Fix the 791858 Carb on Intek 14-18HP Engines

The Briggs & Stratton 791858 carburetor fits 14-18 HP Intek single-cylinder engines in Craftsman, Murray and Husqvarna riding mowers. Replacement carbs cost $30-50 aftermarket or $70-100 OEM. This Nikki-type carb has an anti-afterfire solenoid (test with 12V—should click) and adjustable main jet. Symptoms of failure include surging, hard starting and engine backfiring on shutdown. Rebuild kits run $12-20 and include gaskets, needle and seat.

These engines power mid-size riding mowers. The carburetor features an anti-afterfire solenoid and adjustable mixture screw.

Engine Compatibility for Briggs 791858

The 791858 fits Briggs & Stratton Intek series single-cylinder OHV engines.

Horsepower Range: 14-18 HP Displacement: 344cc-500cc

Common Equipment:

• Craftsman LT1000, LT2000
• Murray Select riding mowers
• Husqvarna YTH1542XP
• Poulan Pro tractors
• MTD mid-size tractors
• Snapper rear engine riders

Engine Model Numbers:

• 28N707, 28N777
• 31C707, 31P677
• 310707, 311707
• 28B702, 28B707


Find the model number on the metal tag bolted to the engine shroud or stamped directly on the blower housing.

Understanding Part Numbers for Briggs 791858

Cross-reference chart:

Part Number	Status
791858	Current
792358	Supersedes to 791858
793224	Similar - verify before ordering
698620	Older version

Key Features of the 791858:

• Nikki carburetor design
• Anti-afterfire solenoid on bowl
• Adjustable high-speed needle
• Fixed idle circuit
• Primer system (some models)

Symptoms of Carburetor Failure in Briggs 791858

No Start Condition

Engine cranks but won’t fire. You’ve checked spark and compression - they’re good.

Most likely carburetor causes:

• Clogged main jet from stale fuel
• Anti-afterfire solenoid stuck closed
• Float needle stuck shut

Starts But Dies Immediately

Fires for 1-3 seconds then quits. Priming gets another brief run.

Causes:

• Partially blocked main jet
• Fuel delivery issue to bowl
• Float stuck down

Exhaust Backfire on Shutdown

Loud pop or flame from muffler when turning key off.

Cause: Failed anti-afterfire solenoid. It’s not cutting fuel when the engine stops.

Surging at All Speeds

RPM constantly fluctuates without throttle input.

Causes:

• Lean mixture from restricted fuel flow
• Air leak at carb gasket
• Governor hunting (may not be carb related)

Rich Running - Black Smoke

Excessive fuel consumption, black exhaust smoke, fouled spark plug.

Causes:

• Choke stuck partially closed
• Float needle stuck open
• Sunk or leaking float
• High-speed needle too far out

Fuel Leaking

Gasoline dripping from carburetor body.

Causes:

• Bowl gasket deterioration
• Float needle not sealing
• Cracked fuel inlet fitting

Replacing Your Briggs 791858 Carburetor

Allow 30-45 minutes for this job.

Tools Required

• Socket set (3/8” drive)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• 10mm wrench
• Shop rags
• Drain pan

Procedure

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire

Pull the boot off the plug. Secure it away from the plug.

2. Disconnect battery (riding mower)

Negative terminal first. Prevents accidental starting.

3. Locate and photograph linkages

The throttle and governor linkages connect to the carburetor. Take clear photos before touching anything.

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Linkage connections on 791858 carburetor]

4. Close fuel valve

Turn the valve under the tank to OFF. No valve? Clamp the fuel line.

5. Remove air filter assembly

Usually 1-2 wing nuts. Set aside filter and housing.

6. Disconnect fuel line

Pull from carb inlet. Have rag ready for spillage.

7. Disconnect solenoid wire

Single connector on the anti-afterfire solenoid.

8. Remove throttle and governor linkages

Unhook rods and springs from carburetor lever holes. Note exact positions.

9. Remove mounting nuts

Two nuts on studs hold carb to intake. Support carb while removing second nut.

10. Pull carburetor off studs

Note gasket position and orientation.

11. Install new carburetor

New gasket first, then carb. Hand-start nuts to avoid cross-threading.

12. Reconnect everything in reverse order

Match your photos exactly for linkage positions.

