I have a 20 year old 5hp briggs & straton rototiller. Can pull on it all day, with & without choke and it won't sputter. The spark plug is completely dry with no gas smell. Squirt some gas in the carb throat and it starts on the 1st pull and runs great. Stop when completely warm and if it sits for 15 min, it won't start again without another squirt. It does not have a priming bulb. Any ideas?

Please post your engine numbers(model, code, type). That will let us know what kind of engine and more importantly which carb you have.

I'm inclined to think that the carb may have a clogged orifice and therefore needs a good cleaning to start with. Could be a diaphragm type carb and it needs replaced? However, without knowing which carb you have, it's difficult to suggest a possible solution. Your engine numbers will tell the tale!

Go to this link and download the 'numbering system fact sheet' for details about this.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/

Let us know...

By the way, you get the op manual, and the IPL (illustrated parts list) from this link as well!

I think it is probably a diaphragm that needs replacing. Like Dawgpile said, give us the numbers and we can help.

I could be wrong but could this engine have an autochoke carb? I might be getting confused with older vertical engines. If it is an autochoke carb watch this youtube video (very helpful) http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZIZg8myJPUM

it shouldn't be an autochoke carb, should be a normal carb on gas tank, probably need a new fuel pump diaphram, and a fuel tank gasket, along with a good cleaning

Ok, I agree with pyromaniac. I'm with him.

Well, I finally got back here. Thanks for the info. Model # is 130202.
Found the parts list and will order a carb o'haul kit.

be sure to have some patience, getting the carb off can be a hassle, you want to take it off at the block, not loosen the tank from the carb, then try and take the gas tank off, your likely to break a pick-up tube that way