Brand New LO206 Engine Problems

Mark Stoffer · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:54 pm Post subject: Brand New LO206 Engine Problems

After weeks of anticipation, I brought my first ever kart to the local track for some seat time.

My enthusiasm quickly turned to frustration and confusion when the engine started sputtering once I picked up some speed on the first straight and died. I was unable to restart it on the track and had a nice frustrating push back to the pits. This process repeated itself 3 times.

The engine seems to idle fine. I run into the problem when I start gaining speed. The engine starts running very rough and appears to be starved for fuel. I checked all of the fuel lines to make sure there were no kinks and bought a new fuel filter - to no avail. My more mechanically-minded friend took a peek at the carburetor and found nothing amiss there either.

If you guys could give me a list of things to look at first I would
really appreciate it.

Tim Salvino · Joined: 20 Nov 2010 Posts: 257

Check your fuel tank vents and valve cover vents. Both need to be open and allowed to breath, but may also run through a well vented catch can. If they are sealed off the fuel pump will not pump properly. Also, check the fuel pump.

Dean Graves · Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 9:24 am Post subject:

Sounds like newbee problems, don't worry we all went through it. Make sure you have a inline fuel filter, check for clogged pilot jet, check for fouled spark plug, check for loose stuff and change the oil regularly with a quality 4-cycle kart oil. Have fun. If you have any friend running Briggs hook up with them.

Rob Kozakowski · Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 10:14 am Post subject:

Mark, the advice you'll get here at EKN is very good. You might check out 4cycle.com too - you might get a few more suggestions from a few more people, and a little quicker.

Craig Drabik · Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 11:02 am Post subject:

Are you having the problem in a straight line or in corners? In one corner and not the other?

Mark Stoffer · Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 1:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all of the input guys. I had my friend completely take apart the carb and clean it out. The engine is running normally now. I'm a little worried about it happening again since this happened the first time I ran the engine. It would be a nice surprise for my engine to cut out in my first race this weekend!

Dean Graves · Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 3:02 pm Post subject:

Pump gas is somewhat dirty, get an inline fuel filter if you haven't so.. Have a clean spare pilot jet handy or learn how to speed clean one in the pit.

Alan Sheidler · Joined: 09 Aug 2001 Posts: 471

Hope the problem does not come back, and that you have a blast racing this weekend.

As has been mentioned, definitely be sure that your fuel tank is properly vented, otherwise the low-pressure pump will just not be up to feeding the carb at big throttle openings.

The pilot jets on the Briggs OHV carbs have very tiny orfices which can plug easily. When that happens, the carb will not operate properly, making starting nearly impossible, and WOT is often only available with the choke partially engaged. Keep spares handy! Draining the carb between uses will help prevent sediment from accumulating.

Regarding the fuel filter, many will not be good enough for your engine. The types with screens, or sintered bronze centers, can't get out small enough particles to make sure that the pilot stays clear. Use one with a fabric or folded paper style element. The LO/Animal/WF 4-cycles do not need a high flow rate, but they do need to filter to a very small particle size.

Make sure to reward your friend for helping you out... Guys willing to assist in sorting issues with someone else's toys are worth their weight in gold.

David Klaus · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 31

Tim, Dean, Alan, Some great advice. Mark, you are in good hands with this group!

One piece I would recommend printing out is the supplimental 206 guide on Briggsracing.com - http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engines-racing/news/206%20Engine%20Supplement/

That will give you an overview of some of the do's and don't's along with some general points/maintenance to help keep your engine carefree.

Race on!

Mark Stoffer · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 9:23 pm Post subject:

Once again, I really appreciate all of the input guys. I ran the kart this past weekend with zero (engine) problems! I am very happy with the class that I choose to start with.

David, thanks so much for the link; it looks extremely useful.