QuestionI have a gas lawnmower and I'm not very mechanically savvy. The mower is only 3-4 yrs old and hasn't given me a problem since I've had it. I live in Albuquerque, NM and left it in my garage over the winter. I think I was supposed to "winterize" it somehow but didn't think it would get too cold so I didn't (bad idea?)
I am trying to start it now and can't get it to turn over (or even give a puff of optimism.) There is some gas in the tank and there is oil in the oil tank showing more than 3/4 full on the dipstick. I pushed the primer bulb a couple of times, hold the operating bar and can't get it to turn over. I've let it sit thinking I flooded it but to no avail.
Do I need to bring this in to a small engine repair place or am I missing something simple?
Thanks.
Ed Arnold
AnswerThe gas is probalby stale...we see this all the time...our most common repair.
You can try draining the fuel from the fuel tank, depending on your mower you may a fuel line you can remove to drain the tank. DO NOT tip the mower upside down!!!
After draining the fuel tank you can drain the carb. Again, depending on your mower you may a float style carburetor. If so, there is a nut located on the bottom of the carburetor that you can loosen/remove the drain the oil gas.
After all the oil fuel is removed, refill the engine with brand new gas. Try starting the engine. If it still will not start then the spark plug may have fouled due to old fuel...replace the plug.
Let me know what you find.
Eric
