QuestionAfter thinking about this more, I had used some gas from the same container to run for about an hour before the problems started and there weren't any problems then. (Was trying not to fill it more than needed since it was going into storage after). So probably not the fuel.
Was able to start it today without the air filter (after sitting overnight) but same response: lots of blue exhaust, started surging after choke disengaged (starts to stall if re-engaged), surging gets worse til stalls. Can't restart.
Guess i'll plan to take it in.
thanks again
Drew
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Followup To
Question -
The tank is about 1/2 full. I was wondering if the fuel might be bad since the problems started right after refueling. The fuel is probably 2 months old. Maybe I'll try syphoning and replacing it?
The oil level is about 20% overfilled (from the factory). There is a warranty on the mower.
I'll try it without the air filter and changing the gas, and if that doesn't help I'll take it for warranty service
Thanks for the ideas
Drew
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Followup To
Question -
It started on first try after changing the plug, but started surging after a few seconds. Couldn't get a smooth idle with or without choke. It stalled after a couple minutes and won't restart. The new plug had a fair bit of carbon deposit.
Drew
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Followup To
Question -
I don't smell gas in the oil.
I tried cleaning the plug when flooded, but not replacing it. I'll give that a try.
thanks
Drew
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Followup To
Question -
I have an almost new Craftsman lawn tractor with an 18.5 B&S Intek OHV. Used < 10 hrs. It ran out of gas while mowing. Haven't been able to start it since refilling. Was initially on a hill but no luck after pushing onto flat. Seems to be flooding - gas spraying out by exhaust, even after it sits. Any suggestions?
Answer -
Does the oil smell like gasoline?
Have you tried changing the spark plugs? We have plugs fail all the time, new and old.
Let me know.
Eric
Answer -
Did it start after replacing the plug?
Let me know.
Eric
Answer -
How old if the fuel and is the tank full?
It's possible some debris got into the carburetor. With the mower being so new it's also possible that their's a problem with the fuel system. Most true warranty problems show up very soon after using the product...similar to your situation.
You might try removing the air filter and see if it runs. This is probalby as far as I would go. Is their a warranty on the mower?
Is the oil at the correct level?
Let me know.
Eric
Answer -
It's very possible the fuel is bad depending on where you live. In Hawaii, the fuel contained no anti-ice agents and would go bad in about 30 days. I now live in a 4 seasons climate and the fuel in the fall and winter will last about a couple of months before going stale.
Let me know if re-fueling works. You will probably have to crank the engine over to flush the old fuel from the carburetor.
Let me know what happens.
Eric
AnswerI'd still try the fuel since the mower is so new. It does not hurt the mower to store with fuel as long as you use fuel stabilizer. You can purchase fuel stabilizer from most small engine stores, auto parts stores or even Wal-Mart. I use stabilizer in all my equipment and have had no problems. In fact my motorcycle sits most of the winter and starts right up in spring.
Try changing the fuel, add some stabilizer and see what happens.
Let me know if it starts.
Eric
