Several years ago I was given a Murray lawnmower powered by a 3.5 bhp Briggs & Stratton motor. It has never let me down but has always had a problem with the throttle. I've just discovered the throttle lever has been fitted upside down and for some reason indicates the opposite to what the motor is doing. The spring also appears streched so I think a full overhaul is due. Do you know where I can obtain a manual that covers more than just the basics? Thanks

John, November 2008

You can get the owners' manual and an illustrated parts list from the Briggs web site (www.briggsandstratton.com).

The full overhaul manual is available, but not free. Any number of sellers on ebay.

At some point your throttle cable has been replaced. There are 2 types available - positve and negative - the only differance is the legend on the casing. Dependng on who made it, they can sometimes be dis-assembled and re-assembled the correct way around for the mower you have.

If the engine is a 'classic' type, the govenor spring is very light, and loose unless the engine is running (then you can't see it unless you remove the air filter). If the enine runs at a sensible speed, it's probably OK.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, November 2008

Try Murray.com on the internet

bg, November 2008