The following are issues that customers reported to GetHuman about Briggs & Stratton customer service, archive #1. It includes a selection of 20 issue(s) reported June 4, 2018 onward. If you have a similar customer service issue, this page will help you find current, up-to-date answers and solutions too.
I am experiencing issues with my Briggs and Stratton snowblower purchased from Lowe's in Barrie, Ontario, Canada in December [redacted]. The machine stopped throwing snow during its first use, and despite my attempts to troubleshoot by checking the shear pins, the auger still does not turn correctly. I previously had to replace the drive cable after the initial purchase, which indicates its ongoing issues. I reached out to Lowe's multiple times for warranty information but received no response. I am seeking guidance on how to proceed with warranty repairs and where I should take the snowblower for servicing.
Vince P.
[redacted] Orkney Beach Rd.
Ramara, Ontario, Canada
L3V 0S1
Reported by GetHuman-vincepri on Monday, June 4, 2018 3:59 PM
My mower's crankshaft broke after only a year of normal usage, primarily during the last summer and few months this year. The crankshaft, made from sintered metal, gave way about one inch above the blade with the bolt still attached. Buchiets in Sparta, Illinois, replaced the mower under warranty, but I need to bring to your attention at Briggs and Stratton that the new mower's crankshaft is also sintered metal, not forged steel.
I fear that the sintered metal crankshaft may break again due to the compressive force exerted by the bolt that secures the blade, potentially causing harm. Sintered metal seems insufficient to withstand this pressure compared to forged steel crankshafts. It would be safer, though more costly, to use forged steel. I am concerned for the safety of myself and my sons while using the mower. Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated.
Reported by GetHuman-markdwai on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 12:23 AM
Hello,
I recently bought a lawnmower with a B & S [redacted] Exi engine but only received an Operator's Manual, not a service manual. I reached out via chat but was unable to get a service manual or a working telephone number. Despite a promise to email the repair manual, I haven't received anything. I'm used to receiving a repair/service manual with lawnmower purchases, so this is frustrating. Can you please provide a link for me to download the repair manual?
Thank you,
Linda
Reported by GetHuman-ljrange on Friday, October 19, 2018 8:46 AM
We have a 20kW GE generator with serial number [redacted]-M#[redacted] and two transfer switches (M#[redacted]). Since the beginning, we have had issues with the generator intermittently not starting up, which has been fixed. However, we now have a new issue where the coil for a contactor in one of the transfer switches has failed and has been on back order for about 4 months. We experienced a 14-hour power outage due to this.
Oak Electric handled our installation and has a transfer switch in stock but is requesting an additional payment to install it as they will only warranty the coil. The generator is only 4 years old, and it's possible there are additional problems with the transfer switch causing the coil to fail. Can anyone offer assistance with this matter? Thank you for your consideration.
- Don M. from Franklin, MI, [redacted]
Reported by GetHuman-dhmelect on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 7:13 PM
I bought a Briggs and Stratton pressure washer hoping for a quality product, but it shut off after just 5 minutes of use. I have reached out to multiple phone numbers for assistance, but no one is willing to help. One person even accused me of lying because the date on the machine is [redacted], despite buying it from Rural King just 9 months ago. Rural King referred me back to the company for help. I am hoping to either get a replacement or have mine repaired. I have realized now after reading negative reviews that I should have done more research before purchasing. Any guidance on how to resolve this issue would be greatly appreciated. Being on a fixed budget, I saved up for this purchase thinking it was a reliable product.
Reported by GetHuman-lularoee on Thursday, November 1, 2018 4:51 AM
The engine on my new B&S generator has a persistent misfiring issue, requiring the choke to remain fully closed even after warm-up.
I am seeking service or detailed instructions on how to adjust the carburetor for the correct mixture.
Thank you.
It's been a frustrating SIX DAYS without a response from B&S, neither through email nor phone. I thought I had found an authorized service provider, but they haven't worked on B&S engines for THREE YEARS. My experience with B&S could inspire a dark comedy. Lesson learned; Honda will be my choice next time.
Reported by GetHuman-jimkjjj on Monday, May 20, 2019 3:47 PM
I bought a John Deere D110 from Home Depot slightly over two years ago. After 11 months, the camshaft compression release mechanism broke and needed to be replaced. Now, just a little over two years later, I'm having to replace the same camshaft for the same issue. One would assume that this 19 hp Briggs and Stratton motor would be more durable. It's disappointing to have to replace the same part twice, especially with only [redacted] hours on this John Deere.
