Lawn Mower engine cannot get it started!
Discussion
Need some help here
Bought a second hand petrol mower it worked when I picked it up but have not used it at all in 6 months due to weather ....
So tried to start it.... Not a chance
It has new fuel
Spark plug has been removed~ it looked dark maybe need a new one?
Air filter was filthy but I tried to start it with no air filter in still nothing
There is fuel jn the carb and when I prime it I can see the plug has eventually got wet.
It has oil to correct level
I've turned the blade round with a socket set and its relatively free
It doesn't even splutter
My arm is shot with the amount of pulling I had to try but I gave up.
So I need some help about what to do
Its a 5.5 HP Briggs and Stratton it appears to be a good 10 years old but looks fine no filthy grime.
What could be wrong?
Bought a second hand petrol mower it worked when I picked it up but have not used it at all in 6 months due to weather ....
So tried to start it.... Not a chance
It has new fuel
Spark plug has been removed~ it looked dark maybe need a new one?
Air filter was filthy but I tried to start it with no air filter in still nothing
There is fuel jn the carb and when I prime it I can see the plug has eventually got wet.
It has oil to correct level
I've turned the blade round with a socket set and its relatively free
It doesn't even splutter
My arm is shot with the amount of pulling I had to try but I gave up.
So I need some help about what to do
Its a 5.5 HP Briggs and Stratton it appears to be a good 10 years old but looks fine no filthy grime.
What could be wrong?
Mermaid said:
It is not aHonda 
I have a couple of B & S appliances and wish i did not. Fuel gelling up is the problem mine suffer an cleaning out the fuel line helps.
Good point. I have a couple of B & S appliances and wish i did not. Fuel gelling up is the problem mine suffer an cleaning out the fuel line helps.
When I grew up we had many petrol mowers mainly Mountfield took ages to start and always striping down etc. Then we (old man) forked out for a 24" Honda ..... Starts first pull every pull even 17 years down the line (and last time I saw it it was still just like new).
Shame I cannot justify £700+ on a Honda mower when I have this one for £50 second hand (though if I cannot get it to start may sell it and buy a new one...)
I have been advised by my local garden machinery centre that with the fuel we get (due to the EU) if you leave a small engine with fuel in the carburetor for a few months it forms a solid state within the very small drillings not unlike silicone sealant.
Although they have equipment to clean carbs out this does not solve the problem and the only solution is a new carb.
Note this only really applies with small engines. The way to prevent this occurring is either to run the engine dry of fuel or to run it for a few minutes each month.
This is NOT just my opinion but the words of the workshop foreman who has seen this problem many times
Although they have equipment to clean carbs out this does not solve the problem and the only solution is a new carb.
Note this only really applies with small engines. The way to prevent this occurring is either to run the engine dry of fuel or to run it for a few minutes each month.
This is NOT just my opinion but the words of the workshop foreman who has seen this problem many times
Mermaid said:
It is not aHonda
I have a couple of B & S appliances and wish i did not. Fuel gelling up is the problem mine suffer an cleaning out the fuel line helps.
I've had a B&S engined mower since 1996 and it's had minimal maintainance in this time - I'd quite like a posh new Honda or Hayter but it just runs perfectly - started first pull last weekend. Bombproof. I have a couple of B & S appliances and wish i did not. Fuel gelling up is the problem mine suffer an cleaning out the fuel line helps.
TVR keith said:
I have been advised by my local garden machinery centre that with the fuel we get (due to the EU) if you leave a small engine with fuel in the carburetor for a few months it forms a solid state within the very small drillings not unlike silicone sealant.
Although they have equipment to clean carbs out this does not solve the problem and the only solution is a new carb.
Note this only really applies with small engines. The way to prevent this occurring is either to run the engine dry of fuel or to run it for a few minutes each month.
This is NOT just my opinion but the words of the workshop foreman who has seen this problem many times
Not sure of the engine size but its a 5.5bhp Although they have equipment to clean carbs out this does not solve the problem and the only solution is a new carb.
Note this only really applies with small engines. The way to prevent this occurring is either to run the engine dry of fuel or to run it for a few minutes each month.
This is NOT just my opinion but the words of the workshop foreman who has seen this problem many times
Fuel was left in it over winter.
VERY SIMPLE FIX TO START ALL MOWERS:
1. Get a blowtorch
2. Heat up the exhaust and as much of the motor you can get at (watching out of course for plastic bits and fuel etc.)
3. Pull the cord - it will start.
A warm engine turns over and starts much easier. I've been doing this for years and my moer starts first time every year.
1. Get a blowtorch
2. Heat up the exhaust and as much of the motor you can get at (watching out of course for plastic bits and fuel etc.)
3. Pull the cord - it will start.
A warm engine turns over and starts much easier. I've been doing this for years and my moer starts first time every year.
sunbeam alpine said:
VERY SIMPLE FIX TO START ALL MOWERS:
1. Get a blowtorch
2. Heat up the exhaust and as much of the motor you can get at (watching out of course for plastic bits and fuel etc.)
3. Pull the cord - it will start.
A warm engine turns over and starts much easier. I've been doing this for years and my moer starts first time every year.
1. Get a hair drier1. Get a blowtorch
2. Heat up the exhaust and as much of the motor you can get at (watching out of course for plastic bits and fuel etc.)
3. Pull the cord - it will start.
A warm engine turns over and starts much easier. I've been doing this for years and my moer starts first time every year.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff