Briggs 16 won't run with choke off.

[brophymd]

I've got a 1997 Max IV with 16hp Briggs and Stratton carbureted engine. A couple of times after riding for a while, I had to turn the choke on in order to get it back to my vehicle. Otherwise, the engine would bog out. Now the engine won't seem to run with the choke off.

Any suggestions as to what the problem is?

[plott hound]

dirty carburator would be my 1st guess.

[racerone3]

you have a piece of debris sucked up in the main jet. get the model# serial# and code off the flywheel cover and order a carb kit, then tear it down and clean everything really well. blow out every orifice in the carb with carb cleaner then compressed air. while your at it, change the fuel filter. that should have you back up and running. if you are not comfortable doing the carb rebuild, any mower shop that works on briggs engines should be able to do it for you

[middleagedmax]

If you were in Michigan I would be glad to help, all the above is correct I had the same problem

[bierbower37]

Racerone3 nailed it for sure. while your messing around with the fuel system take the time and flush and clean you tank and lines. Prevents further issues with you fuel delivery.

[brophymd]

Thanks for the input. I'm going to pull off the carb tonight and get it cleaned up, hopefully I can go for a ride by Sunday.

[soutthpaw]

definitely a carb blockage. also if that engine has a seperate fuel pump elsewhere on the engine be sure to clean it to and put a new fuel filter in. If you want good filtration cheap get a Fram G-2 fuel filter, they are a regular stocking item at most auto parts stores and cost about $3

[mad_max_500cc]

something i ran into in the past the diafram in the pulse (fuel) pump likes to disintegrate with age and with most gas today running up to 10% ethanol it likes to soften rubber parts and gaskets might be worth it to change the pump too (or rebuild it depending on if its aluminum or plastic style)