Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower and Outboard, thump thump, starter rope

Question

I have two old pieces of equiptment that have been sitting in a garage 10 yrs.Neither is froze up but of coarse wont start. Can you tell me some things to do before I try to find old repair manuals etc..
One is a 1956 variety Johnson Seahorse 5.5 HP outboard. The other is a Toro 910 small riding lawnmower.Another problem with the riding mower is when I pulled the starter rope it wont recoil.
Respectfully,
Bob

Answer
The answer to your question is very long and involved but in a nutshell, here are a few things that will definitely require attention:

1.  Compression - check it first.  Mower has compression release so you will have to go by feel (should have nice thump-thump) and the outboard should have over 100PSI compression (check manual for exact number).
2.  Fuel left in will require a complete cleaning of the carb, tank and fuel system and replacement of any diaphrams, lines that have been destroyed by the old fuel.
3.  Lubricants -  all will need to be flushed out and changed.
4.  Thorough inspection of all rubber, foam and other perishable materials on the engine (lines, filters, etc.)
5.  Then you can check for spark and repair if necessary.

Anything else will be what I consider TLC to restore these pieces of equipment to proper running condition.  As for the recoil, I recommend to everyone they should take it into a good shop to have it repaired because it can be more expensive to repair yourself if you don't know what you're doing.  Hope this helps.