Problems with Briggs & Stratton Generators (Troubleshooting Charts)
Like any mechanical goods, generators might experience issues. A generator may not start, bog down, die, or leak gas due to old gas, worn parts, or the wrong fluids.
While keeping up with routine maintenance on your generator can help keep it running well, you should still expect encountering issues due to wear and tear from normal use after you’ve had the generator for a while.
I’ve put prepared charts to diagnose typical Briggs & Stratton generator issues so you can quickly identify the source of your issue and fix it. Additionally, there are connections to pages with more information about each issue.
The most frequent issues with Briggs & Stratton generators are:
- No start for the generator
- The generator starts, then stops
- The generator is gassing
- Under load, a generator bogs down
Exercise caution when making repairs. Always unplug the spark plug wire and let the engine cool before reinstalling it. In accordance with the Briggs & Stratton operator’s manual, observe all safety measures.
Always refer to the operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or using any piece of equipment. If you don’t have the expertise, the abilities, or the health to safely complete the repair, consult a professional.
Table of Contents
Briggs & Stratton Generator Will Not Commence
To troubleshoot a non-starting Briggs & Stratton generator, check to see if there is anything blocking the air, fuel, or spark ports. A spark ignites the gasoline and air mixture, and the engine begins to turn over.
If you can’t make your generator to turn over, you may need to replace the starter recoil on a manual start model or inspect the battery, ignition switch, and starter solenoid on an electric start model.
Check for a blocked fuel system, old fuel, a defective spark plug, a damaged ignition coil, or a plugged air filter if you can get it to turn over but it won’t start.
You can get further information at:
Reasons a Briggs & Stratton Generator Won’t Start
| Cause | Reason behind the issue | Solution |
| Unfilled fuel tank | Having no petrol in the tank | Refuel with new fuel. |
| Old or subpar fuel | Fuel degrades with time, becoming less effective and more likely to clog fuel systems and harm components. | Deplete the gasoline supply. Add new gas and a fuel stabilizer and cleanser, such as Sea Foam, to the tank. |
| A faulty fuel cap vent or another type of gasoline tank vent may be to blame, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. | The fuel tank vent may get blocked, creating a vacuum that prevents the flow of fuel. | If the vents on top of your gas tank are blocked, broken, or otherwise not functioning properly, you should replace them. |
| Faulty spark plug | Very soiled or damaged spark plug; faulty connection; incorrect gaping. | Secure connections, swap out the spark plug for a new one, and make sure the gap is set as directed by the manufacturer. |
| A faulty ignition coil | If the ignition coil is damaged, your generator won’t turn on because a spark plug won’t receive enough voltage to ignite it. | Inspect and replace a defective ignition coil. |
| Congested air filter | The air filter may become clogged with debris, which will stop airflow to the carburetor. | Clean the filter by removing it. If the filter is in poor shape, replace it. |
| Fuel filter clog | Fuel flow will be impeded by a dirty fuel filter. | Switch out the fuel filter. |
| Obstructed gasoline lines | The gasoline lines might become clogged by poisonous residues in the gas tank and debris, which prevents the engine from receiving the necessary fuel. | To clear the obstruction in the gasoline line, use compressed air and a carburetor cleaning. The line may be changed if necessary. |
| Unclean carburetor | Due to ethanol deposits and faulty gasoline, the carburetor might get dusty and blocked, restricting the flow of fuel. | The carburetor’s components should be cleaned. Replace as necessary. |
| Low level of engine oil | When the engine oil level is low, a sensor on a Briggs & Stratton generator prevents the engine from operating. | Spread out on a flat surface and add oil until it reaches the top of the dipstick. |
| Either a stuck choke or the wrong choke setting | When starting a cold engine, the choke is used to reduce airflow. Once the engine has warmed up, it needs to be changed to off. | Adjust the choke to the correct setting. Check to see that the choke linkage is functioning properly and that the choke is not stuck if the setting is correct. |
| Defective starter recoil | A pull start generator’s recoil may be broken or faulty, rendering it ineffective at starting an engine. | Examine the recoil to see if it can be re-strung, and replace any broken parts. The recoil assembly can be changed out if it breaks. |
| Unstuck wires, a bad battery, and filthy terminals (electric start) | If a battery is dead, the generator won’t turn on. | Battery charge. Replace the battery if it cannot maintain a charge. |
| Defective starter solenoid (electric start) | Failure of the solenoid could result from deterioration of the copper plate or a weakening of the internal spring. | To determine whether the solenoid is the root of the problem, bypass it. In case it’s broken, replace. |
| Defective ignition switch (electric start) | There is a malfunctioning switch on Briggs & Stratton electric starter models. | A multimeter should be used to test the switch. Until you can make repairs, start the engine using the manual recoil starter to avoid using the electric starter. |
Briggs & Stratton Generator Starts and Then Dies
A lot of the factors that prevent a Briggs & Stratton generator from starting are also the ones that make it cease running after it does.
Using old gas has consequences including fuel restrictions and component malfunctions. Sticky residues may be left behind in the carburetor, fuel filter, and fuel lines if it evaporates.
A fuel restriction may also be brought on by a poor or blocked fuel tank vent. Without adequate fuel, the engine may operate slowly and may even shut off.
