My Briggs and Stratton has spark but won't start. Before checking spark I removed the carburetor and cleaned it without taking it apart except for removing the bowl. Could the carburetor still be the problem? What is the proper way to take apart and clean the carburetor? It hasn't been used since last Fall or somewhat earlier. The attempt to start at the time resulted in black smoke and then the engine quit.

Rob Diehard Whalers Fan, May 2009

Although taking the float bowl off was a good way to start, you really need to take out the brass jets to clean them too - all you need is a clean screwdriver of the correct size. Also, remove the float hinge pin, and remove the float, together with its needle valve which will also fall clear. If you see a spring loaded screw in the side of the carburettor, take this out too, but first count how many turns it takes to screw it fully in before doing so - that way you can reset the screw at reassembly time. I use an aerosol carburettor cleaner which is a remarkable solvent to clean any debris away, together with my compressed air line.

John, May 2009