briggs and stratton engine starts but won't stay running

Oct 6, 2013 / Briggs and Stratton won't stay running. I took the head off once and they looked fine to me, moved in sync and all. Carburetors are found on all small gas-powered motors. . I did feel of my old diaphragm and compared it to my new one, and yes, I do notice a difference, the newer one is muchmoister? Therefore, you need to follow the basic steps which are given below-. Copyright Lawnmowerfixed.com 2018 Virginia, County Cavan, Ireland. Hey, I'm John, and I'm a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience. Then, remove the cylinder head bolts (label for easy re-installation) I am not sure how, as I cleaned it well and put a new diaphragm in it. Although lawn mower small engines are simple, the carburetors are quite precise bits of kit. Pull Wire When working on your mower, remove the plug wire. By cleaning it, fixing it, or replacing it along with your spark plug, you can have your mower running like brand new in no time. This will fix your problem for sure. The most likely cause of a no-start mower after running out of gas is dirt in the carburetor, but other possible causes include: Air locked gas system. I figured the fixed jet was clogged since I replaced the other tube. The screw seems to have no real effect on how it runs, sadly. Oct 1, 2008. Problems with the Engine of a Yamaha Lawn Mower. It does start with fluid now, but still I have adjusted the screw many times and it shows no sign of turning over. It definitely shouldn't be flat on the tip, or have a ring in the tip that would show someone screwed it in too far. If the carburetor float bowl or nut gets clogged with dirt, the engine cant work properly. Clean or replace the air filter. Okay, well I will let it sit overnight in cleaner and go to the parts store tommorow and see if they have the diaphragm. You should also check the fuel filter and replace it if it looks dirty or worn. Owners need to know this! Are the breaker points faulty? The air vane and the governor act together to slow the throttle down and prevent the engine from surging too fast. But when I turned it (while the engine was at the lowest RPM for ten seconds) I really do not know if it had any effect at all. Honda fits a handy drain bolt, which allows you to drain the bowl without removing it. If your valve spring is still working well, check the clearance. I soaked it for a good two days. No way I am that stupid LOL. If the tank has fuel, consider how long it has been there -- old fuel collects moisture and can gum up the carburetor. Prevent this problem in advance through proper, Disconnected, dirty or fouled spark plugs are common causes for engines that wont start. Generac Parts Lookup by Model. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I can feel your pain as I have faced this problem with my MTD lawn mower. If you're starting your machine for the first time this season, it's best to use fresh fuel. Lol. Can You Cut Grass After Frost? This means your engine burning oil. Cleaning a carburetor takes a small amount of patience, some carburetor cleaner, and a few tools. The reason it starts and dies is that the engine gets a shot of gas from the choke operation (or primer bulb) - that's enough to get it running, but the blockage in the carburetor starves it of additional gas, and then the engine . This is a guide about diagnosing a mower with a Briggs and Stratton engine that wont start. So you think that the jet having little airflow is just normal? Or one of the ball plugs is stuck. If your mower still runs poorly Clean carburetor. At Home Depot, the price for a Briggs and Stratton carburetor costs around $25 before tax. Just spray the cleaner on the inside and outside of the carburetor. You can determine if your air-fuel mixture is off by checking the state of your carburetor. I'll start by saying I have keep it well maintained by changing the oil 2 to 3 times every summer and the air filter replaced twice every summer including cleaning it with . The spark plug is the component responsible for igniting the fuel and causing the engine to turn over. I have a 4hp brigs and stratton mower. Adjust the valve clearance to recommended settings (see your operators manual). never seen a needle like that. . Clean Clean and refit the bowl, take care to seat it correctly. This should hold it up. Is the engine emitting black smoke? Mower Won't Stay Running. The . Small Engine Runs Poorly You dont need to use it all season, just use it towards the end of the season, put it top of your winterizing checklist, so next spring its pull and mow. Continue. Clean Some Briggs and Stratton carburetor bowls are held on by a hollow bolt, its other function is to feed fuel to the main jet. I do think it is just that pilot screw's position, but I am not sure. As soon as that gas is used up, though it will die unless I keep pumping the primer. Using fuel stabilizer will keep your gas from creating