QuestionThe model number from the mower was painted over...but MTD helped me trace back from the engine
Model number 13-325-401 Yard Man Rider
B&S motor 8.5 HP 198707-0141-E1
Replaced the upper drive belt, had a friend coming to help so I carefully washed everything down & blew off with a blower; did not drop the engine pulley all the way off the shaft but lowered, and removed the rear pulley & replaced...belts on correctly, all excited to mow and now it won't start...
---thought maybe plug was bad, replaced, put starting fluid & a little gas in carb- it fired up briefly, lots of white smoke from exhaust; made me think maybe got water in fuel...so
---took off gas tank, dumped, cleaned with alcohol, let dry, replaced fuel filter, checked lines, re-assembled..new gas..
---charged battery-- will turn over & over no start, don't know if gas is making it to cylinder, or if it will spark against frame or not hard to hold brake with foot, turn key and see the thing at the same time..even put starting fluid in where spark plug goes and put plug in...
---guessing no spark, could I have gotten something wet? replaced fuse,old one looked okay but...I had one so..cannot find any place wires grounding out...
---it was running fine before, a little tricky with throttle in that it liked running on high, a little hesitation slower speeds but usually cranked by 2nd or 3rd try at most..
---it is in "neutral" and of course blade not engaged when trying to start...
let me know if you need a photo...traded for this as am trying to keep up a couple of acres--was taking me 8 plus hours with the 21 inch.. Let me know if you need pictures of anything. Thank you..It's just strange that it would quit all of the sudden.
AnswerKristi
What may be the problem is the carburetor may have internal problems stuck float or debris in the ports. You said if you spray starting fluid in it will try to start? If the engine briefly started then this is not a spark issue more than likely it is a carburetor problem. You may have to remove the carburetor and check to see if the carburetor is not corroded allot of these carbs get deterioration inside them from not being used or from the bad gas they have out there for sale.
A new carb rebuild kit is around $39.00 a new Carburetor is around $145.00 so rebuilding would be the better choice unless it is really in bad shape.If you remove the carb remember how all the springs,throttles and all connections are assembled or else it may not go back the same way as these are used on allot of different engines.Take pictures if you must. We also can get you parts if you need them.
