Rajan Wilcox
If your Briggs and Stratton fuel tank can't vent, it could be due to a blocked or clogged vent hole in the gas cap. This is a common issue, and there are several ways to fix it. One quick fix is to try loosening the fuel cap slightly and then starting the engine—if it stays running, the vent was likely clogged and a new fuel cap should solve the problem. Alternatively, the issue could be due to stale fuel, dirt, or debris, which can cause engine damage and poor performance. To prevent this, fuel should be stored in a suitable container and treated with a fuel stabilizer.
How to fix Briggs and Stratton fuel tank vent issues
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel leaking from the cap | Try a properly fitted replacement cap or a new OEM gas cap with a gasket installed |
| Fuel coming out of the fuel tank vent | Replace the entire gas tank or check if the one-way valve in the gas tank fuel air vent is broken |
| Clogged carburetor | Clean it with carburetor cleaner, rebuild or replace the carburetor |
| Clogged fuel cap vent | Try loosening the cap and then starting the engine. If loosening the fuel cap allows the engine to run, the vent is likely clogged and will need to be replaced |
| Engine not starting or running properly | Check for stale fuel, dirt, and debris. Store fuel in a suitable container and treat with fuel stabilizer |
| Engine damage | Check for untreated gas in the tank, which can lead to engine damage |
| Engine stalling | Check for a plugged vent hole in the gas cap, a plugged fuel line, or a plugged fuel filter |
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What You'll Learn
Check for a blocked hole in the tank
If your Briggs and Stratton fuel tank is not venting, it is possible that the hole in the tank is blocked. To check for a blocked hole in the tank, you will need to remove the tank and drain it. Then, blow air back through the fuel line and rinse the tank with fresh gas.
You should also check the fuel filter, as many filters have a specific direction that the gas should flow through. If the filter is not clogged, then the hole in the tank is likely blocked. This can be caused by debris in the gas tank, which can cause fuel leakage.
Older model Briggs and Stratton fuel tanks are designed with a vented gas cap to prevent a vacuum or pressure from forming in the fuel system. If the fuel cap vent is clogged, the engine will not be able to receive air and a vacuum or "vapour lock" will occur, causing the engine to stall. To determine if the fuel cap vent is clogged, try loosening the cap and then starting the engine. If the engine stays running, the cap vent is likely clogged and will need to be replaced.
It is important to note that fuel and its vapours are extremely flammable and explosive, so always exercise caution when handling fuel and performing any maintenance on your Briggs and Stratton engine.
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Clean or replace the carburetor
To clean or replace the carburetor of a Briggs and Stratton engine, you must first prepare a clean container to catch any dripping fuel and store small parts. During disassembly, inspect the bowl for dirt and debris to determine the condition of your carburetor. If corrosion or breakage is observed, a replacement carburetor is recommended.
The fuel bowl may be attached with either a bolt or a screw, so you will need to push the hinge pin out of the carburetor body with a small pin or pin punch. Take care to tap only the pin to avoid damaging the carburetor body. Next, remove the float assembly, inlet needle valve, and fuel bowl gasket. If your carburetor contains an idle mixture screw, remove it along with the spring. Rotate the throttle plate to the closed position, then remove the throttle plate screws and the throttle plate.
Use carburetor cleaner to dissolve deposits in your carburetor and choke, and consequently reduce your need for maintenance, repair, and downtime, while improving starting for all 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines. You can also use compressed air to blow out loosened debris. After cleaning the carburetor, adjust the idle speed and mixture for some float-type carburetors. Carburetor adjustments can only be made on older, non-EPA regulated carburetors.
If cleaning the carburetor is ineffective, you may need to rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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Check the fuel filter
To check the fuel filter, you must first locate it. The fuel filter will be located either inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump. Some fuel tanks have internal, non-serviceable fuel filters. If you are unsure of where your fuel filter is located, refer to your Briggs & Stratton Engine Operator's manual to determine the location.
Once you have located the fuel filter, keep it at a safe distance from your face and look through one end. You should be able to see light shining through clearly from the other side (this method will will not work for all Briggs & Stratton fuel filters). If you can see light shining through, the filter is not clogged and does not need to be replaced. If you cannot see light shining through, the filter may be clogged with debris, and you will need to replace it with a new one.
When replacing the fuel filter, be sure to reconnect the metal clips on both sides of the filter. Some filters have a direction of flow arrow on them, so ensure that the filter is installed correctly. Once the filter is secure, remove the clamp on the fuel line or reopen the fuel valve. Finally, check for leaks. Do not operate the unit if any leaks are found.
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Check the fuel cap vent is not clogged
If your Briggs and Stratton fuel tank cannot vent, it might be because the fuel cap vent is clogged. The fuel cap has a small vent that allows air to enter the tank as fuel is consumed by the engine. If the vent is clogged, air won't be able to enter the tank, and a vacuum or "vapour lock" will occur, stopping the flow of fuel to the carburetor and causing the engine to stall.
To determine if the fuel cap vent is clogged, try the following steps:
- Slightly loosen the fuel cap.
- Try to start the engine.
- If the engine starts and stays running with the cap loosened, the vent was likely clogged.
- Clean or replace the fuel cap.
Older model Briggs and Stratton fuel tanks are designed to use a vented gas cap to prevent a vacuum or pressure from forming in the fuel system. If the fuel cap vent is clogged, it may need to be replaced with a properly fitted replacement cap.
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Replace the fuel tank
If your Briggs and Stratton fuel tank cannot vent, it could be due to a clogged fuel cap vent. To determine if this is the case, try loosening the cap slightly and then starting the engine. If the engine stays running, the vent is likely clogged and you will need to replace the fuel cap.
Alternatively, the tank itself may be corroded or damaged and need replacing. If your engine uses a fuel filter located inside the tank, this cannot be replaced, so consult your local Briggs dealer on how to service it.
To replace the fuel tank, you will first need to purchase a new one. You can find Briggs and Stratton fuel tanks online or at authorised dealers. Make sure to get the correct part number for your specific engine model and type.
Once you have the new fuel tank, follow the instructions in your engine's manual for safe installation and maintenance. Fuel and its vapours are extremely flammable and explosive, so always exercise caution when handling fuel and refer to a professional if you are unsure about any part of the process.
If your fuel tank was damaged due to an issue like a bear attack, you may also want to consider additional protective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
This could be due to a blocked or clogged vent hole in the gas cap, a plugged fuel line or filter, or a broken one-way valve in the fuel tank vent.
Try slightly loosening the cap and then starting the engine. If loosening the fuel cap allows the engine to stay running, it is likely clogged and will need to be replaced.
Try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor is ineffective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
If the tank is corroded or damaged, it should be replaced. Additionally, stale fuel, dirt, and debris are common causes of engine malfunction.
