Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - 22" Yard Machine(MTD) - Runs and Dies HELP!

Hi.

I have taken the first step and searched and read other posts with similar problems and tried the suggestions to no avail.

MODEL# 11B-504C062
S/N: 1C210K80535
22" Rotary Mower, YardMachines by MTD

The engine had been sputtering inconsistently the last couple times I ran it. This last time it just died 1/2-way through the front yard. My yard is VERY small!
The sputters arent even consistent in a sound pattern, but they are often and eventually it just cuts out dead.
After a few attempts to start on a flat paved surface, it starts.. but even so, it sputters. I noticed when I tip it backwards (handle down mower up) it doesnt quite sputter... so I was thinking it is not getting gas. I dropped the tank, removed and cleaned the carburetor, tank, holes, etc.. etc...

Put it back together, and it sputtered just as bad. I dont see any warping in the carb, and it seems to be clear for gas, but to no avail.

Ideas appreciated and many thanks!

KDC23:coffee:

Sounds to me like you have the metal tank with the carb mounted on top of it? If so, and if the air filter is clean and spark plug is new, remove the carb and replace the diaphragm.

Thanks! Will give that a shot...

KDC23

You need to install a new diaphram kit, it is Briggs part # 795083 or old # 495770 also Lowe's has a kit #5083 which has the same parts.

Here we go;
Remove air cleaner, there are 2 bolts that hold things together, one on the front of the tank 3/8" and one into the block 1/2", remove these bolts, now "slowly" slide the carb/tank off the intake tube and breather tube, now tilt the tank in to release the throttle linkage and waalaa the carb/tank is removed. Remove the 5 screws from the carb/tank remove carb(don't loose the spring) now spray all holes, cracks and crevases in both the carb and tank surface with brake parts cleaner, remove the main screen(looks like a thimble) with a small screwdriver pry out the main jet(carefully) and clean it, reinstall the jet, it can be difficult some times to get it to snap back in place(I use the rounded end of a screwdriver handle). Remove and clean the fuel pickup stem. Clean any junk/rust from the tank. Install the diaphram on the tank then the gasket(no goo or sealer) now carefully replace the carb(the spring will try to misalign the diaphram), tighten all screws a little at a time so as not to crimp the diaphram until they are all tight. Install the carb/tank in reverse order and you are done. If I missed something one of the real mechanics will correct me. Have a good one. Geo

Thank you all for the help.
I tried cleaning it again, everything.. and i mean everything.. was clean as a whistle. I put a new diaphragm and still same problem.
So despite wanting a new mower (always fun to have new toys) I broke down and bought a whole new Carburetor from B&S Website. Came to $30.00 with shipping.

Replaced it and on first pull.. .voila... runs like new again. I am still not sure what it is (old one warped, etc) ... they looked identical and there were no clogs. But the new one is working great and the mower runs like new again.

Go figure...

Thanks again for your help.. saved a hundred bucks for now.
KDC23

Thanks for the update, and glad you got it! Sometimes there's no fixing those plastic carbs.