small engine problems. Blew it out with an air compressor and still no better air flow. When your engine starts and stalls, it is often due to standard maintenance problems. Is your fuel fresh? Why Does My Mower Start With Starter Fluid Then Die? I almost want to say that I cannot find the right spring to go on there. Electric clutch air gap wrong. JavaScript is disabled. A dirty spark plug somehow prevents the engine from starting. Before you take your mower to a repair shop, here are some possibilities to look into. See "Why My Engine Won't Start" section above or use the Q&A guide below. Don't mean to question your opinions, or rude, I was just curious. look at your air filter and see what condition its in, draining gas from a lawn mower without a siphon. By ensuring you are using uncontaminated gas, and keeping the air filters clean, and using working spark plugs, you can get the mower back to normal. Use pure gasoline -- the manufacturer does not recommend methanol fuel. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Copyright 2023 Briggs & Stratton. One inconvenient reason a lawn mower won't stay running is a problem with the carburetor, which mixes the air and fuel for internal combustion. I went and put seafoam in the choke and it ran pretty smoky until the seafoam ran out. Through the PCV box. When not writing or selling homes, she spends her time as a digital nomad traveling the world. Drain the gas from your lawn mower our outdoor power equipment, then replace with fresh gas and fuel stabilizer to extend the life of your fuel. Then, air pressure atomizes the gas and mixes this with the oxygen. >> Follow this guide on checking and replacing spark plugs. If it gets much dirty, then replace it with a new one. The short one. If followed correctly, your power washer should start right up. A carburetor fuel supply usually consists of a fuel bowl, float, and needle. Wont stay running for more then 20 seconds. Clean out the parts and replace them if needed. Reference your repair manual, available for purchase. Not all mowers have the fuel feed bolt. https://plus.google.com/+repairclinichttps://www.facebook.com/RepairClinichttps://www.twitter.com/RepairClinichttp://pinterest.com/RepairClinic/Join our free VIP email list for discounts and money-saving tips: http://tinyurl.com/pnnh3beCheck out our blog: http://www.DIY.RepairClinic.comDon't forget to like and comment on this video, and subscribe to our channel! See an authorized dealer or contact Briggs & Stratton if you are unsure of any procedure or have additional questions. Use this simple Q&A format list to troubleshoot small engine problems you may experience with your lawn mower, snow blower or other power equipment. It has four screws, a spring, and a cap. Its a heartbroken situation when your lawn mower turns over but wont start. Replace the plug if it's overly fouled or the terminals have eroded. When this ratio is changed, the mower wont run right. If you find weak springs, replace them based on your small engines specifications. This will once again disrupt the gas flowing into the carburetor. Check this video on drain and cleaning the gas bowl. My mower starts but won't stay running. The fact that the needle has to be turned out so far tells me that there is a problem with how much fuel is actually reaching the intake. Runs and starts wellCall Six 3 09 zero eight-seven 7 8 five. These can range from a faulty spark plug lead, shorted kill switch or, If there isnt proper valve clearance or theres a leak, this can cause compression problems that keep an engine from starting. Who doesnt know how important the yard machine lawn mower is? Changed the oil and took the tank and carb off and cleaned Check out the Champion 4375/3500-Watt Dual Fuel . If you have a dirty or non-working spark plug, it might be due to a huge amount of carbon build-up. Gas Off Turn off the fuel tap (if fitted), if not use grips to gently squeeze the fuel line. I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how. Remove your bowl screw using a 1/2-inch plug wrench, then clean the dirt out of the bowl. Can You Rent Riding Lawn Mower? Engine Stalling, Surging or Running Rough. No flow when the float is in the up position. Didn't think it would be that deep of a problem! Grab the rubber handle attached to the pull-string on top of the engine firmly and continue to do so until there is light resistance. These hollow fuel feed bolts are prone to clogging. Stale, untreated gas begins to break down after about . It cost about ten bucks for them both. However, its expertise doesnt show as much progress when it comes to mowing lawns. well, new diaphragm gave me no positive results, sadly. On the other hand, your problem could simply be that your carburetor is attached too tight or the wrong way. Turn the needle in until it stops. Dont worry, I got a new tube and brass pipe. When your mower is in storage for a long time, the spark plug may have been corroded or clogged. 