Lawn Mower Won't Start

[autowasherfreak]

Some friends gave me their used lawnmower, but I can't get it started.  I filled the gas tank, and added oil, and primed like it said on the front and nothing.  I wondering if it could need a new spark plug, it hasn't been used for three years.  It wasn't stored with any gas in the gas tank. I haven't worked with a gas motor since I was in high school, so I don't know to much about them.

 

 

[mattl]

The first thing I'd try if you can find a helper would be to pull the cap off the spark plug and hold it quite close and try pulling the starter.  If it sparks I'd opt for a new plug, if not you have more serious problems.  Another thing to check is to see if the dummy switch is connected and working - if it's a newer model that has to have the handle engaged to start.  If the cable is loose it might not operate the switch and the mower will never start.

 

[arbilab]

3yo gas turns to mucilage. Check spark as above, then look into the fuel system. Do you still feel compression pulling the rope? Valves can stick open left in the same position that long.

 

[bajaespuma]

Don't bother checking the spark plug; just change it. It's cheap and easy. Dump all of your gasoline and let the tank dry out and inspect it as best you can for crud and water. Most of all be careful; these machines can do some damage if you don't know what you're doing. Best thing, if you can afford it, is take it to one of those yard machine businesses and ask them to overhaul it for you to get it working and ask them to let you know what is wrong with it.

 

I always have extra spark plugs on hand and I use that stuff that counteracts the ethanol in the gas you buy. Good luck.

 

[whirlcool]

When you check the machine as described above, make sure the spark plug wire is disconnected from the spark plug. You may want to change the oil in the unit at the same time. That won't prevent the unit from starting, but it'll make the engine last longer.

 

[autowasherfreak]

The gas tank was practically empty, the brought a gas can with a couple of gallons of new gas.  They are coming over on Thursday to see if I'm doing something wrong.  I might a flooded it too, I primed it more than the three times that it said on the front by the prime button.

 

 

[mixfinder]

Dead Man Shut Off

Are you remembering to hold the the motor cut off handle while pulling the rope? Seems like new lawnmowers are much harder to use because the angle of rope pulling, handle holding and body mechanics is all out of whack.

 

[iheartmaytag]

Hi-De-HO Good neighbor

I was just curious, you didn't mention the brand of mower or how it is powered.

 

If you have a Briggs engine with a flow-jet carb, you may have a fuel shut off under the fuel tank that needs to be switched on for the engine to get fuel.  Since this is a gravity fed carberator this is a safety measure, that some second owners are not aware of.

 

If it's a Briggs engine with The Pulsajet carb. The diaphram may have cracked from setting dry for so long.  (Crappy carberator anyway).  Since you mentioned a primer, I assumed it's not the Pulsajet, because that's the auto choke carb.

 

Did you try taking the air cleaner off and verifying that there is indeed fuel in the carberator? 

 

Let us know what you find out when your friends take a look.

 

[this post was last edited: 7/28/2011-14:22]

 

[hotpoint95622]

hotpoint 95622

<span style="font-size: small;">I would not bother, just get a goat or sheep to keep the grass down and put your feet up.</span>

 

[perc-o-prince]

We've got a testy rototiller that we bought from a fix-it guy at a flea market. You know the kind- gets these things from the dump then fixes them up. For example, our Craftsman 3hp tiller has a 5 horse engine on it!

 

Darn thing is tough to start. However, I've learned that if I take the plug out and drop about 6-8 drops of gas in the hole, she fires up in one or two pulls. I remember that trick from when I was much younger and my father did it a few times.

 

Chuck

 

[cuffs054]

And speaking of the gov-ment. I want to be safe like everyone else, but those dead-man controls on power mowers piss me off almost as much as the new CA approved caps on the gas cans. What a royal PIA!

 

[philr]

Common in lawn mowers with Briggs engines is this kind of carb:

 

 

http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/repairs/briggs_pulsa-prime_carb.asp

 

[alr2903]

After you get it running, follow Whirlcools advice about the oil.  We bought a new Toro, this summer and they recommend changing the oil after the engine is well warmed up.  I guess more sludge or whatever is in suspension when the oil is hot. alr