnmower, step by step:

Check ignition type. Ensure oil and gas. Prime bulb to prime engine. Open throttle mid/high. Pull the starter cord. For riding the mower: Sit in the seat, engage the brake, shift neutral, choke the throttle, and turn the key until it starts. Check spark plugs, and use fresh gas.

Have you ever been stuck with a lawn mower that won’t start? We’ve all been there. Our comprehensive guide is here to help you navigate through the process, ensuring you’re never left in the lurch again. Dive in to discover the solution you’ve been searching for.

Start a traditional/push Briggs & Stratton lawnmower in 7 easy steps.

● Step 1: Check the type of ignition system:

First, consult the user manual to check which ignition system your machine uses. I’m a case of a Smooth Start or Prime’ N Pull system, and one needs to prime a cold engine. Priming is unnecessary while the ignition system is Ready to start or Smooth start.

● Step 2: Get set to start the lawnmower:

Take your Briggs & Stratton lawnmower in an open-air grassy region as a first step. Ensure the patch you trim is free from debris, rocks, or other items that could harm your machine. Hence, if you prefer a flat, clean service is selected when you operate your machine.

● Step 3: Check the oil and gas in your machine:

Before starting, ensure your machine has oil and gas to a specified limit. Using a dipstick for a 4-stroke Briggs & Stratton lawnmower can help you estimate the oil level.

Meanwhile, for a 2-stroke engine, one must ensure that the oil and gas are mixed in the correct ratio to ensure that the engine lasts long and is healthy.

● Step 4: Test the spark plug:

In a push Briggs & Stratton lawnmower, look around the motor’s backside to locate the spark plugs. A tick lead wire encapsulated with a rubber cap is an identification for the spark plugs. Make sure that the spark plugs have been firmly attached.

● Step 5: Locate the Prime Bulb:

Once you have taken all the precautions and fulfilled all the pre-mow conditions, the next step is to locate the prime blub on your machine. Mostly in Briggs & Stratton lawnmowers, the excellent bulb can be found on the engine’s side and is covered with a rubber cap. 

By pumping it a couple of times, fuel enters the carburetor and thus primes it. Make sure to follow the guide to avoid flooding the machine’s carburetor. 

In the case of a Ready Start Electric ignition, there is no need for priming, and one can start the machine directly.

● Step 6: Open the throttle:

 In most of the Briggs & Stratton lawnmowers, a lever is on the engine’s body, which acts as a throttle. It would help to pull the throttle in a mid to high position to keep the engine running.

● Step 7: Pull the starter cord:

If your Briggs & Stratton lawnmower has a horizontal lever around the handle, one must firmly grip the handle while the lever rests against it. Now, firmly grasp the handle meant for starting, attached at the rope’s end. Pull it firmly and repeat this step until the motor starts up.

If the motor fails to roar, sparkplugs might have an issue. The problem is your lawnmower’s gas if you hear a sputtering sound. You must know that you can only store gas briefly before it gets nasty because of evaporation and oxidation.

– The Impact of Oxidation on Gas

The oxidation effect is even more significant in ethanol-blended gas (i.e., E10), which you probably use. Old gas also harms the carburetor and fuel lines, causing other problems that eventually can lead to your mower not starting.

Don’t let gas sit in the mower for more than 30 days. If gas sits in the tank for that long, drain it and add fresh gas before starting. Using a fuel stabilizer is also an option if you do not use your lawnmower for extended periods, like during the winter.

Start a Briggs & Stratton riding lawnmower in 6 easy steps.

● Step 1: Sit in the seat firmly:

When you have troubleshot your Briggs & Stratton lawnmower, the next step is to get it started, and as a first step, it is suggested to settle firmly in the seat and engage all the safety features. Also, adjust the pedals and the seats.

Moreover, like a traditional Briggs & Stratton lawnmower, checking oil, gas, and spark plugs is necessary before starting a riding lawnmower. Also, please ensure your riding lawnmower is sitting on a level surface.