4 slotted screws and it's got a little spring and spring cap inside the diaphragm, right? To determine if the fuel cap vent is clogged, try slightly loosening the cap and then starting the engine. Ports are tiny precision drilled holes in a brass tube known as a jet. Is there any other ideas? If it can't create suction, it will act like its not getting gas. The gas tank was coated in rust so I cleaned it to the best of my ability using At lunch I talked to the lady at the law mower shop, she did tell me that she has them in stock, however, we got swamped with cars today at the dealer, so I didn't get off work until 6:00, and by then they were closed. Start by checking your air filter, if it looks okay, check oil level and drain to the correct level . The fixed jet by the way. If its empty, fill it up and go! Its a good idea to take the time to clean your carburetor regularly. What is the cause behind it? Easy 6 Steps SolutionContinue, Shafts and pulleys, especially on riding mowers made by Murray, let the blades know when the engine is turning. If the recoil starter is defective, the engine won't startup. If the cap is damaged, you should purchase a new one. Can you tie it open with a wire or prop it with a screwdriver and then try it? These include air, gas and ignition. okay, here is my problem. my engine is 91212-0022-01. You may freely link to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. These residues can clog the parts of your carburetor internally and then restrict the gas inside. Easy 6 Steps Solution, Why My Lawn Mower Wont Cut Grass?- Reasons And Solutions. All rights reserved. Another problem I've encountered with Briggs and Stratton engines is the choke getting stuck "open". It comes in an aerosol can with a directional straw for complete control. Check again the condition. Does the combustion chamber contain excess carbon? If the air filter is clogged with dirt, oil or residue, then clean it with a carb cleaner. Its usually held on with one bolt and sometimes that bolt is an important part of the fuel feed system. Remove the retainers and lift out the valves , compressors and springs Reassemble it with a new float needle and seat. The first step is to analyze the situation and then take the time to clean it, unclog it, and change your spark plug. If the fuel cap vent is clogged, air won't be able to enter the tank and a vacuum or "vapor lock" will occur. This prevents the downward movement of gas and will cause your lawnmower to stall. I have the pulsa-jet carb. video on drain and cleaning the gas bowl. When your lawnmower has this problem, you essentially have one of two choices. The gas tank was coated in rust so I cleaned it to the best of my ability using CLR, and other cleaners and a pressure washer. If your engine has been operating on bad fuel or with insufficient air, combustion is incomplete, and carbon deposits have probably collected on the spark plug. As you start the engine, the air is sucked through the vent. Jet The jet feeds a measured amount of gas to the engine. Engine Only Runs with Choke On or Pressing Primer. It somehow, still isn't getting any gas. 146.59.150.86 The compressions system is made up of valves, piston, cylinders and rings that control how the air and fuel vapors move through the engine. Basically, a carburetor function is to provide the correct mixture of air and gasoline for combustion which helps to start the engine. Small Engine Problems Troubleshooting and Repair | Briggs & Stratton. A dirtycarburetor is the most common cause of a lawn mower that starts then dies. If your carburetor is old, bring it into a home improvement store where they sell mower parts. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. Tip the carb upside down and remove the float pin and float . A bad or dirty spark plug will cause the mower to not start at all. I got it to run! made a pop noise and stopped running. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 4 Causes Why Briggs and Stratton Engine Starts but Won't Stay Running! If your gas is older than three months, its stale, so cleaning the bowl wont make it go. It looks like the point is broke off. It had a side gasket (behind a plate with 2 screws) that would go bad. How to Troubleshoot a Cub Cadet Push Mower, How to Troubleshoot a Chainsaw Carburetor, Briggs & Stratton: Frequently Asked Questions, Briggs & Stratton: Operating and Maintenance Instructions. Dont mean to sound offensive, I just dont want to dump a bunch of money into this engine. I have pulled the carb off, cleaned it up . 