Briggs and Stratton Engine Popping

When it comes to lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment, Briggs and Stratton engines are some of the most popular options on the market.

However, even the best engines can experience issues from time to time. One common problem that many Briggs and Stratton engine owners encounter is engine popping. This can be a frustrating issue that can impact the performance and longevity of your equipment.

There are a number of potential causes of engine popping in Briggs and Stratton engines. One common cause is stale fuel or not having enough fuel in the tank. Another possible culprit is an incorrect air to fuel ratio, which can cause the engine to run too lean or too rich. Low fuel pressure can also lead to engine popping, as can issues with the carburetor, spark plug, ignition coil, or valve clearance. In some cases, a sheared flywheel key may be to blame.

If you’re noticing popping sounds coming from your Briggs and Stratton engine, it’s important to identify the problem and take action sooner rather than later.

Delaying repairs could lead to more severe damage, resulting in exorbitant repair costs or even complete failure of the engine. To maintain optimal performance, learn what causes engine popping and address the issue immediately.

Understanding Engine Popping

When a Briggs and Stratton engine starts making popping noises, it can be a sign of a problem. Popping can occur due to several reasons, including stale fuel, incorrect air-to-fuel ratio, low fuel pressure, and issues in the carburetor.

One of the most common causes of engine popping is backfiring. Backfiring occurs when the fuel in the combustion chamber ignites before the intake valve closes, causing a loud popping sound. This can happen due to several reasons, including a lean air-to-fuel ratio, a malfunctioning carburetor, or a damaged spark plug.

Another reason for engine popping is low fuel pressure. If the fuel pressure is low, the engine may not get enough fuel, causing it to pop or backfire. This can happen due to a clogged fuel filter, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or a damaged fuel line.

In some cases, engine popping can be caused by issues in the carburetor. If the carburetor is not functioning correctly, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, leading to popping or backfiring. This can happen due to a clogged fuel jet, a damaged float, or a malfunctioning choke.

Common Causes of Engine Popping

Briggs and Stratton engines are known for their reliability, but they can still experience issues that cause popping. Popping is a noise that occurs when the engine misfires or backfires.

Fuel Issues

Stale fuel, incorrect fuel recommendations, and a clogged fuel filter can cause engine popping. Using fuel with a high concentration of alcohol can also cause the engine to pop.

Ignition Problems

Ignition problems can cause engine popping. Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, and spark plug gaps can all contribute to popping. Checking the spark with a spark tester can help identify the problem.

Carburetor Complications

Carburetor issues can cause engine popping. A dirty carburetor or incorrect carburetor adjustment can cause the engine to pop.

Valve Troubles

Valve issues can cause engine popping. A stuck exhaust valve or incorrect valve clearance can cause the engine to pop. Checking the valve cover and exhaust valve can help identify the problem.

Muffler Matters

Muffler issues can cause engine popping. A damaged or clogged muffler can cause the engine to pop. Checking the muffler construction and type can help identify the problem.

Air Filter Anomalies

Air filter issues can cause engine popping. A dirty or clogged air filter can cause the engine to pop. Checking the air control baffling and air volume can help identify the problem.

Throttle and RPM Concerns

Throttle and RPM issues can cause engine popping. Incorrect throttle or RPM settings can cause the engine to pop. Checking the throttle and RPM settings can help identify the problem.

Temperature and Oil Issues

Temperature and oil issues can cause engine popping. Overheating or low oil levels can cause the engine to pop. Checking the engine temperature and oil levels can help identify the problem.

Dirt and Debris

Dirt and debris can cause engine popping. Dirt or debris in the flywheel or shear key can cause the engine to pop. Checking the flywheel and shear key can help identify the problem.

Other Causes

Other causes of engine popping can include faulty coils, backfires, and other issues. Checking for any other issues can help identify the problem.

Read Also: Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Problems

Effects on Different Equipment

When a Briggs and Stratton engine starts popping, it can have different effects on various types of equipment. Here are some of the most common effects on different types of outdoor power equipment:

Lawn Mowers

Lawn mowers are the most common type of equipment that use Briggs and Stratton engines.

