Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snapper Push Mower with Tecumseh Engine, snapper push mower, side discharge

Question
I removed the plug and grounded it to the fins, but I'm not getting any spark.  I tried the old spark plug as well, just to make sure.

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Followup To
Question -
I was recently given an old (about 15 years old) Snapper push mower that I used to cut my grandmother's grass with when I was younger.  The last time I personally used it was about 6 years ago, but I was told my brother had been using it several years ago.  Needless to say, it doesn't run anymore, but I would really like to get it going again, as it was one of the best mowers I've ever used.  It is a 21" mower with side discharge and a Tecumseh engine.  The engine's numbers are TVS90 43179D SER2272B.

When I last used it, it was in bad need of an engine overhaul, as it burned a lot of oil, but it did run.  At this point, it simply won't start and I'm not sure where to go with it from here.  Over the yeas the pull rope had broken several times and had got down to less than two feet in length.  I picked up about four feet of rope from my local dealer and restrung it several days ago.  I've also replaced the spark plug.

This mower has two cables going up the handle.  One I believe is a kill switch, because it has to be help against the handle bars to start.  The second adjust the speed of the mower -- it has settings for stop, slow, fast, and start.  Both of those cables are covered in a metal tube housing that has rusted pretty badly.  They don't work well, but I have worked them enough to get them moving most of the time.

The primer bulb on the carb is in really bad shape and almost completely off.  It does still eject fuel, but how well I don't know.

When I try to start it, everything seems ok, but it doesn't start.  The motor seems to turn alright and occasionally I'll get some small puffs of white smoke from the muffler.

I'm not really that familiar with small engines, but I would really like to do what I can to this lawn mower.  Any suggestions would be great appreciated.
Answer -
Hi Will,

It seems like you have spark but check it at the plug electrode by removing the plug, re-connecting the wire and grounding the plug against the engine fins.  If good spark, re-install the plug.  Next, try squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carb intake and see if it will start and run.  If it runs, then you will need to remove, disassemble and clean the carb internally.  It is probably gummed with old fuel.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael


Answer
Hi Will,

Make sure that the plug is making good ground to the fins and that the handle safety bar is depressed.  Using another person  as a helper, is easier.  You must have had spark before, for there to be puffs of smoke coming out of the muffler.  So test the spark again and then check the fuel issue.

Good Luck,
Michael