Lawnmower won't start

[mikecotterill]

Hi I've got a mower with a b&s motor on it, can't get it to start. It's been stood for 18 months. Thing is I think the only cold start on it is a primer, there is a little choke like leaver but I'm not sure it does or ever has done anything. Anyone any tips on getting it going? There is a spark, the only thing I can think if is the petrol has gone off? Are smaller engine more susceptible to this? I've left petrol in vehicles for longer than this and had no problems?

[geoff]

Sounds like petrol gone sour,its the first & cheapest place to start.

[GardenKit]

Hi I've got a mower with a b&s motor on it, can't get it to start. It's been stood for 18 months. Thing is I think the only cold start on it is a primer, there is a little choke like leaver but I'm not sure it does or ever has done anything. Anyone any tips on getting it going? There is a spark, the only thing I can think if is the petrol has gone off? Are smaller engine more susceptible to this? I've left petrol in vehicles for longer than this and had no problems?

Do you know if it is a Quantum, or a Sprint engine. Quantums have a plastic fuel tank moulded around the blower housing, but the Sprint has a rectangular metal tank low on the RH side with a plastic carb screwed into the top with 5 screws.

[mikecotterill]

Yeah it's a sprint. With the rectangular tank. I've read they can be an ass to start.

[mikecotterill]

If it's done half an hours work I'd be surprised

[Lee Winger]

If its old and not worth a light, I suggest a 14lb hammer, it won't fix it but it will make you feel better when you smash it to smithereens

[volvo]

Put fresh fuel in take out the plug and squirt in a little drop of fuel replace plug and see if it starts.

[Lee Winger]

If it's done half an hours work I'd be surprised

 

Better forget post #6 looks far too shiny

[mikecotterill]

Haha. Yeah the thing is I sold it on eBay and now it won't start- typical!!

[GardenKit]

It will need the tank removed complete with the carb.

Remove the 5 screws holding the carb and remove the carb, clean stale fuel from both and refit with new diaphragms, as the old ones will be misshapen due to stale fuel.

Check the primer bulb and replace if damaged.

With this done the engine should start with three pumps of the primer.

Set engine speed to 2800 rpm by bending throttle tag an bend the arm to stop it moving.