Mower won't start

10 years ago

Hi,

I have a one year old Craftsman push mower with a Briggs&Stratton engine. It's a "Ready Start" model, with no primer or choke. It worked flawlessly last summer. It has spent winter in the unheated workshop with some gas left in the tank.

A few days ago, I tried to start it, with the old gas in it. After several pulls, it started, but the engine ran rather fast, but for no more than 2-3 seconds before stalling. This happened about 2 more times and then it entirely refused to start.

I've drained the old gas and filled up with newly bought gas. I've opened the carburetor and cleaned it even though it looked like new still. I've replaced the spark plug and gaped it correctly and even confirmed that it fires. The air filter is clean.

The damn thing still refuses to even pretend to want to start. What else can I check or do? I've probably ran it for less than 10 hours total last summer; there's no way anything is gunked-up or really dirty. All out of ideas here, rather frustrating and the lawn looks like hell.

I've pulled the cord enough that I must have flooded the engine, but I understand that simply waiting a bit is enough before trying again. Or is there something else to be done?

Any tips appreciated. I've googled this plenty, but have gone through most everything I though was relevant.

Featured Answer

ssewalk1

10 years ago

isgen: Although the carb appears clean I would advise that ethanol fuel fouling is your problem . As in larger cities within Ontario , Quebec also now has Ethanol fuel within most larger cities. Unless you are using a Fuel stabilizer product made for ethanol based fuels , your small engine carbs will become fouled within 30 day of their last use. I would suggest you pick up a spray can of carb cleaner and spray some within the carb to restart you engine and repeat this process a few times until the engine will run for a short period. One the engine will at least fire place an ounce of cleaner within the fresh fuel in the tank . P.S. I would further suggest you inspect for a fuel filter on the supply line either externally or within the fuel tank since it may also be fouled . You should be able to blow through it . As a last thought check to ensure that your fuel cap is venting properly , there is usually a small hole which often can become plugged and cause a vacuum situation and fuel starvation. Let us know how it goes , It may take a few minutes for the fuel cleaner to resolve your issues .

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Comments (6)

isgen
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Thanks for the answers.

sstracker1,

I've already cleaned the disassembled carburetor with carb cleaner. Just to make sure I get it right, you suggest I spray some in there and then try to start the engine? Then I'd put some carb cleaner in the fuel tank? I don't think I have a fuel filter, but will re-inspect the fuel routing and gas cap venting.

So an ethanol-specific fuel stabilizer would really be best then?

mdstamen,

I do have spark, verified by taking the spark plug out and wiring it to the connector and mower body; it sparked away quite nicely when I cranked.

Bent shaft and toasted??? I don't see how that would have happened.
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isgen
Original Author
10 years ago
I'm working on the mower some more. I've found that spraying carburetor cleaner in the carburetor and cranking, I get the engine to turn on, but it stalls after a few seconds. If I run my finger inside the tube where the carburetor mounts on the engine block, I don't smell gasoline on my finger. There is gas in the carburetor bowl though. The tiny pinhole in the brass bushing is clean and free of gunk. There is also a small steel bad in the other tube, which does not seem to be moving, not sure if it's even supposed to.
isgen
Original Author
10 years ago
Re-did a bunch of cleaning in the disassembled carb and shot some more carb cleaner. It started! And worked the whole way through, with no issue restarting, yes! Crossing my fingers that it'll behave good next time around.
andyma_gw
10 years ago
Great Job !. I'm an old fart . I use a cap full of MMO in with the gas. I have a lot less events like what you just went through. I haven't noticed any improvement in using stabilizer in the gas which I keep out of the sun. I presently am using up a 2 gallons of 6 month old 93 octane. It has wintered over nicely since New Years.. I've decided to switch to high test for the OPE. I should probably dump the stuff in the car or my Ranger, but.. So far the mowers run OK . I keep a can of Chem-Tool on hand in case. Also . Install an in-line shut off and run the carb dry after every use. No more troubles on the OPE with shut offs.
ssewalk1
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
isgen : Good to hear that the carb cleaner eventually cleared you fuel circuits . I see by your carb pics that the float may have been sticking or more likely that the inlet needle valve , under the float was most likely stuck closed . This valve allows fuel delivery once the float rises with proper fuel level . Ethanol fuel will foul these small engine carb circuits very easily within over 30 day of inactivity . I currently use Startron fuel conditioner which protects fuel for over a yr. for approx. seven bucks at either Walmart or Canadian Tire . I routinely service all makes of Chain Saws , Lawnmowers , blowers and weed wackers , snow blowers Etc. So fuel starvation issues are usually easily resolved without to much fuss . You just have to educate yourself and interpret the symtoms. The Kiss formula works well lol . Congrats on the resolution Bro ! P.S.S. As Andy has advised other fuel additives Marvel Mystery Oil & Lucas Products etc also have a form of solvency which cleans , 1st generation Stabil Products not designed for ethanol usually do not serve as well . Check out the Startron Product you won,t be disappointed !