It seems to be running too rich and using a LOT of gas way too quickly.
I sprayed carb cleaner in the carb several times and also sprayed some seafoam through the carb too but no help.
The rpms keep going up and down and doesn't have much power.
The plug looked very black and sooty too.
Its like its not getting enough air and too much fuel. The air cleaner element IS clean.
By your description, you have a Briggs & Stratton carb-on-the-tank engine?
Replace the carburettor diaphragm. It's either holed or work-hardened. Costs pennies.
Testimonial: "I suspected it had Something to do with the carb. but just wasn't sure enough to tear into it before I got input from someone more knowledgeable about small engines than me. Thanks so much for your help. I'll take the carb. off and replace the diaphram."
Here are the most common causes of idle surge, stalls at stops, slow idle speed, erratic idle speed, rough idle and engine hesitation (and other problems), it is in most cases the idle speed control air-bypass valve and or throttle valve and upper intake, these area's get full of gunk and combustion residue over the miles and cause idle issues (stalls, low idle) like yours, Get a can of intake cleaner from any local parts store, not carb spray, intake cleaner, it is made by a company called CRC, remove the air intake hose to the engine, hold the idle high so the engine won't stall, then spray the can of cleaner into the intake while keeping the engine running, use at least 1/2 the can, shut down the engine and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, then restart and complete a number of mixed driving cycles, town, freeway, stop and go etc., after a few days the problem will go away as the system will relearn to the clean intake
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Is there an engine model number on the side of the engine block near where the oil fill area just above the base? I really need to know if it is a Briggs and Stratton or an MTD or Honda OHV engine and the engine model number to properly assist you. If it is a Briggs and Stratton the engine model and type are near the spark plug on the upper engine cover face. I really think you either have a stuck float or a direty needle and seat in the carb and need to know what engine it is to pass you the correct information. Thanks, Kelly
Its a Briggs 4HP model 10A902.
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