ARGO Bigfoot backfires

[TerryA]

My ARGO Bigfoot has started to backfire and hesitate as I accelerate, especially when cold. I have to pull the choke frequently or it dies. Any ideas on what may be the problem. It didn't do this until this winter.

[Mike]

I would clean the carburetor. Look in the bottom of the float bowl and see if there is any trash/sediment there. Often times it will block a port and cause the problem you describe.

[tracmaster]

Try draining your old fuel and fill with fresh fuel... I once had this problem and this worked...I beleive what happened was when I pressure washed at the car wash.. I now put a small cork in the fuel vent hole in the rear of the vehicle when washing...hope this helps.

tracmaster

[TerryA]

I will do that first thing tomorrow am. Thanks!

[9.3]

Had same problem and then the fuel pump stopped working. I drained gas and put in fresh gas with conditioner in it. I changed fuel pump and have had no further problems.

[Toys4Me]

I had a similar issue and my problem was a very dirt carburetor.

[Tomo]

hi,
Once u have done all the maintenance items [clean out tank , fuel line ,fuel filter ,clean carby ,set float level and change fuel pump ,new fuel, ]
Assumption it is a briggs vanguard
Check compression around 130psi dry
Do a leak down test
Many vanguards I have test have failed due to there poor ring design and lack of support from the piston combined with the cylinder hone marks disappearing 20-30%.
The lack of suction from poor rings/bore results in not enough fuel being discharged from the carburetor especially when under heavy load during acceleration ==flat spot
PS Head gasket or inlet manifold may be leaking also
tomo