– Clearing the Area of Debris and Obstacles

The area will be trimmed free from debris and rebels as these can harm the tires and other parts of a lawnmower, which could hamper its performance. Ensure the gas you use is not too old (more than 30 days).

Due to evaporation and oxidation, old gas can get nasty. This process goes even faster using E10 (ethanol-blended gas). When you use old gas, it can cause all kinds of problems with the carburetor and fuel lines.

This can make your lawnmower challenging or even not starting at all. If you do not use your machine for an extended period, consider adding a fuel stabilizer.

● Step 2: Engage the break:

The brake pedal is present under the left foot of the lawnmower’s rider. Instead of a pedal, the brake is a lever in some lawnmowers. By pushing the pedal or lever down, your break gets engaged. Always make sure that the brake is engaged before you are set to start the machine.

Moreover, a knob-shaped or lever-shaped parking brake is easily approachable to you. Its location varies for various Briggs & Stratton lawnmower models, so it is suggested to consult the user manual to locate it. Once found, release the brake pedal and pull the parking knob.

One can get a parking brake to get engaged by pressing the brake pedal for some lawnmowers.

● Step 3: Gear shift to neutral:

The next step is to shift the gear to neutral. After you have located the gear that might be present near the steering or under the seat, move it to the point where it is written “N.” This will put your machine in neutral. One must hold the parking brake to apply the gear shift properly.

● Step 4: Put the throttle in the choke position:

For a Briggs & Stratton lawnmower, the throttle is located near the seat. There are signs of speed indication on the throttle whose function could be understood by consulting the user manual. The lever must be positioned between the fast and slow settings to engage the choke.

● Step 5: Turn the key in the ignition:

After performing the abovementioned steps, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the right until the engine produces a roaring sound. Hold the key for a few seconds till the engine starts.

● Step 6: Move the throttle to a closed position:  

Once your lawnmower’s engine is started, return to the throttle. You can release the choke by moving the lever in the fast setting.

Safety Measures And Tips:

Never leave your lawnmower outdoors. One must ensure that your lawnmower is placed indoors or under a proper shelter to save it from harsh weather conditions.

If the lawnmower is exposed to rainy weather, there is a possibility that water could seep into the oil and gas tank, which would cause the engine not to start as long as you have entirely made your fuel water-free.

When replacing parts, following the user manual recommendations and opting for the manufacturer’s parts is recommended. Remembering the model type and make of your lawnmower is necessary when purchasing.

• Disconnecting the Battery

Disconnect the battery while you check the lawnmower’s spark plugs. This step protects against any harm from the engine back start. The operator could face that. For cleaning and maintenance, look for a well-ventilated area.

Ensure that the batteries and the sparkplugs have been removed to avoid any back start by the engine. Also, ensure the surface is flat, and the parking brake has been engaged.

Remarks:

This article helps you familiarize yourself with all the necessary tools to start a Briggs & Stratton riding and lawn mower lawnmower. Starting the lawnmower for the first time can get daunting but with proper guidance and performing the pre-mow troubleshooting.

Starting a lawnmower becomes as easy as creating a car. If your mower won’t start, it may be an issue with the fuel system or the carburetor. If the mower is wet or exposed to snow, it may also prevent it from starting. In such cases, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem.

You might need to check the spark plug, as a dirty or damaged plug means the engine might not start. If you cannot resolve the issue, you might need to take your lawnmower to a dealer for professional help. Similar steps can be followed if you’re dealing with a snow blower that won’t start. 

• Potential Issues with the Snow Blower’s Fuel System

Your snow blower might have an issue with the fuel system or other components. Just like with the lawnmower, exposure to snow or wet conditions might cause starting problems. Remember, whether it’s your lawnmower or your snowy blower.

Regular maintenance and proper storage are vital to ensuring they start when needed. Always refer to the user manual or consult a professional if unsure about any steps.