I have a Huskee, riding tractor with a 14hp B&S engine, model 287707. Last fall, it started running horrible, backfiring, sputtering. I figured I had bad gas. I got rid of the gas, changed fuel filter and spark plug. Added some fuel additive to the fresh gas. The mower ran better, but not like it used to. It runs fine until there is a load applied, then it sputters and backfires still. I have been reading some posts here and figured maybe I did not set the gap on the plug correctly. I went to pull the plug to check the gap, when I removed the plug, about a quart of gas poured out of the hole. My questions are, where did this gas come from? Do I need to have my carb. serviced or is there is bigger problem internally with the engine? :confused: I am not the most knowledgeable with engines so any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

It sounds like the float either got stuck open or is full of gas (the floats in the carb, to gain access, take the bowl off at the carb (make sure the gas is off) there's nothing wrong with the engine itself. Btw, change the oil after its fixed before you try and start it..... there's more then likely gas in the oil.

Thanks for the reply! If I take the bowl off, are there any hidden surprises like springs flying all over the place or parts falling out? I just want to make sure I can reassemble it.

As long as there's no fuel solenoid, nothing should go flying. If you remove the float, watch how the needle goes in.
The trick to removeing anything is to do it slowly and study how it comes apart.

We took the bowl off and cleaned it out. There was no water or debris inside, it was very clean actually. My son who actually knows more about this stuff than I took the carb off the motor and cleaned it all up with Gumout. We put it back together, changed the oil because there was gas in the oil. Changed the spark plug. Started it up and it runs better than it did. It does not backfire anymore but the motor seems to want to cut off when the blades are engaged. Anyone with anymore ideas?

Do you have any way of checking the compression? Also could be spark problems.

You still sound like you have a clog.... could need a good few hours soaking in carb cleaner and a rebuild kit. With a new needle and seat. Also make sure the carb is on good and tight.

Thanks for the advise! It was worth a try. I am going to look into taking it to a shop to get it fixed right. Rebuilding the carb and worrying about compression is way beyond my capabilities. I would like to keep tinkering with it, but my grass just keeps on growing, I need to get this running right. I just need to find a repair shop that makes pick ups and deliveries in my area as I don't have a truck.

Your welcome, and good luck.