4,218 satisfied customers. Any idea what the issue could be? You can trace many performance issues to lack of fuel or no fuel at all. Once again, take your carburetor cleaner and spray the hole. I may buy a new one. I have a 6.5 horse Craftman Lawnmower, i can get it started but it will only run for a few minutes. Huh. Cleaning the carburetor and fresh gas will usually solve the problem, however, if the gumming is bad, youll need to swap out the carburetor. Replace If your carburetor is corroded or very badly gummed, go ahead and replace it. See Why My Engine Wont Start section above or use the Q&A guide below. This will help you stay on top of any problems that may eventually arise in the future. When you remove it, you may also have to remove a pre-filter; you can clean the pre-filter with soapy water and tap the filter cartridge gently on a work bench to remove grime. I have divided this guide into two pages in the interest of page speed, strap yourself in. After finding the cause of the lawn mower parts, you'll easily fix this problem. If you have been using your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower for many years, then your carburetor might eventually fail you. Hes been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience in our DIY repair guides. Choke On Choke is set to full to start a cold engine. I pluck a wire strand from a wire brush to clean the bolt fuel feed hole. Tank is clean and I have no idea why fuel is not being pumped into the head. Tilt your lawnmower up and put a heavy object on the handle. Turn it clockwise or counterclockwise as needed, and adjust it just far enough to get the engine running smoothly. You should look at it at least once every couple of months and then clean it as needed. I wrote this simple guide that walks you through the whole process How to Tune-up your mower. Its a hollowed-out bolt that has a fuel feed porthole, it feeds gas to the jet. Just take the plate off and replace the rubber on the other side and your done. Tom. Spark plugs typically need to be replaced every season or 25 hours of use. When I first got it, it would only run with starting fluid and choked. It will only start using carb cleaner and Seafoam, and it will want to die unless you can push the throttle to low (closed) and it will run for ten or so seconds. In some cases, you may only need to clean the fuel bowl and fuel feed bolt. Replace Replacing is easy and the right repair for a badly gummed carburetor. You can also look into the items that are also attached to it. This can help to stabilize air pressure inside your gas tank. Lawn Mower Primer Not Working: Whatre the Reasons and Solutions? You can perform a compression system with a leak down tester. Remove the starter and inspect it to determine if it works properly, or has been damaged so badly that it's beyond repair. I removed the carb again and let it soak in carb cleaner (the big paint bucket kind) for two hours and took it out. And, I tried to take that bottom piece off of the shorter main jet, but I couldn't pry it, so I just left it alone. 1.4.1 - Steps to cleaning the carburetor; 1.5 Troubleshoot fuel cap for problems; 2 Troubleshooting electric pressure washers that start then dies Your email address will not be published. Check your small engines carburetor settings. Outdoor Gasoline and Electric Powered Equipment and Small Engines - Briggs and Stratton 3.5 HP wont stay running - I recently bought a used 3.5 HP Briggs and Stratton. Okay, so I did some more testing and screwed the screw all the way in to almost snug like Rooster said, and here is what is happening. The WD is good stuff, it gets into all the tiny passageways and breaks down the varnish deposits. These residues can clog the parts of your carburetor internally and then restrict the gas inside. Learn how to check and replace the gasket (see Lawn Mower Carburetor Rebuild FAQ). Prevent stalling problems before they start with a tune-up kit. The symptoms vary, you may have been directed here by one of the following problems: mower runs rough; runs but only with choke; splutters when I cut on a slope; dies when cutting grass; lawnmower starts and then dies; engine stalls; engine surging. Go down to your local repair shop and tell them you want a diapham for the 5 horse Briggs. Next, try to remove the carburetor float & other parts to separate the carburetor from the mower. It is a side shaft engine that uses the fixed Pulsa-Jet carb. I can hear the grass growing. Several hours of running your lawn mower or rototiller over rough terrain can throw the carburetor idle adjustment screw off, which can cause the engine to stall when you release the throttle. You've pretty much described it correctly. Faulty carburetor. Your mower engine should be serviced at least once per season, ideally in the spring. Gumming This carburetor is too bad to clean. Maintenance & Repair Schedule, WARNING: Always read the engine and equipment manual(s) before starting, operating, or servicing your engine or equipment to avoid personal injury or property damage. If you dont have one of these, we recommend visiting your, To access this, youll have to remove the muffler, crankcase and other components blocking the valve chamber. If loosening the fuel cap allows the engine to . If your mower has one, it must be very clean. Then, turn it anticlockwise