Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): solenoid, ketchup bottles, squirt bottle

Question
QUESTION: Spark is good.  The fuel maybe stale.  How old is the fuel?
Have you removed the air filter and tried starting the engine by priming the carb?  I use a small squirt bottle, like those old ketchup bottles with the tapered tip, to squirt a little gas directly into the carburetor.  Works great and you know the problem is fuel/carb related if the engine tries to start after priming.Let me know if it tries to start.
Eric


I emptied the fuel tank and fuel lines and put a new gas filter on and fresh gas. The gas was from August.Now when trying to start I am not getting a good crank from the starter. It almost sounds like the battery is dead from all the cranks to get it started When I checked battery it says 12v. Should I hook up cables from my car to battery and try and start it that way...I am not sure if it would damage battery
rob....then i will squirt gas into the carb like u said

ANSWER: It would be better to charge the battery with a trickle charger...car  batteries and cables is not recommended.  In a pinch I have used car batteries and cables but you risk ruining the battery.  I would disconnect the mower battery cables and clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wirebrush...it can help with cranking and charging.

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok sounds good
one thought ...why would battery still register 12v when I checked it with the meter...shouldn't it be showing less volts??????

Answer
It's the current you are lacking.  Voltage will rarely read less then 10 volts and usually will be closer to 12 volts but without current stored in the battery plates/cells you will have no power.  

If you load test the battery you will see the voltage drop off quick on a low charged battery.

Battery manufacture's recommend using low current/ampre chargers because higher power chargers can warp the internal battery plates causing the battery to fail.  

Eric