Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Self Starter Lawn Mower wont work, spark plug cable, fuel starvation

Question
QUESTION: Self Starter Lawn Mower won't work

Hi,
I have a 5 year old lawn mower, Troy bilt, self starter, Tuff cut 230.  I can't get it to start.  The v belt is in place, as is the spark plug cable, not locked.  Has oil, gas.  Upon trying to start it, sometimes its just dead, sometimes the engine will turn a few times and then die.  While the mower if off I can pull it back easily but trying to move it forward gives a lot of resistence which it did not have before.  Any clues?

ANSWER: Tom:

I am a bit confused by your question (s):  

When you say "self starter"  do you mean the "touch and mow" start system?

Are you saying the engine will not start? or it does start and then dies shortly after start up?

And then the part about moving it forward with resistance, i think you are referring to self propel is that correct?


Please clarify for me and send me a followup.

Dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: if i pull on the cord about a dozen times the engine might turn a few times then die.   it's a self push mower when you push the handle down.   what i meant by resistence is that before it died i was able to push it forward when it was off with ease, now its kind of jammed. but I can pull it backwards without it jamming at all.

Answer
I see two different issues here.

One, the engine will not keep running

Two,  The mower is difficult to push freely when not running.


Lets address issue one first.

How fresh is the fuel in the fuel tank?  Drain the fuel and put fresh fuel in from the gas pump.  See if this resolves your problem.

Perhaps its a venting problem, loosen the gas cap a bit when trying to start the engine and see if this makes a difference.

If both these fail to rectify your problem, the carburator needs to be replaced or repaired.  IT sounds like you definately have a fuel starvation problem.  A good cleaning may be all that is needed, but if you clean it and you still have the problem, you need to replace it anyway.  

Issue number two:( mower wont move freely)   Sometimes there is grass clippings or dirt that cause the belt to bind to the pulley, this may be your problem.  There is a ratcheting mechinisim in the drive wheels which may need some cleaning and fresh lubrication.

Hope this Helps

Happy tinkering


Dave