Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn mower troubles, internal passages, lawnflite

Question
Hi Marc,

I have a Lawnflite MTD Lawn mower which has a bulb primer on it. I understand now that I should have drained the gas at the end of the season last year, but that is hind sight now. In the mean time, I added new gas to the old... Once I prime the bulb, the lawn mower starts for 3 to 5 seconds and then dies. I've tried maybe 30 to 40 times to keep it going, but to no avail. My guess it the carburetor is gummed up or something is blocking the continuous flow of gas to the engine. What do you think and what is your recommendation? Thanks, Keith

Answer
You are correct....the carb is gummed up.  You will need to thoroughly clean the carb, including pushing a piece of tag wire through all of the internal passages and follow up with carb cleaner.  Clean or replace the fuel filter as well.  Hope this helps.