Reported by GetHuman-nyapples on Thursday, May 23, 2019 1:59 AM
I am experiencing a significant issue with my Toro zero-turn mower that has a replacement engine with the following specifications: Engine family HBSXS.5402VL, model year [redacted], ECS.EM. [redacted], and SN.17 [redacted] ZD [redacted]. Oil is leaking profusely from the exhaust, accompanied by white smoke. The 16 horsepower engine I purchased seems to have a faulty oil ring on the piston. I have rebuilt the original 16 hp engine and will be reinstalling it. I am disappointed with this purchase and would like to request a replacement. I have had positive experiences with several of your engines in the past and hope to resolve this issue promptly.
Reported by GetHuman-jimboock on Saturday, December 7, 2019 4:48 PM
I encountered a problem with my Briggs and Stratton [redacted]-watt generator where the factory threaded it incorrectly, causing issues with the spark plug. The local Briggs & Stratton Dealer confirmed it was a factory error. It has been over a week, and I have not received any updates despite the product being under warranty. I am hoping to receive a replacement generator as the current one has not been in use much. My name is Dexter & Lynn Crater, and I can be reached at [redacted].
Reported by GetHuman-lynncrat on Friday, May 29, 2020 4:01 PM
I recently bought a TORO lawn mower with a Briggs and Stratton engine, but I have concerns about the Operator's Manual. As someone with over 25 years of experience in writing work procedures, I noticed a few issues:
1. The engine model number listed in the manual does not match what is actually on my [redacted] cc engine. It seems to be a Model [redacted].
2. The manual claims "No oil changes required," but as an engineer, I know that over time, oil breaks down and accumulates debris. I would appreciate an explanation on this.
3. The oil bottle provided for the initial fill is more than necessary for an oil change, and this discrepancy should be addressed in the manual.
4. My mower has an electric starter, but there is insufficient information about it in the manual. It would be helpful to know if the mower can be started with a battery charger attached and more details about the included module labeled "40."
I kindly request more comprehensive information addressing these points in the manual.
Louis T.
Reported by GetHuman-ltirell on Monday, September 14, 2020 3:44 PM
I recently bought a new Briggs and Stratton engine to replace the one on my Snapper rear engine mower. The model number is 21R[redacted] G1, and the serial number is 180627zomq. The Snapper is model number 280812BE. I acquired it from someone who had it for a couple of years, still in the original sealed box. However, preparing it for installation on my Snapper, I encountered issues with the wiring. The stator and regulator that came with the engine have a different setup than what I can locate wiring information for. The stator has three wires, with two being standard - black for battery voltage, and a gray or green wire attached to the fuel solenoid on the carb. The third yellow wire under the flywheel connects to the regulator, which also has black and red wires. I cannot find guidance on how to wire this correctly and want to avoid any damage. Any advice or direction to the correct resources would be greatly appreciated.
Reported by GetHuman-alerwin on Monday, November 2, 2020 1:27 AM
I recently found out about numerous counterfeit products being sold on Amazon. I received Briggs & Stratton 30w engine oil from Amazon and want to know if there have been any reports of fake B&S oil. This is my second time emailing this question, and I appreciate your response. I own several Briggs equipment and want to ensure I am not using any counterfeit products. Thank you, Ron.
Reported by GetHuman5537889 on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 6:33 PM
My father-in-law purchased a Brute pressure washer with a Briggs engine, but it sat unused for over a year due to his illness. When we tried to use it, it only ran for about 20 minutes before stopping. The local repair shop has had it since August, attempting to fix it without success. They diagnosed the issue as gas blowing out the carburetor intake through the air filter. Despite their efforts, they have not been able to resolve it after several attempts. We are hoping to receive a replacement motor from the company as the current one seems to be defective. My father-in-law, who is 86 years old, desperately needs this equipment to be in working order. We are frustrated with the lack of progress from the repair shop and the inability to pinpoint the exact problem with the engine.
Reported by GetHuman5544973 on Friday, December 11, 2020 7:44 PM
I bought a Briggs & Stratton one-stage snowblower in early November [redacted] from Amazon for $[redacted]. Recently, it needed costly servicing, including the replacement of the Auger Flight Kit totaling $[redacted] for parts and labor. Grassland Equipment in Latham, NY, where I had it serviced, informed me that this isn't covered under warranty and suggested I contact Briggs and Stratton.
Despite only using the snowblower less than 10 times within a year, it needed expensive repairs. The service center mentioned potential issues coming from the factory, like a bent auger or defective assembly, and uncertainty about the replaced part's durability. They said a bolt broke and another damaged the auger, leading to the rubber shredding.