13. Open fuel, check for leaks

Watch the bowl and fuel line connection.

14. Reconnect battery and test

Should start within a few cranks with proper priming.

Cleaning and Rebuilding the Briggs 791858

Rebuild kits run $12-20 and include critical wear parts.

Kit Contents

• Bowl gasket
• Float needle and seat
• Mixture screw o-ring
• Fiber washers
• Inlet fitting gasket

Disassembly Steps

1. Remove bowl

Four screws on bottom. Catch the fuel.

2. Remove solenoid

Unscrew from bowl area. Inspect plunger for damage.

3. Remove float assembly

Push hinge pin out. Lift float with attached needle.

4. Remove main jet

Flathead screwdriver. Center of carb body. Note: jet is calibrated - don’t substitute different size.

5. Remove high-speed mixture screw

Count and record turns before removal. Usually 1-1.5 turns out from seated.

Cleaning Process

Soak all metal parts in carburetor cleaner for 1+ hours. Heavy varnish needs overnight soaking.

Clear every passage with compressed air. The idle circuit has tiny holes that clog easily.

Inspect the needle tip - should be smooth, not grooved or hardened.

Check float condition - shake for internal fuel (means punctured).

Reassembly

Install all new gaskets from the kit. Set mixture screw to your recorded position or 1.25 turns out as baseline.

Solving Common Issues with Briggs 791858

Problem: Engine Dies Under Load

Diagnosis: Main jet partially clogged or fuel flow restricted

Solution:

1. Remove and clean main jet
2. Blow out main fuel passage
3. Check fuel filter and tank vent
4. Verify fuel pump output (if equipped)

Problem: Backfire Through Carb When Starting

Diagnosis: Usually not carb related - suspect intake valve issue

What to check:

1. Valve clearance (intake should be .003-.005”)
2. Valve seat condition
3. Cam lobe wear

Problem: Can’t Get Consistent Idle

Diagnosis: Idle circuit restriction or air leak

Solution:

1. Clean idle passages with spray carb cleaner
2. Replace carb-to-intake gasket
3. Check for intake manifold cracks

Problem: Floods Constantly

Diagnosis: Float needle not sealing

Solution:

1. Check for debris on needle seat
2. Replace needle and seat
3. Verify float isn’t sunk or stuck
4. Check fuel pressure (shouldn’t exceed 4 PSI)

Problem: Solenoid Clicks But Engine Still Backfires

Diagnosis: Solenoid not fully seating or passage still open

Solution:

1. Remove solenoid and verify plunger movement is full
2. Clean the passage the solenoid blocks
3. Replace solenoid if plunger is worn

Specifications for Carburetor Adjustments

High-speed mixture screw: Start at 1.25 turns out from lightly seated. Fine tune for best performance under load.

Governor static adjustment:

1. Loosen clamp on governor arm
2. Rotate governor shaft fully clockwise
3. Hold throttle wide open
4. Tighten clamp
5. Check no-load RPM: 3300-3600 typical

Valve clearance (for complete tune):

• Intake: .003-.005”
• Exhaust: .005-.007”

Where to Buy the Briggs 791858 Carburetor

Genuine Briggs 791858: $55-75 Aftermarket: $20-35

Aftermarket carbs vary in quality. Inspect before installing:

• Check solenoid threads match
• Verify float moves freely
• Confirm linkage holes align

For mowers worth maintaining long-term, genuine parts provide better reliability.

FAQs About the Briggs 791858 Carburetor

Can I eliminate the anti-afterfire solenoid?

You can plug the hole and run without it, but you’ll get backfiring on shutdown. The solenoid prevents unburned fuel from igniting in the hot muffler.

My mixture screw has no effect. Why?

The mixture screw affects high-speed operation. At idle, the fixed idle circuit dominates. If you have idle issues, the problem is in the idle circuit, not the mixture screw.

How do I know if my carb is rebuildable vs needs replacement?

Replace if: corrosion inside, worn throttle shaft (wobbles), cracked body, multiple failed rebuild attempts. Rebuild if: just gummed up from old fuel, float needle worn.

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Intek single-cylinder carburetors are straightforward once you understand the solenoid system. Document your linkages before disassembly and you’ll save yourself headaches during reassembly.