When the engine starts popping, it can cause the mower to vibrate and shake, which can damage the blades and other components. In addition, the engine may lose power, which can result in an uneven cut. To prevent damage to the mower, it is important to address the issue promptly.

Snow Blowers

Briggs and Stratton engines that pop can affect the performance of a snow blower, making it difficult to clear snow effectively. This can be especially concerning if the snow is heavy or wet. The popping engine can cause the snow blower to shake and become unsteady, resulting in a lack of control.

Other Outdoor Power Equipment

Briggs and Stratton engines are used in a variety of other outdoor power equipment, such as generators, pressure washers, and tillers.

When the engine starts popping, it can cause these types of equipment to vibrate and shake as well, which can damage the components and make them less effective. In addition, the engine may lose power, which can result in a loss of functionality.

Prevention and Maintenance

To prevent Briggs and Stratton engine popping, regular maintenance is key. Here are some preventive measures to keep your engine running smoothly:

• Check the fuel: Make sure the fuel is fresh and not contaminated. Old or stale fuel can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to popping. If the fuel has been sitting in the tank for more than a month, it’s recommended to replace it with fresh fuel.
• Change the air filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to run lean and pop. It’s recommended to change the air filter every 25 hours of operation or once a season.
• Replace the spark plug: A worn or fouled spark plug can cause misfires and popping. It’s recommended to replace the spark plug every 100 hours of operation or once a season.
• Check the choke: A malfunctioning choke can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, leading to popping. Make sure the choke is functioning properly and adjusted correctly.
• Idle the engine properly: Let the engine warm up for a few minutes before using it and avoid sudden throttle changes. This will help prevent popping and other engine issues.

Safety and Warnings

When dealing with Briggs and Stratton engines, safety is of the utmost importance. Always ensure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before operating the machine.

Possible problems like black smoke or popping noises should be investigated immediately to avoid any further damage or injury.

If either of these issues arise, turn off the engine and look into the cause before restarting. Taking these precautions will help keep your engine running properly.

Troubleshooting and Repair

When a Briggs and Stratton engine starts popping, it’s a clear indication that something is wrong. Troubleshooting the problem is the first step in fixing it. Here are some steps to take:

• Check for leaks: A leak down test can help identify any air leaks in the engine. If there are leaks, they need to be fixed before moving on to other troubleshooting steps.
• Visit a service dealer: If the problem persists, it’s best to take the engine to a service dealer for diagnosis and repair.
• Check TDC: If the engine is popping, it could be due to incorrect timing. Checking TDC (top dead center) can help identify if the timing is off.
• Inspect OHV: If the engine is an OHV (overhead valve) model, it’s possible that the valve clearance is incorrect. Inspect the OHV and adjust the clearance as necessary.
• Use Marvel Mystery Oil: If the engine is popping due to varnish buildup, adding Marvel Mystery Oil to the gas and oil can help clean the engine and prevent future buildup.
• Check anti-afterfire solenoid: If the engine is equipped with an anti-afterfire solenoid, it’s possible that it’s malfunctioning and causing the popping. Check the solenoid and replace if necessary.

By following these troubleshooting steps, it’s possible to identify and fix the problem causing the engine to pop. If the issue persists, it’s best to take the engine to a service dealer for further diagnosis and repair.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Briggs and Stratton engine popping can be caused by various factors, including stale fuel, low fuel pressure, incorrect air to fuel ratio, issues in valve clearance, broken spark plugs, and faulty ignition coils. It is important to identify the root cause of the popping noise to avoid further damage to the engine.

If the popping noise persists, it is recommended to seek the help of a certified Briggs and Stratton technician. They can diagnose the issue using the engine model number and provide a solution that is specific to the engine.

Regular maintenance of the engine can also prevent popping noise from occurring. This includes changing the oil, air filter, and spark plugs regularly, as well as ensuring that the fuel is fresh and the fuel filter is clean.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when performing maintenance tasks and using the engine to avoid causing damage to the engine. With proper care and maintenance, Briggs and Stratton engines can provide reliable performance for years to come.