starting an Empress 16 Mountfield?

If this (1) works do the following (2)
(1) loosen petrol cap & start it up If it runs & runs then the fuel starve is caused by a vacuum.

(2)Try cleaning the holes in the petrol cap - carefull not to expand their size, as this will effect the carb setting. Use nylon fish line .check the paper in the cap isn't oiled - only if it is it will starve the fuel by forming a vacuum in the petrol tank.Clean oil off with meths then dry with kitchen towel.Replace & try.

Jerry the Fish
September 2008

Hi Phil Saunders,
Thanks for your e-mail - sorry it took time to get back to you. It is a Briggs - judging by the label on the engine. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil C

Phil C
August 2008

You don't say if it's a Briggs or Tecumseh engine, but if it burns off the prime and dies, you have a carburation problem. Let me know what type of engine is fitted and I'll advise how to proceed.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders
August 2008