Mower Won't Keep Running
 

I have a mulching mower that worked fine a month ago. Now, when I
start it, it runs for 15-seconds and then quits...unless I push the
rubber primer button that puts a shot of gas into the engine. Even
after it warms up, it still only runs for 15-seconds, then wants to
quit. I hesitate to bring it into a repair shop and pay $75 to fix
a mower that's not worth that much.

A year ago, when I brought a relative's mower in that wouldn't start,
they cleaned it out and said it was a victon of "old gas"...even
though I typically leave gas in my mower and snowblower year round,
and they always start.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Scott

Scott wrote:
I have a mulching mower that worked fine a month ago. Now, when I
start it, it runs for 15-seconds and then quits...unless I push the
rubber primer button that puts a shot of gas into the engine. Even
after it warms up, it still only runs for 15-seconds, then wants to
quit. I hesitate to bring it into a repair shop and pay $75 to fix
a mower that's not worth that much.

A year ago, when I brought a relative's mower in that wouldn't start,
they cleaned it out and said it was a victon of "old gas"...even
though I typically leave gas in my mower and snowblower year round,
and they always start.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Scott


Yea, your carb is dirty. Get a carb rebuild kit from the local lawn
mower shop and rebuild the carb. Basically you just take it apart,
clean it up real good, and put it back together with new gaskets and
float/float valve.

Scott wrote:
I have a mulching mower that worked fine a month ago. Now, when I
start it, it runs for 15-seconds and then quits...unless I push the
rubber primer button that puts a shot of gas into the engine. Even
after it warms up, it still only runs for 15-seconds, then wants to
quit. I hesitate to bring it into a repair shop and pay $75 to fix
a mower that's not worth that much.

A year ago, when I brought a relative's mower in that wouldn't start,
they cleaned it out and said it was a victon of "old gas"...even
though I typically leave gas in my mower and snowblower year round,
and they always start.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Scott

Old gas can be a problem, but in general, as long as it is fresh to
start with and is kept sealed it should be good for a year. You can buy
products to extend the life of gas. Note: if exposed to the air,
evaporation of some parts of the gas can make what is left not usable.

I agree with User that the likely problem is the need to clean out the
carb.


--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

You have a fuel supply problem.

--

Christopher A. Young
Do good work.
It's longer in the short run
but shorter in the long run.
..
..


"Scott" wrote in message
...
I have a mulching mower that worked fine a month ago. Now, when I
start it, it runs for 15-seconds and then quits...unless I push the
rubber primer button that puts a shot of gas into the engine. Even
after it warms up, it still only runs for 15-seconds, then wants to
quit. I hesitate to bring it into a repair shop and pay $75 to fix
a mower that's not worth that much.

A year ago, when I brought a relative's mower in that wouldn't start,
they cleaned it out and said it was a victon of "old gas"...even
though I typically leave gas in my mower and snowblower year round,
and they always start.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Scott

"Scott" wrote in message
...
I have a mulching mower that worked fine a month ago. Now, when I
start it, it runs for 15-seconds and then quits...unless I push the
rubber primer button that puts a shot of gas into the engine. Even
after it warms up, it still only runs for 15-seconds, then wants to
quit. I hesitate to bring it into a repair shop and pay $75 to fix
a mower that's not worth that much.

A year ago, when I brought a relative's mower in that wouldn't start,
they cleaned it out and said it was a victim of "old gas"...even
though I typically leave gas in my mower and snowblower year round,
and they always start.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Scott

You probably have varnish in the carb which deposited from the gas
sitting too long. A higher quality/grade of gas, or the addition of a
gas stabilizer like Stabil probably would have prevented it.

Now you'll need to: 1) add a solvent to the gas and run the motor long
enough to dissolve the varnish (not easy if the motor won't stay lit),
or 2) remove the varnish by soaking the carb in a solvent and scrubbing
away the residue, especially in the float bowl and the jets. Most small
motor shops will do such a repair for about $100.

Randy