My Briggs 5HP Won't Stay Running

Adjust the choke. During the course of use, the choke may accidentally have turned and cause the engine to run roughly or to stop running. Check the choke to see if it is in the correct operating position.

Drain the fuel tank. Shut off the engine and allow it to cool. Remove the gas cap and drain the gas from the tank. Gas becomes stale over time and if the engine is holding old gas, it may not run properly. Pour in new gas and restart the engine.

Replace the fuel filter. Over time, gas filters collect enough debris to become partially or totally clogged. Remove the fuel filter from the engine and replace it with a new, unused Briggs and Stratton or comparable gas filter.

Replace the air filter. Dirt, dust and other debris are trapped in the air filter by design. Once enough debris is trapped in the filter, the engine cannot run consistently. Take the old air filter out of the machine and insert a new air filter. Use a Briggs and Stratton filter or one that is designed to fit a Briggs small engine.

Soak the carburetor in carburetor cleaner or mineral spirits. Remove the carburetor from the engine and soak it for two to four hours. Remount the carburetor and test the Briggs 5 hp engine to see if it runs consistently.