Solved! Briggs and Stratton single cylinder won't turn over and fuel pooling in carb/draining tank..

[ANewSawyer]

Quick post, at work. Got a single cylinder Briggs. 219707-0300-E1
It didn't want to start this spring but had it running one or twice. Thought it was the starter. The starter gear wasn't retracting. Took starter down, lubed gear and plastic threaded bushing with white lithium grease. Same result: turn quick, stall and not turn, turn quick, stall not turn. Could still be starter but Had airfilter off and noticed fuel pooling in the venturi. Tank had drained out the little bit of gas that was put in it last Thursday. The tank was dry, and I understand that it had gas in it before, enough to mow a yard on. Could the engine be hydrolocking? I can leave the starter switch on and I will eventualy turn but it stalls again.

 

[ANewSawyer]

Nikki carb on it.

 

[ANewSawyer]

Seems to be solved. It was the "old crankcase full of gas trick". Carb work time! New metering needle and maybe seat.

 

[crotchclimber]

I had to replace the float needle on a 8hp B&S I/C engine recently. The needle had a rubber tip on it and the rubber was compressed and no longer sealed against the seat. Some Briggs have a metal needle and rubber seat. The kit came with both types.

 

[ANewSawyer]

Rubber tip needle and plastic seat. I have to order the parts. The carb was a lot cleaner than I expected. I looked at the rubber tipped needle closely. I saw a groove running around the tip. That must be the culprit.