hard cold start on Briggs 2 cyl

[mikietoo]

My Husqvarna ZT is hard to start when cold. I choke it and set the throttle at about 3/4. It will eventually start but I have to hold the starter on for about 10 sec. Longer if the outside air temp is cooler. I am concerned that this will cause too much wear on my starter and I will have to replace it prematurely. I was thinking about putting a primer bulb (like on an outboard) in the gas line. Any problems with doing that?

 

[RandyT]

Most of the newer emissions engine are designed for optimum starting above 70 degrees. 10 sec crank may be longer than usual but is not overly excessive so you should be ok. The primer probably won't help as far as starting in cold weather since it needs to get the gas directly in the intake instead of just overfilling the fuel bowl.

 

[SandburRanch]

My Briggs needs something on that order too. If someone designs a method of squirting a little gasoline directly into the carb throats I hope they share their method with us. Removing the air filter cover each cold start to pout in a half teaspoon or so isn't much fun.

 

[Polan]

I have a new Polan 22hp/46" with a B&D Intek V-twin engine that had poor cold starts-- it usually took several 5-second jabs on the starter to start it in this warm weather. I suspected that the choke plate was non-operational, and I took a look today and sure 'nuff, it wasn't. I re-adjusted the throttle cable so that the choke kicks in when the throttle lever is full open in the "choke" position. Works like a charm now...

But from what I've heard, this engine tends to be a bit cold-blooded, so a "port" to inject starting fluid probably won't be a bad idea. Drill a 1/2" hole in the air cleaner housing above the air filter and fit a tubeless tire valve stem without the valve core. Put the cap on to keep dust out of the engine, and it ought to last for years.

--Bill