lawn mower question need carb gaskets

[LinuxRandal]

What do I get the number off of, to get a gasket kit for the lawnmower? It is a Briggs & Stratton, and the bowl gasket is shot (drained the bowl and it came off, and the gasket is oval). Is there a number on the carb somewhere, or do I need the motor number? (never rebuilt one, always have had it done, but the old timer who has always fixed me up, is having heart issues and I don't want to bother him).

Thanks

[Tom Slick]

You should use both numbers if possible but engine number will probably get you the kit you need.

[eezlock]

lawnmower question

To be sure of getting the proper gaskets, take the carb/ fuel tank assembly with you to a mower repair shop. They can usually tell the proper one needed by a quick look at it....

[cabinetman]

You should use both numbers if possible but engine number will probably get you the kit you need.

That should do it. In a jam, you could go to an auto parts store and pick up gasket material (comes in sheets...varied thicknesses) and cut your own.
.

[dbhost]

When you figure it out, let me know. I also need the needle / seat assembly as well. I kinda left gas in mine too long...

BTW, for what it's worth, mine ran more or less, but really badly and would stall. I poured about a quarter of a quart bottle of Seafoam into the fuel tank and ran it out, repeated the process. The mower runs pretty close to new now.. But I want to get the carb apart just to make sure...

[Hellrazor]

Tractor make, model and s/n... google for parts lists online.

[Uncle Cracker]

Here is the Briggs website. From here, you can see manuals, parts lists, get tech support, etc. There is a loooong number stamped on the motor cowling of Briggs engines, usually near the cylinder head. If you copy down the whole number before you go online, it will help you zero in on what you need.

[Salty]

Similar to my experience so I'll share what I know/did.
In my case I lost the govenor spring while emtying the tank. Could not find it and could not find a replacement anywhere local.
So, I found a place called ordertree.com
Placed an order for a spring, check valve seat, screen, gaskets and foam air cleaner. Total shipped was less than $25.
The model and type numbers should be stamped on the engine block. Sometimes they are painted over and difficult to read. An old trick I learned years ago is to hold a white piece of paper next to the number and it makes it stand out more to read. As I recall, mine was on the front of the block up under the flywheel cover. I had to tilt the mower back to be able to read it.
Once I put the new govenor spring on it has been running fine so I'll wait till next year to rebuild it or if it needs it this year. At least I'll have the parts available when I need them.
Hope this helps.

Salty

[Pappy]

Also check the cost of a replacement carb. On my pressure washer, the kit was only a couple of bucks cheaper. Worth the $$$ to save the time of a rebuild.

[LinuxRandal]

Also check the cost of a replacement carb. On my pressure washer, the kit was only a couple of bucks cheaper. Worth the $$$ to save the time of a rebuild.

If I figured out which one it is, I doubt it (maybe I am nieve). The carb died, in about the time it took to drain the bowl. I had taken off the gas tank and blown out most of the carb, when I had tested it. So I then took off the carb and bowl and cleaned it out, but the bowl gasket was shot (self propeled push mower). I THINK I have which one figured out, but I thought the sticker on the mower had the info. Doesn't seem like it (have to take the shroud off tomorrow). If I am right, the HIGH side I have found for the kit, is $7 (gasket kit, since the carb cleaned up fine). Then I think I will have this one licked.


Thanks all

[LinuxRandal]

Update

The store was out of the gasket kit, and a couple of places online, showed it as discontinued (by them, or B&S?). I picked up the rebuild kit for $2 more (carb replacement was $30). I just used the gaskets, after cleaning it, and put it back together, and it started, and gas starts pouring out the carb. At this point it is all back together, and I figured I screwed up the bowl gasket, or the drain gasket, so I replace both again, and start it without the air cleaner. Gas was coming out a vent. Back off the mower, and used the rebuild kit (rubber that the needle valve went into had split and gas was always coming in, as the needle wouldn't seat properly). Put it all back together, primed, and fired on the first pull, no leaks.
Took it back to my B-i-l and had him test it. He couldn't believe it, and actually seemed to enjoy mowing (a first).

Now, I have one rider that has been sitting a few years, I think I will clean it up and see if I can get it up and running.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!