Due to the limited usage of the snowblower, I am seeking reimbursement of the $[redacted] paid for the service done by Grassland Equipment. I have the purchase receipt from Amazon and the service invoice to support my claim.
Thank you,
D. Coulombe
Reported by GetHuman5585090 on Friday, December 25, 2020 2:28 PM
I bought a new Briggs & Stratton Snow blower from Menards on January 9, [redacted] in Traverse City, Michigan. It stayed in the shed until January 21st when I assembled it. After adding gas and checking the oil level, I started it, but it only ran for 30 seconds and then stopped. Menards directed me to Roy's Service Center for warranty repairs. Roy's informed me there are major engine issues, and Briggs & Stratton claims the warranty is void due to running it without oil, which I did not do. It seems there may have been an issue during assembly. Now I have a $[redacted] snowblower that is unusable. How should I proceed?
Model: [redacted]
Serial Number: [redacted]
-Paul A.
Reported by GetHuman-chieflak on Thursday, February 4, 2021 10:38 PM
I own a 922exd snowblower and encountered an issue with the chimney (part number [redacted]) cracking, leading to the chute being unable to rotate. After purchasing a replacement chimney for $70, I discovered that B&S no longer manufactures the part separately. Instead, they offer it as part of a service kit (p/n [redacted]) for $[redacted], which includes additional components that are not needed. This situation feels like a scheme as it forces me to spend an extra $[redacted] on unnecessary items. It’s frustrating that the plastic chimney broke despite the snowblower's advertising claims. If the service kit is the only solution to obtain the required part, I believe it should be available for the original price of $70. I hope for a reasonable resolution to this issue. - Danny
Reported by GetHuman5739621 on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 1:33 PM
I purchased a single-stage Snapper Electric Start Gas Snow Blower Model 13A[redacted]F1 from Menards on November 11, [redacted]. There was no snow until the end of December, so I only got to use it briefly before the auger stopped working. The Service Dealer replaced the auger belt and adjusted the idler arm on January 5, [redacted], which was covered by warranty. However, the same issue occurred at the end of January, and the blower was taken back to the Service Dealer on January 27 and returned on March 19 due to a back-ordered belt. This time, they replaced the pulley and belt. I believe the blower was not assembled correctly and may be a lemon. I've spent an additional $[redacted] on pick up and delivery charges and snow blowing services due to the blower breaking down twice. I am very dissatisfied and seek compensation for the inconvenience this has caused. Next winter is a concern, as I am unsure of the blower's reliability. I have always been a fan of Briggs and Stratton products, but this snow blower has been disappointing.
Sincerely,
Linda H.
Reported by GetHuman-lhorbeck on Monday, March 29, 2021 7:52 PM
I recently got a Briggs and Stratton P3000 inverter generator with a travel trailer I bought last week. I'm having trouble starting it as I can't tell if the choke should be on or off. There isn't any indication on whether the lever should be left or right, and I don't want to flood the engine. The spark plug was wet when I checked it, but not knowing the correct choke position is hindering my progress. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Reported by GetHuman-rjlefevr on Friday, April 9, 2021 1:42 PM
I live in Dresden, Germany and purchased a Murray Briggs and Stratton lawn mower 675iS from Amazon last June to replace my old one. The starting issues began immediately, but it was manageable. This year, the problem has worsened significantly. The electric start requires prolonged pressing, and the engine rarely starts even with a fully charged battery. When I contacted Amazon for a nearby repair center, they mentioned none in my area and offered to send a new mower under warranty. Today, the replacement arrived, but unfortunately, it presents the same starting issue as my original one. I am now at a loss with two practically new but non-functioning lawn mowers. The engine sound differs slightly, but the result is the same – no start. I am incredibly frustrated. Any suggestions on what steps I should take next would be greatly appreciated.
Reported by GetHuman6068577 on Friday, May 14, 2021 2:44 PM
Hello, I own a Suffolk Punch SP 15 S lawn mower with a Briggs and Stratton [redacted] series [redacted] cc engine. After a recent service, the self-drive speed has notably increased beyond the original speed. The gearbox does not have an adjustable ratio, so I suspect the service person may have replaced the gearbox drive belt pulley with a smaller one, causing this change. I reached out to the service depot, but they claimed no alterations were made to the pulleys. I am puzzled by this issue and would appreciate any insights on why this happened and how to rectify it.
Thank you, Raymond.
Reported by GetHuman-rayalf on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 7:33 AM