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How can i start a Mountfield Empress 16 that has stood idle for years?

I've recently been given a Mountfield Empresss 16 with a Briggs and Stratton 55 'L' Head engine which has stood idle for several years. Prior to taking receipt of the mower someone else attempted to get it running but complained that petrol flowed out of the engine.I've takne a look and petrol does indeed flood from the carb bowl(?), is the diaphragm split? If it is how is it repaired? How do i prime and start the engine? Many Thanks

wayne
April 2009

Mountfield Mountfield Empress 16 Garden Tools, Lawn Mowers Mountfield Empress 16

Thanks Iain. After filling the tank, petrol did appear to flood between the join on the bowl. On the underside of the bowl is a screw head and a smaller screw with spring. Without fully removing the carb, can i undo the larger screw to remove the bowl, will this reveal a split diaphragm ? I just need to understand why petrol is being lost this way. Many thanks for your help so far.

wayne
April 2009

Hi Wayne I myself also have the same mower thats been outside under a sheet for near on 2 years all I did was drain the old fuel off through the bottom of the carb bowl and made sure the little spring went back in place, replaced the spark plug and it started on the 12 attempt...... hope this is of some help to you.

Iain
April 2009