Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Mower starts w/ prime then shuts off, gas valve, shut off valve

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a Weedeater 22" lawn mower-recently purchased. If I prime the
engine it starts immediately runs for about 2 secs and stops. The mower is less
than 6mos old...what could possibly be wrong

THANKS!!!

ANSWER: Andy,

It sounds like you have stale fuel in your fuel system OR you have an obstruction in your carb that is preventing it to run.

Go get some fresh fuel and drain the old fuel out of the engine if its more then 30 days old.  Prime the engine and start the mower.  When the mower starts CONTINUE pushing the primer (keeping the engine running) until the new fuel reaches the tank.(The engine will continue to run on its own at this point)  This should take care of the problem

IF it doesn't take care of the problem you have an obstruction in the main nozzle of the carb and this will have to be cleaned.  Lets try the simple thing first and i can walk you through a carb cleaning procedure if its needed.

Happy Mowing!

David R

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

QUESTION: Hi David...well I tried the easy way-drained the gas, got new gas, kept priming it and it still won't run...what next?

Thanks!!!

Andy

ANSWER: Is your gas valve turned on?  It sounds like you need to either replace or have the carb serviced.  Its cheaper to replace the carb then to repair it.

IF you decide you want to attempt to clean the carb let me know and i can walk you through it.

David R

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

QUESTION: Hey, Thanks for your help- this mower is less than a year old- can't imagine something needs to be replaced...what is the gas valve?

A

Answer
The Gas valve is the shut off valve, it turns the fuel on and off to the carburetor.

Even though the unit is less then 1 year old, if there was gas left in it over the off season it has most likely gummed up the carb.  You can attempt to clean it, but if cleaning doesn't work you will still need to replace it.