Briggs 25 hp ELS backfiring / popping

[markfnc]

I have a Briggs ELS that has 60 hours. It just started popping / backfiring today. Not just when i turned it off, but all the time while it was running. What do I need to do? I am not much of a mechanic, but I changed the oil at 5 hrs, 25 hrs, adn 50 hrs. The manual says ELS do not need to change the oil filter or spark plugs for 100 hours. It had never backfired at all, not even when I turned it off, until today.

Any ideas???

[Michael]

Mark, are you saying the engine is firing out thru the carb or the exhaust? I am assuming that you are hearing it fire thru the exhaust and I am going to ask "When was the fuel filter last changed. and the 2nd item might be the choke cable might be sticking. Another item might be the spark plug wires might not be firmly seated on the spark plugs. Lets keep it simple and then go to the harder stuff.

[DYT4000]

The manual says ELS do not need to change the oil filter or spark plugs for 100 hours.
Any ideas???


In a perfect world...but this isn't a perfect world. There are always exceptions to the rule!

[old_nodaker]

I've had a lot of that problem with my 13 and 17.5 horse Briggs. It's backfiring out the exhaust. I've been able to solve it so far adding a little "sea foam" to the gas tank, but there are other brands that probably do the same thing. You also can get instant results adding it directly into the carburetor, follow the directions. (It works for me, your results may vary.) Side note, these engines will also do this if I don't let them fully warm up before applying a load. Side side note - I have no idea what is happening to cause the backfiring. My best guess is that the jets are so small they clog up easily and the sea foam helps keep them open, except normally a lean condition should cause it to backfire through the carburetor :fing20:

I have about 150 hours on the 13 horse, 20 hours on the 17.5.

[ducati996]

Make sure the gas is fresh as well....and use gas stabilizer when its need (sitting for long periods) products like Stabil work great

[draddogs]

If it backfires thru the carb you are having a timing problem.. Thru the exhaust could be running lean or old gas as has been mentioned.. The time periods of manufacturers maintenance intervals are to get you to at least change oil and filters... They really would rather sell a new unit or motor. Check fuel filters, plug wires and coil wires.. A coil starting to go bad can give this same condition.

[markfnc]

I put WD 40 on the chock cable, and took off and reconnected the spark plug wires, and it seems to be fixed. I mowed for 1 1/2 hours andnit never did it.

Thanks for the ideas.

[markfnc]

I bought my DLT 3000 in August 2003. It has the Briggs ELS V twin. I just did my 100 hour service. Changed the plugs, air & oil filters, and the oil. Last fall changed the blades. had done the service at 25 hours, 50 hours and 75 hours. Just oil changes and air filter at those times. No problems to speak of. I think it mulches good and cuts grass good. I also use it to pull the 125# speader to put out lime, fertilizer and grass seed. I would like a higher back seat, and tighter steering. I have taken the sterring apart twice hoping to improve this, but not much luck.

I like the pedal controls, and woudl not want that to be different.

I like the "looks' of the new DLt (4500?) series.

Overall 7.5 - 8 /10 or B+ rating. Which is best you could hope for with a Sears IMHO.