Most common culprit in surging is a dirty/clogged air filter.
Most common culprit in surging is a dirty/clogged air filter.
That means the engine is running HOT for some reason. Check the thermostat, Radiator and coolant level. Repair as needed.
Briggs and Stratton does contract anyone to build mowers. The mower manufacturers contract Briggs and Stratton to build their engines (or whatever engine is on the unit). That is why you can have a Briggs and Stratton on most any type of mower. Same is true for Kohler, Tecumseh, etc. Not to say that the engine manufacturers do not build their own type of outdoor power tool but as the question states "snapper mower". Also keep in mind that if you have a snapper mower with a Briggs and Stratton engine and you need warranty work on the engine you need to go to an Authorized Briggs repair facility where as if you have a mower warranty then you need to go to an authorized repair facility for the mower manufacturer.
B&S site
That means the engine is over heating / running hot for some reason. Check thermostat, Coolant level in radiator, check for coolant leak on engine somewhere. Fix and repair as needed.
Based on everything I have read from Brigs and Stratton, and talking with some small engine repair guys I know, the 342cc engine puts out about 11-12hp, and the 420cc engine is about 15hp. Hope this helps.
bad gas, dirty carb needs new sparkplug. youtube has repair vids on how to do what. user (davidsfarm) has great tips
go to autozone.com and enter your vehicle info, then click on repair info, and you will find help
If you get the model and serial numbers off the engine, you can probably find the part at a local mower repair shop or at Sear's.
This depends on the needed repair, make model year and engine. Between $200 USD to $5000 USD
Checking at your local public library for a manual on small engines repair would probably be the easiest way to find B&S and other small engine "blow-up" diagrams and repair guides. Suggestion: If you get the Model and Code numbers from your engine, you might find a manual specific to your engine.
It should last the life of the car if you maintain the car as you should. Let the engine start running rich and do nothing to repair this condition and it will destroy the converter. But keep the engine tuned up and running as it should and you will never have to replace the converter. NEVER had a problem with my 1996 HONDA ACCORD engine and CATALYTIC CONVERTER needed to be replaced at 220,000 MILES.