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starting an Empress 16 Mountfield?

Recently borrowed a Mountfield Empress 16. It has not been used for years. No instruction manual. After priming as instructed, pulling cord and holding handle throttle on it fires up for a few seconds and then dies. What am i doing wrong? Am I missing turning fuel on - cant see anything other than primer.
HELP!
Phil, August 2008
If this (1) works do the following (2)
(1) loosen petrol cap & start it up If it runs & runs then the fuel starve is caused by a vacuum.

(2)Try cleaning the holes in the petrol cap - carefull not to expand their size, as this will effect the carb setting. Use nylon fish line .check the paper in the cap isn't oiled - only if it is it will starve the fuel by forming a vacuum in the petrol tank.Clean oil off with meths then dry with kitchen towel.Replace & try.

Jerry the Fish, September 2008
Hi Phil Saunders,
Thanks for your e-mail - sorry it took time to get back to you. It is a Briggs - judging by the label on the engine. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil C

Phil C, August 2008
You don't say if it's a Briggs or Tecumseh engine, but if it burns off the prime and dies, you have a carburation problem. Let me know what type of engine is fitted and I'll advise how to proceed.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, August 2008
link Click here to see other fixes for Mountfield.