QuestionAllen, I emptied out the gas tank and checked the bowl. The bowl held a small amount of fluid, which I've emptied. I put some gas in the tank and tried to get it to flow out through the carburetor, but it appears the flow is restricted. No gas came through, except for intially when the bowl was removed. I will check the float.
If the float is working fine then there must be something creating an obstruction in the carburetor or the fuel line. I suppose if that is the case I'll check the carburetor first.
I'll let you know how I make out in the next couple of days.
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Followup To
Question -
Allen, I cleaned out the air filter and replaced the spark plug. Neither seem to be the cause of the problem. I'm thinking it may be a fuel line problem. It is closest to turning over after the choke bulb has been depressed. After that it doesn't come close. Is there anything to consider when taking the fuel line off and checking the flow?
I'll consider taking it in to a shop after I cross off all the easy fixes myself.
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Followup To
Question -
Thanks for the prompt reply. It is likely either 2 or 3 as it is stored in a covered garage. If it's 2 I suppose I can just clean the filter with soap and water or buy a new air filter? If it's the spark plug, I'd love for you to guide me on the process. I should have the proper tools and the will to learn.
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Followup To
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I'd almost finished my lawn on the weekend when my 2 yr old MTD started losing its power. Within about 2 seconds the engine completely stalled. I tried to restart with no luck and put it away for the day. Next day I tried to restart it again. No luck. Not sure what the problem may be. Spark plug, carburetor, fuel line.
I have not had problems previously. Of late however it has smoked on occasion. One such instance occurred the day before it went down. It smoked quite a bit when I titled it back on its back wheels to wheel it around while it was still going. Coughed and smoked. Not sure if this caused the problem or is just a symptom.
Now I'd like to know what to try. I've never fiddled around with an engine before and don't know much about what to do next. I don't want to scrap it and hopefully it is something that can be fixed with a little persistence.
Answer -
Hi Blair,
Couple things- first, do you have any tools? If not, really it'd be best to take it to a good shop. Your problem is most likely not serious, and could be fixed quickly( and cheaper than a new mower). Below are suspected problems listed in order of what I think most likely.
1-Water in the carburator bowl/gas tank. Happens to mowers left out in the weather.
2-Air filter very very dirty
3-Spark plug worn out. The electrode gap on the plug will eventually open up far enough the arc can't jump it.
If you still want to tackle this- we can do it- but a basic tool set will be required. Lemme know- I'll tell ya what you need, ok?
Answer -
Hi again Blair!
For air filter check its simple. Take it off, see if it runs. If it does, buy a new filter (lowes & home depot carry them)and off ya go-
For a spark plug- lowes also stocks a plug removal tool for lawn mowers. I know its two trips, sorry, but go ahead get the tool AND a new plug while you're there (plugs are cheap adn should be replaced periodically anyways) The plug will already be gapped at .30", so pull the coil boot off your old plug (pull straight out, twist a little) install the tool, turn counterclockwise & remove. (oh yeah- make sure you tell me what kind of tool they stock, one has a handle built onto it the other does not, just has a hole for you to stick a screwdriver through)
Start the new plug by hand so as not to cross up the threads, and tighten it as much as you can with the tool.
Answer -
Hi Blair
You're doin fine- lemme see now- a 6hp HAS a fuel bowl under the carburator, so we need to remove that. There is one large nut directly under the bottom. unscrew it and the bowl will pop off.
If water comes out, pour some gas into the tank and slosh it about, it should run right out of the bottom of the carb with the bowl removed. If it dosen't the float is clogged or stuck (thats the plastic thing hanging down a bit. It has to move up and down freely to work, and there should be no gas inside of the plastic float)
Lemme know how this goes for ya ok?
AnswerHi Blair
Excellent. Now the float has a litle hinge, and the pin for this hinge comes right out (don't lose it). You will then see that (look carefully) there is a valve vertically positioned in a tube (this is where the fuel comes in). This valve is connected to the float on a little set of tabs (careful don't break them), and in some older mowers with a small clip that attaches to a flap. You need to remove this valve and spray some carburator cleaner directly up into the hole. Guard your eyes with goggles! The carburator cleaner comes in a can with a smal lred tube on the side, this plugs into the can's nozzle and allows you to spray the stuff into the tiniest holes!
Hope it all goes well for ya!
