Gas in crankcase
Just bought a new Briggs and Stratton 5500 StormResponder generator 3 days ago. Filled with gas, made sure oil was full-- cranked and ran for 20 - 30 mins and shut off (didn't shut off fuel valve). Tried to crank today, seemed like engine seized. Removed oil fill cap and gasoline came pouring out (I did shut the fuel valve now). What would have caused a brand new motor to fill the crankcase with fuel, and how can I ensure its all out?
Electrical Supplies - Briggs & Stratton - Power Products 5,550 Watt Portable Generator #30241
Answers & Comments
Fuel from the fuel tank flows to the carburetor and then on into the engine cylinders. From there it seeps into the crank case.
It's a matter of gravity. The gas will seep until it reaches the lowest point in the engine.
There are two methods of correcting this dangerous problem.
1) When you are done using the engine you can turn it upside down, over a large container that is of sufficient size to contain all the gas and oil that will run out of the engine.
or
2) Turn the fuel valve to it's OFF position when you are done running the engine. This stops the fuel from seeping into the crank case from the carburetor.
(And a heads up from one who has personal, first hand experience. Be sure to OPEN the fuel shut off valve when you think you would like to start the engine.)
If you should have this happen again DO NOT try to start the engine!
(That's one of the reasons The Da always said, "Did you check the oil before you started that engine?")
Dump out all of the oil that has been contaminated with fuel and replace it with fresh oil.