How to Clean Briggs and Stratton Carburetor: Step-by-Step Guide

If your Briggs and Stratton engine is hard to start or runs rough, the carburetor is likely dirty. Don’t rush to a repair shop or buy a new part. In most cases, a good cleaning is all you need—and it’s easier than you think.

Key Takeaways

• A clogged carburetor is one of the most common reasons your engine won’t start.
• Cleaning it yourself can save you money.
• You’ll only need basic tools, a cleaner, and about 30–45 minutes.
• Always use genuine Briggs & Stratton parts for long-term results.

What Does the Carburetor Do?

The carburetor does the job of mixing fuel and air at the proper ratio so your Briggs & Stratton engine parts hum happily. When the balance is perfectly harmonized, the engine starts readily, idles smoothly, and delivers full power when needed.

But when the carburetor becomes plugged up with old fuel, garbage, or carbon buildup, that air-fuel mixture gets out of whack. This can lead to:

• Hard starts
• Surging or rough idling
• Black smoke out of the exhaust
• Engine stalling or poor acceleration

You can usually get away with a fast clean if the performance is restored without a full replacement.

Signs You Need to Clean It

Look for these symptoms:

1. The engine is hard to start or won’t start.
2. Black smoke from the exhaust.
3. Surging, stalling, or rough idling.
4. Poor acceleration or reduced power.

If you're experiencing any of these, carburetor cleaning is likely your solution.

Is It Better to Clean or Replace?

Clean it if:

1. There’s a buildup of old fuel or dirt.
2. You see no physical damage or corrosion.

Replace it if:

1. It has cracks, rust, or stripped screws.
2. Gaskets are damaged and leaking.

Cleaning is always the first step. It solves the majority of issues without needing a replacement.

What You Need

1. Screwdriver
2. Carburetor cleaner spray
3. Safety gloves and glasses
4. Small brush or compressed air
5. Container for small parts

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Briggs and Stratton Carburetor

Cleaning your Briggs and Stratton carburetor might sound intimidating, but it’s a straightforward task with the right tools and a bit of patience. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the Spark Plug; Disconnect the spark plug wire first before you initiate any work on the engine. This eliminates any risk of accidental start-up of the engine.
2. Take out the Air Filter: Take out the air filter cover by unscrewing it and removing the filter. This gives you unrestricted access to the carburetor.
3. Remove Carburetor: Disconnect fuel line (have a container or clamp to contain any spilled gas). Gently pull off the throttle and choke linkages. Remove bolts holding the carburetor to the engine.
4. Break Down the Carburetor: Pull out the float bowl by unscrewing the lower bolt. Carefully pull out the float, the needle valve, and the gaskets. Lay parts on a clean towel in the opposite order that you took them off.
5. Clean Thoroughly: Spray carburetor cleaner into all jets, holes, and channels. Use a small brush or compressed air to help loosen stuck grime. Soak parts for 10–15 minutes if the grime is extreme.
6. Reassemble Everything: Put in the float and needle valve, then close the float bowl. Check that gaskets are aligned and undamaged. Reconnect linkages exactly as you removed them.
7. Reinstall and Test the Engine: Screw the carburetor back on the engine, replace the fuel line, and plug in the air filter again. Replace the spark plug wire. Start the engine up and listen—it should idle nicely and feel good when you remove it.

When Cleaning Isn’t Enough

Cleaning won’t fix:

1. Cracked housing
2. Rusted or stripped screws
3. Worn float valves

Can I Do This Myself?

Yes, you can. Most Briggs & Stratton small carburetors are designed to be easily serviced by DIYers. If you’re comfortable handling a screwdriver and following basic steps, you’ll do just fine.

You don’t need a mechanic. Cleaning the carburetor is one of the most common at-home maintenance tasks. It’s far more affordable than replacing the part or taking your equipment to a service shop.

Common beginner tips

Take photos as you disassemble the carburetor, so you know how to reassemble it.

1. Use a tray to keep parts organized.
2. Always work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames or heat.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components are important

• Perfect Fit: Briggs & Stratton parts are engineered to fit your exact engine model. That means no alterations, no trial and error, and no surprises at installation.
• Better Performance: They’re engineered for optimal fuel efficiency, power, and durability. You’ll notice smoother starts and more consistent engine behavior.
• Longer Lifespan: Real parts are longer-lasting. Off-brand parts are similar in appearance but tend to degrade more quickly or fail under stress.
• Preserves Warranty Intact: The use of non-OEM parts can void your engine's warranty, but not with Briggs & Stratton parts.

How to Find the Right Part

Check your engine model number, or SKU (usually stamped on the housing or near the spark plug). Use it to search on the Briggs & Stratton authorized site retailers to find the right carburetor kit or cleaning tools.

You can also get complete carburetor rebuild kits that include gaskets, seals, and float valves—all made for your engine.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean your Briggs and Stratton carburetor gives you control over your equipment. You’ll fix most startup issues yourself, avoid expensive repairs, and improve performance.
If you prefer expert service, visit a certified Briggs & Stratton repair center. Or stock up on cleaning kits, parts, and tools designed specifically for your engine.