you'd think that this has happened to people before, but i figured it out after 2 months on my own! i was looking in professional small engine books, 5 of them to be exact, and it said nothing of the sort with the pick up tube being loose or anything. i posted this on this website also. has this happened to any of you guys before? this thread will be a great troubleshooting, teaching article for briggs flatties. look how long it's gotten!