I have had similar occurrences, though I can't recall the specific cure.
Here are some basic troubleshooting steps I usually take:

1) Since the mower does not want to run even when primed, I doubt that the
carb is the main issue. If it was the carb, you would at least be able to
run the mower by constantly pressing the prime button when it starts. This
is good when the carb bowl has no gas in it.

2) Check the spark plug. What color is it? If it is black, then you have
a fouling issue. Is it wet? If so, then it means that you are getting
fuel, but no ignition. Clean the plug (or replace it). Make sure the plug
is dry when replaced.

3) Check the air filter. Make sure that it is clean. A dirty filter will
cause your mower to run rich and foul the plug. In extreme circumstances, a
clean plug can foul in five or ten minutes.

4) If you are still not having any luck, remove the spark plug and
reconnect it to the plug wire. Have the metal part of the plug touch the
engine and pull the start cord. Do you see a spark? If yes, then you have
a fuel delivery issue. If not, it could be the plug or the coil. Keep
working with the above steps to see if it will run. If you still can't get
it going, take it to a small-engine mechanic.




"Art Renkes" wrote in message
...
I have a Scott SP walk-behind mower with a 6.5 HP Tecumseh motor. The
last time I used it (about 2 months ago) it seemed to run fine. Now it
apparently makes no attempt to start (after priming it and after many
pulls). In addition to this problem, while trying to start it the
engine sometimes jerks the starting rope out of my hand (backfires?).
Can anyone suggest what might be causing this and what to do about it?
Thanks for any help.
Art
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