Briggs Twin - Won't stay running.

So last year I picked up an older KGro tractor (Basically a sears model in K-mart colors) with a 16 HP twin cylinder on it. 6-speed manual, the deck is rotted, and it's going to become a run-around tractor for hauling my cart around.

Model 0270
Type 1270 01
Code 8504035B
I have the manual(s) from B&S.


I cannot get the tractor to stay running for more then 8-10 seconds or so. :reallymad

I know it's getting fuel - when I got it, the fuel pump wasn't working - new gasket and spring from the kit solved that.

The carb bowl will fill up with fuel - I can see that. The float looks okay, I'm pretty sure it's not leaking. (I took it off and checked for leaks.)

I can pour a bit of fuel into the carb, crank it, and it will fire up, run for about 8 seconds, then run out of fuel and stop again. I'm using a small container for a gravity-fed temporary fuel tank, so I can see what it's doing.


I'm not really familiar at all with the way these carbs are designed. (Never owned a twin before.) Anyone out there with some more experience have a suggestion for a particular adjustment/cleaning I should look at?

It seems like the fuel is getting to the carb - but the carb isn't providing any of it to the engine. My current plan is some careful disassembly, and a bit of carb cleaner to try and clear any gunk out of the carb.



I did change the oil, and it turns over easily enough - nothing is siezed. All the safety interlocks work - I can crank it till the battery dies. Any one of the safetys are disengaged, and it won't even crank at all.