There's no way in the world it's going to start on two year old gas if there's any in the tank, so I would start by changing the gas (drain it out by tipping the mower and refill the tank with about one cup full of fresh gas), spark plug, and air filter. You can probably get the plug and filter at Home Depot, and having a new filter and plug plus fresh gas will give you the best chance to start the engine assuming nothing else is wrong. Check the oil level and if the engine needs more oil, top it off. Then work on getting the thing cranked up for a couple minutes. Find the owner's manual online somewhere and find out how many times the engine is supposed to be primed, etc. so you don't flood it. If the engine has an inline fuel filter, check and/or replace that, too.

If you succeed, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire (to prevent accidental starting) then hose the top and bottom of the deck off (to remove crud and make it easier to spot any gas or oil leaks) then add more gas and run the mower for a couple hours to see how it behaves (stalling - smoke - surging - leaks - harder or easier to restart when hot - etc.?). Again, check the owner's manual to find out how best to access the underneath side, as some mowers shouldn't be tilted forward or toward their air filter (in order to prevent oil or gas flooding or gas leakage). If you don't get the mower started, let it sit for a couple more hours, then try to get it started again.

If it never cranks up, remove the air filter and spark plug and spray carburetor cleaner in both openings. Let the mower sit a couple more hours, then put the filter and plug back and try to start it again. If you don't succeed, then start thinking about pulling the carburetor to inspect for clogging and dirt. Keep track of how close the engine gets to coming to life on your various attempts, as various behaviors obviously signal different things that could be wrong. Is the mower self-propelled? If so, check whether it has grease fittings for the drive system that need to be serviced once in a while. If it uses a drive belt, inspect and replace as needed.

Most of these repairs can be done with a basic set of hand or socket wrenches and screwdrivers. If you don't already have these tools, they're a worthwhile investment and are not expensive, espeically if bought at a store like Harbor Freight Tools.

More starting and troubleshooting info is at:

http://www.m-and-d.com/helpfaq.html

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.m-and-d.com/helpfaq.html

The mower is definitely older than 2 years. The biggest battle may end up being carburetion. If it ends up real nasty, it may need replacement along w/ the fuel line and a good tank cleaning

TP X 2. I would get it running before doing anything but checking the oil. Drain out any old gas, add some fresh. Buy a can of spray carb cleaner, and see if you can get it running by spraying it down the carb throat. Get it going and keep it going by giving it another shot as it starts to sputter. After about 5 minutes or so, it should run on its own. If this doesnt work, then you will need to clean out the carb. Then drain the oil and replace the air filter. Sharpen the blade too.

Hi, I bought that mower (on the net from picture) thinking it was 3 years old, 1 year used, without even starting it. I was sure it was a good buy. $200 for it. It's all I could afford for one. I just found out the model is 10 years old, original super clean filter, original spark plug and overall in super shape and clean, no gas in tank. It was kept in a heated garage all the time. I can't wait to change the oil, put new gas and try it.

The good thing about it is all the part or John Deere and Briggs & Stratton, all available on the net and eazy to found the exact parts. Two big company, I'm happy of it and pretty sure it will work's and last a long time with some maintenance. I will let you know.

Is there anybody who had one? Did it last? Which problem did you had with it?

The model is a Scotts by John Deere 21",3 in 1, Self Propel, 6.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine. Model SP6211, with bag for clipping. Does anybody know how much it was for sale back then?