Additionally, you should search for anything that can hinder airflow or spark. These can be an obstructed spark arrestor, clogged air filter, filthy spark plug, or damaged ignition coil.
You can get further information at:
Generator From Briggs & Stratton Starts Then Stops
| Cause | Reason behind the issue | Solution |
| Bad fuel | Fuel degrades with time, becoming less effective and more likely to clog fuel systems and harm engines. | Once the old fuel has been removed, replace it with fresh gasoline. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to assist clean the fuel system and stabilize the fuel. |
| Fuel filter clog | Fuel flow to the carburetor will be restricted by a filthy fuel filter. | Change a fuel filter that is clogged. |
| Plugged air filter | Grass and dirt can clog the air filter and block ventilation. | Clean the filter by removing it. If the filter is in poor shape, replace it. |
| Obstructed gasoline lines | If dirt and contaminated fuel deposits build up in the engine’s fuel lines, the engine may not get enough gas to function properly. | To unclog the gasoline line, blow compressed air and carb cleaning through it. |
| Unclean carburetor | When the carburetor becomes clogged with deposits of old fuel or ethanol, the engine cannot function properly. | Clean the carburetor’s individual parts thoroughly. Replace as necessary. |
| Fuel tank vent / faulty gas cap | The fuel tank vent may get blocked, creating a vacuum that prevents the flow of fuel. | If the vents on top of your gas tank are clogged, damaged, or otherwise not working properly, you should replace them. |
| Unclean Spark Plug | A soiled spark plug may cause an irregular ignition. | When a spark plug becomes really unclean, it must be changed. Make sure the spark plug wire is firmly secured and that the electrode gap is accurate. |
| A faulty ignition coil | The failure of the ignition coil prevents the spark plug from receiving voltage. | Apply an ohmmeter to the ignition coil to test it. If you notice a break in the continuity, replace the ignition coil. |
| Low level of engine oil | When the engine oil level is low, a sensor on a Briggs & Stratton generator prevents the engine from operating. | Spread out on a flat area and add oil until it reaches the top of the dipstick. |
Briggs & Stratton Generator is Leaking Gas
Your Briggs & Stratton generator might be emitting a gas smell. Before you keep running the generator, you must locate the leak since fumes are dangerous.
A generator’s carburetor is where leaks are most prone to start. This is due to the possibility that the carburetor bowl gasket won’t seal properly or that internal components may stick, enabling too much fuel to enter the bowl and leading to an overflow.
The fuel filter, gasoline lines, fuel shut-off valve, and fuel tank are additional areas to look for fuel leaks.
| Cause | Reason behind the issue | |
|---|---|---|
| Unclean carburetor | The accumulation of chemicals from old gas in the carburetor might lead to blockages or component failures. | Replace any damaged components and clean the carburetor. |
| Failing fuel filter | The filter’s plastic may deteriorate and leak at the seams. | Switch out the fuel filter. |
| Fuel tank | A rust hole may appear in a metal tank. The seams of a poly tank are susceptible to leakage. | Change out the gasoline tank. If you can’t obtain a new tank, a rust hole can occasionally be repaired. |
| Fuel shut-off valve | Valves made of metal and plastic are notorious for leaking. | You need to change the valve that stops the water from flowing. |
| dated fuel pipes | Fuel lines that are too dry or damaged can leak gas. | Fuel lines should be changed. To make sure the fuel line is connected to the fuel components firmly, check the clamps. |
Briggs & Stratton Generator is Bogs Down Under Load
When a Briggs & Stratton generator loses power while working, an air or fuel limitation is most likely to blame. Trying to power more devices than your generator is capable of could potentially be the cause.
You can get further information at:
This is Why Your Briggs & Stratton Generator Bogs Down Under Load
| Cause | Reason behind the issue | Solution |
| Applying too much load | The generator will bog down if you plug in more things than it can handle by overloading it. | See if the generator is overloaded. In order to avoid overloading the circuit, you need total up the power consumption of each appliance that will be plugged in at the same time. |
| Old or poor gasoline | Fuel degrades with time, making it more likely to block fuel systems and harm parts. | Fill the tank with new petrol after draining the old one. To stabilize the fuel and help clean the fuel system, use a fuel additive like Sea Foam. |
| Clogged fuel filter | Fuel flow to the carburetor will be restricted by a filthy fuel filter. | Clean out a dirty fuel filter. |
| Plugged air filter | Grass and dirt might clog the air filter and stop ventilation. | Clean the filter by removing it. If the filter is in poor shape, replace it. |
| Incorrect Choke Setting / Stuck Choke | To start a cold engine, air is restricted using the choke. The air that the generator needs to operate will be constrained if it is not properly set up. | The choke must be in the off/open position once the engine has warmed up in order to provide enough air for it to keep running. |
| Plugged spark arrestor | The spark arrestor screen will become clogged with debris, obstructing airflow through the exhaust. | The spark arrestor screen should be taken out and cleaned using a solvent or a tiny metal brush. Damaged screens should be replaced. |
| unclean carburetor | Due to ethanol deposits and faulty gasoline, the carburetor might get dusty and blocked, restricting the flow of fuel. | Clean the carburetor’s individual parts thoroughly. Replace as necessary. |
