I have a question about my lawnmower engine. The engine is a B&S 5.5hp, not sure which model. It takes a lot of muscle to pull the starting rope. It usually starts on the first pull but my wife trouble starting it because she cant get the engine spinning fast enough to start. Other engines I have used don't pull this hard. The carb has a primer bulb but no adjustable throttle. Will a new carb with an adjustable throttle help by starting at full throttle? Also the spark plug us good, giving a good spark and the brake around the flywheel to stop the engine is not dragging. Any ideas?

5.5 quantum? with the side mounted air filter? make sure the carb is on tight, and the gasket inbetween the carb and the air filter housing is good and tight....not too tight or too loose.

I looked at the B&S web site and it is a Quantum engine. I'll check the carb mounting bolts tonight. Thanks for the advise.

When looking at the B&S web site it says the qunatum engine has a compression release for easy starting. Does anyone know how the compression release works and how to tell if it is working.

its on the camshaft when the engine starts ( cam spins ) and force pulls a small arm away from the exaust valve and lets it close all the way ,