I have a murray rider with a 20hp briggs. the orginal motor blew I replaced it with a 19.5 briggs from a craftsman, I used everything off my motor other than the coil, and stator ring (I guess?) under the fly wheel.. It started and ran great and cut my yard. Now after cutting half my yard this time it started acting up, motor will not run smooth, rpm's are up and down. and when you engage the blades it just about stall. any ideas?
Garden - Murray
Answers & Comments
Most likely, the electronic needle valve is clogging up with debris. There is an electronic fuel solenoid that you can disconnect at the bottom of the carburetor. This has a tiny coil-spring and a needle valve that opens and closes with the ignition switch.
This solenoid gets clogged with debris and sometimes you can shake it and gently tap it to shake the debris out. If you can't loosen it up to work freely, you will need to replace it.
You can get these at Walmart or most any small engine repair shop. They sell for around $12.00 to $18.00 depending on where you buy it.
I suspect junk in the gas tank, or rubber fuel line collapsing. Also fuel solenoid if equiped.
junkl