Lawnmower question
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg WV
Lawnmower question
I have a troy-bilt mower that my girlfriend's dad gave to me last year.
I didn't use it much last year, then hauled it out a couple days ago to mow some grass. It was out of gas so I added some fresh stuff and mowed for about an hour, and it ran out of gas.
I added some gas, mowed for another 2 minutes tops, and it shut off. I couldn't get it to restart so I pushed it inside and let it sit for an hour or so. After that it restarted but it would only run with the choke on, it would start to stumble and die out if you took off the choke (and this is even after letting it run for a couple minutes).
I went to mess with it again the next day and now it won't run at all. If you put the choke on, it will start and run for a second or two and die and then not restart. If you let it sit for a bit and come back, it will do the same thing.
What's wrong with this thing? Checked the spark plug and it looks a little funky, might need replaced, but the fact that it at least fires up tells me it's getting spark at least. I dunno.
I didn't use it much last year, then hauled it out a couple days ago to mow some grass. It was out of gas so I added some fresh stuff and mowed for about an hour, and it ran out of gas.
I added some gas, mowed for another 2 minutes tops, and it shut off. I couldn't get it to restart so I pushed it inside and let it sit for an hour or so. After that it restarted but it would only run with the choke on, it would start to stumble and die out if you took off the choke (and this is even after letting it run for a couple minutes).
I went to mess with it again the next day and now it won't run at all. If you put the choke on, it will start and run for a second or two and die and then not restart. If you let it sit for a bit and come back, it will do the same thing.
What's wrong with this thing? Checked the spark plug and it looks a little funky, might need replaced, but the fact that it at least fires up tells me it's getting spark at least. I dunno.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: Brandon, MS
Ditto. What you have is a dirty carburetor. Take it off and douse it really well with carburetor cleaner a couple of times. That should clear up your problem. While you're at it, flush the gas tank and replace the air filter.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg WV
I have no idea how old it is. But, I guess I'll have to pull the carb off sometime then.
Do I need to soak it with carb cleaner or just spray the cleaner through where the fuel goes in?
Do I need to soak it with carb cleaner or just spray the cleaner through where the fuel goes in?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
Is the engine a Briggs & Stratton, or Tecumseh, or possibly a Kohler??
IF it's a Tecumseh, I'll wager real money that you need to rebuild the carb.
(Tecumseh's logo should be a bowtie!!!)
Start with the simplest fix, first.
Take off the air cleaner and replace or clean the filter element.
See if it runs.
If there's no change in performance, yank the carb off and give it a thorough cleaning and/or rebuild job.
Carb kits are still under $15.00 here.
IF it's a Tecumseh, I'll wager real money that you need to rebuild the carb.
(Tecumseh's logo should be a bowtie!!!)
Start with the simplest fix, first.
Take off the air cleaner and replace or clean the filter element.
See if it runs.
If there's no change in performance, yank the carb off and give it a thorough cleaning and/or rebuild job.
Carb kits are still under $15.00 here.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,047
Likes: 2
From: North west La
I have lots of carb problems due to ethanol gas. I clean carbs all the time. I find it gums up the float & causes it to stick. I have a pan of seafoam I use to clean them. I let them set over night & blow out the lines & jets with B&S carb cleaner after the soak. I have several old lawnmowers. I keep them running with a little care. My latest rebuild was putting a 15.5 hp commercial B&S engine on a 1990 model 40 inch Murray. It came with a 12.5hp. It cuts like crazy. I can cut in top gear if the ground is smooth enough.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
I have just started using this stuff called "Mechanic in a Bottle". Supposed to clean deposits and rejuvenate rubber parts affected by alcohol. A companion product for maintenance purposes is "Ethanol Shield".
Early results are promising, but I haven't used it long enough or on any really stubborn problems yet to know for sure if it does all that it says it will.
But, it is clear that you have some debris or deposits in your carburetor.
Early results are promising, but I haven't used it long enough or on any really stubborn problems yet to know for sure if it does all that it says it will.
But, it is clear that you have some debris or deposits in your carburetor.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
Go out of your way and spend the extra dollars for the "clear" non ethanol fuels for your lawn equipment, chainsaws, 2 stroke outboard motors......They will thank you by continuing to be reliable and not costing you repair $$$.
I find clear fuel sold locally at places near lakes that see lots of boat traffic and of course, marinas.
I find clear fuel sold locally at places near lakes that see lots of boat traffic and of course, marinas.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,047
Likes: 2
From: North west La
I try to only use the good gas but its 25 miles to the nearest place to get it. I also buy old mowers & power tools to repair & sell so I get these problems often. I usually take all my gas cans when I get a chance to get by the place for clean fuel. Your right if you use fuel without ethanol you don't have these problems.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tifford
General NON-Automotive Conversation
4
Nov 6, 2014 10:49 AM
