There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a lawn mower. One of the most important is the engine. Briggs and Stratton are one of the leading manufacturers of small engines worldwide, so you know you are getting a quality product.
But are Briggs and Stratton engines reliable? That is a question that many people ask before making a purchase.
So, are Briggs and Stratton engines reliable? Briggs and Stratton’s engines are some of the most reliable on the market. In fact, they are so dedicated that they are used in various applications beyond lawnmowers, such as generators, pressure washers, and more.
In this article, we’re going to get in to Briggs and Stratton engines and some of the potential issues you may have to help you decide if they are right for you.
Contents
How long should a Briggs and Stratton engine last?
With proper maintenance, a Briggs and Stratton engine can last for many years. In fact, some engines have been known to last over 20 years with no significant issues.
How many hours do Briggs and Stratton engines last? Briggs and Stratton engines are designed to last a minimum of 1000 hours. However, with proper maintenance, they can easily last double that.
What causes Briggs and Stratton engine to not start?
There are a few potential causes for this. It could be due to a dirty air filter, old spark plugs, or low oil levels.
Faulty spark plugs are one of the most common issues you’ll find with lawnmowers in general. However, there are a couple of telling signs that spark plugs are the issue.
Firstly, and this is the most common, if the engine won’t start but it is definitely turning over, you’re likely looking at changing the spark plugs. Luckily, they’re cheap to replace but can get dirty, and they will quickly deteriorate.
Secondly, if your mower is constantly dying mid-mow while you’re moving, that will be the spark plug.
When it comes to the air filter and oil levels, simply clean the air filters, making sure you remove any unwanted debris and top up that oil level, making sure you use quality oil, no cheap stuff for a Briggs and Stratton engine!
Why is my Briggs and Stratton sputtering?
This could be for a few reasons. It could be that there is water in the gas, the spark plugs are fouled, or the air filter is dirty.
If your Briggs and Stratton engine is sputtering, it’s likely due to one of these three issues. The best way to combat this issue is to perform regular maintenance on your engine. This includes regularly changing the oil, spark plugs, and air filters.
By doing this, you can avoid most of the common issues that people have with their Briggs and Stratton engines.
How do I know if my Briggs and Stratton head gasket is blown?
There are a few signs that you can look for to see if your Briggs and Stratton head gasket is blown. These include oil in the coolant, coolant in the oil, and an overheating engine.
Some non-mechanical symptoms are a dead giveaway. If you’re seeing large white clouds of smoke, with a sweet smell coming from the vapor, that’ll likely be the head gasket.
There’ll be a leak of antifreeze to the cylinders, which is from the gasket, thus producing the white smoke.
Do the dipstick test. If you come across any sludge or a slimy white liquid, which can also be found inside your oil filler cap, you’re dealing with an oil leak.
As we mentioned earlier, with a blown head gasket, you’re likely to have oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil.
Which Briggs and Stratton engine is best?
This is a tough question because it depends on your specific needs. However, the higher the horsepower, the better the engine will be.
You also need to consider the application you are using the engine for. If you are looking for an engine for a lawn mower, you will have different needs than someone looking for an engine for a generator.
In general, Briggs and Stratton make reliable engines that will last for many years with proper maintenance. However, as with anything, there will always be some lemons in the bunch!
Conclusion
Briggs and Stratton engines are generally reliable. To avoid any issues, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance on your engine. This includes regularly changing the oil, spark plugs, and air filters. By doing this, you can avoid most of the common issues people have with their Briggs and Stratton engines – Happy mowing!!