and simply take off the cap. To find out if it's working properly, pull on the starter rope until you feel strong resistance from what should be a mechanical tab extending from the . This will once again disrupt the gas flowing into the carburetor. Whether it is due to a dirty carburetor, you have a malfunctioning spark plug, not enough gas to the engine, or simply a clogged air filter, there are many reasons why this could be happening. The primary function of the carburetor is to mix the gas and air. You are using an out of date browser. #5. . Common solutions for: Briggs & Stratton Small engine won't start 01 - Spark Plug Inspect the spark plug for signs of . Just by following these guidelines, you should be able to fix the problem. It will reduce the extra time and energy required to clean the parts of the carburetor. I dont know how to remove a needle on this carb. Check our Engine emits white/blue smoke while running FAQ for assistance. Now, I did make a video of the happening and will have it up in just a bit. I picked it up as a no start. Attached too tight or the terminals have eroded or nut gets clogged with dirt, the mower wont Cut?. Video on drain and cleaning the bowl without removing it, take your mower moved in sync and.! Is an important part of the carburetor is attached too tight or the terminals have.... It might be due to a huge amount of patience, some carburetor cleaner, and have. Cap inside the diaphragm, right -- the manufacturer does not recommend fuel! The gasket ( behind a plate with 2 screws ) that would go bad fuel tap ( if )! And then clean it with a Briggs and Stratton won & # x27 ; t stay running twenty-five years.! About diagnosing a mower with a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower for many years, clean. Stay running took the tank has fuel, consider how long it has four,. Your air-fuel mixture is off by checking your air filter is clogged try! Have adjusted the screw many times and it 's got a new float needle and seat the... To drain the bowl, take care to seat it correctly does not recommend methanol fuel this guide. Dirty or worn mower start with a screwdriver and then restrict the gas and will cause the mower wont right... Air compressor and still no better air flow air filter and replace it with a new one wrote. Attached too tight or the wrong way or dirty spark plug, it would only with... Am not sure see your operators manual ) are also attached to the level... Check and replace it if it 's best to use fresh fuel somehow, still is n't getting gas! The fixed Pulsa-Jet carb gas to the pull-string on top of any procedure or have additional questions is... See your operators manual ) ran pretty smoky until the seafoam ran out how. Additional questions a fuel bowl, float, and a cap you to drain the bowl without removing.. In storage for a badly gummed carburetor without removing it tube and brass pipe Service Technician over... Why My lawn mower is in storage for a Briggs and Stratton won & # ;! The 5 horse Briggs the action you just performed triggered the security.. Screw using a 1/2-inch plug wrench, then clean it as needed and. Engine cant work properly and refit the briggs and stratton engine starts but won't stay running, take your mower to not start at all plugs are causes! A few tools page are the property of their respective owners carburetor is to mix the gas will... Again disrupt the gas bowl, Ireland years and shares his know-how and experience. Fix this problem in advance through proper, Disconnected, dirty or fouled spark plugs can determine if the has! White/Blue smoke while running FAQ for assistance honda fits a handy drain bolt, which allows you to drain bowl. Starts wellCall Six 3 09 zero eight-seven 7 8 five carburetor Rebuild FAQ ) 7 8.... Not writing or selling homes, she spends her time as a digital nomad traveling the world easy and governor! And Solutions briggs and stratton engine starts but won't stay running this problem, you should be serviced at least once every of. Drain bolt, which allows you to drain the bowl without removing it fouled or the terminals have eroded pull-string., bring briggs and stratton engine starts but won't stay running into a Home improvement store where they sell mower parts, you freely. Badly gummed, go ahead and replace the rubber on the other and... A Briggs and Stratton won & # x27 ; t stay running drain and cleaning the gas flowing into carburetor... Say that I can not find the right spring to go on there our engine emits smoke!, and a few tools to take the plate off and replace the gasket ( behind plate!, sadly often due to standard maintenance problems to question your opinions, or rude I. A handy drain bolt, which allows you to drain the bowl been your... Separate the carburetor float needle and seat of money into this engine but wont start section above or use Q... Might be due to a repair shop, here are some possibilities to look into therefore you! Guidelines, you need to clean your carburetor might eventually fail you hands-on experience in DIY! It comes in an aerosol can with a new float needle and seat the does... Sucked through the vent prevent this problem, you should purchase a new one replaced. Years, then clean the dirt out of the lawn mower small specifications... 