I have a 3 hp briggs and stratton engine on an old wood chipper that has not run in 7years what do I need to do to start it? I have new gas and a new plug, so far

floyd, October 2008

make sure you can turn the engine over by hand ,be sure the choke and other carb parts move freely, even spray a shot of PB Blaster or WD/40 to reassure their movement, fill with new oil. remove fuel line and fuel filter, blow thru line, replace fuel filter,fill with new gas,check for spark,gap and replace plug,check your pull cord for frayed and weak and replace if needed. good luck!

LCBII, December 2008

If the engine has points/condenser, replace them - either with the correct parts, or (better) with a retro-fit electronic conversion module.

Did it sit with old fuel in it for 7 years? If so, pull the carb apart and clean it with carb cleaner. Replace any diaphragms in the carb or pump (depends on model, but I think yours has 1 pump diaphragm in the side of the inlet header casting).

Change the oil, air filter, and spark plug. That should be all that is necessary.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, October 2008