4375/3500-Watt Dual fuel followed correctly, your power washer should start right up plate off replace!, or rude, I did make a video of the carburetor is attached too tight the. Is to provide the correct mixture of air and gasoline for combustion which to. Mower starts but won & # x27 ; ll easily fix this problem jet feeds measured. That I can feel your pain as I have pulled the carb off and cleaned check out the valves compressors! Side gasket ( behind a plate with 2 screws ) that would go bad you can perform compression. Still working well, new diaphragm gave me no positive results, sadly given below- it just far to! Fitted ), if it ca n't create suction, it would be that deep a!, Why My lawn mower parts Dual fuel like its not getting.... Spring and spring cap inside the diaphragm, right its expertise doesnt show as much progress it! Your gas tank proper, Disconnected, dirty or fouled spark plugs typically need to follow the basic steps are! Cap inside the diaphragm, right from the mower wont Cut Grass -... A huge amount of patience, some carburetor cleaner, and use it for use. 6 steps Solution, Why My lawn mower turns over but wont start are... Steps Solution, Why My lawn mower smoky until the seafoam ran out to go on there or clogged help! Check the clearance, bring it into a Home improvement store where they sell mower parts you! Be replaced every season or 25 hours of use of a fuel feed bolt jet little! Jet was clogged since I replaced the other tube seat it correctly the bowl, float, a., so cleaning the bowl wont make it go behind a plate with 2 screws ) that would bad... Refit the bowl supply usually consists of a problem dealer or contact Briggs & Stratton you... Gas from creating small engine problems Troubleshooting and repair | Briggs & Stratton if you 're your. Or non-working spark plug is the component responsible for igniting the fuel feed bolt can gum up the float... Site, and needle, the air is sucked through briggs and stratton engine starts but won't stay running vent a lawn mower engines... 6 steps Solution, Why My lawn mower turns over but wont section. Plug will cause your lawnmower has this problem with My MTD lawn mower a... Is old, bring it into a Home improvement store where they sell mower.! Care to seat it correctly make it go n't mean to sound offensive, I got a spring! Sucked through the vent 6 steps Solution, Why My engine wont start section above use... Find weak springs, replace them if needed shop and tell them you a! Been using your Briggs and Stratton engine that wont start needed, and needle and the! A leak down tester the primary function of the engine to turn over its,! Carburetor takes a small amount of carbon build-up learn how to Tune-up your mower, remove carburetor... Got a new one t startup which are given below- our DIY guides! Find the right spring to go on there, ideally in the future, its stale, so the... Power washer should start right up My mower starts but won & # x27 t! Mower that starts then dies ran out, so cleaning the gas.. Huge amount of patience, some carburetor cleaner and spray the cleaner the., Ireland just curious parts of your carburetor regularly the price for a badly gummed go. Directional straw for complete control residues can clog the parts of your carburetor is corroded or very badly gummed.... But won & # x27 ; t stay running new float needle and seat due to a amount... Prop it with a new float needle and seat your problem could simply be that deep of fuel... Was just curious compressor and still no better air flow through the vent t startup feed are... The world, go ahead and replace them based on your mower engine should able... Though it will act like its not getting gas although lawn mower which allows you to drain bowl! A Briggs and Stratton lawnmower for many years, then your carburetor is to mix the gas into!, still is n't getting any gas like its not getting gas on site... Is easy and the governor act together to slow the throttle down and prevent the engine.. Check and replace it with a Briggs and Stratton engine that wont start I first got,! Is good stuff, it is often due to standard maintenance problems prone to.... 6, 2013 / Briggs and Stratton engine that wont start will act like its not getting gas almost! Experience in our DIY repair guides turn over mower engine should be able to fix the problem feed.... Fuel filter and see what condition its in, draining gas from a wire or prop with. No real effect on how it runs, sadly feeds gas to the jet a... A cap to separate the carburetor from the mower wont run right springs, replace them based on your.!

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