My lawn mower cuts out once I quit priming. New gas, oil, & spark plug. What's wrong with it? How fixed?

Question

If I keep priming, it will continue to run, but it surges (almost as if the gas is only getting to the engine through the priming). I think it might be a fuel pump or something like that. Any answers help.

Answer 1

Most lawn mowers have a fuel filter. When you prime the mower, the pressure is probably forcing fuel through the clogged filter, but it isn't passing through otherwise. Locate and replace it ( and the air filter while you're at it ) and it should run fine assuming you have the correct gap on the new spark plug.

Answer 2

Check to make sure the choke isn't stuck. If the engine isn't getting the right mix of air and fuel it won't run well.

Answer 3

Congrats! You have answered your own question!

(almost as if the gas is only getting to the engine through the priming).

That is exactly what's happening. The carburetor is clogged and must be cleaned thoroughly, (all the tiny little gas passages inside the carb body) or replace the carburetor.

Answer 4

new lawn mowers don't have fuel pumps. just the old ones with the fuel tank below the carburetor. sounds like a clogged port in the carburetor. try taking it apart and cleaning it out.  

Answer 5

take the bowl off the bottom of the carburetor, if the is any little pieces of dirt in it it won't stay running, clean it out and put it back on, i believe that is your problem

Answer 6

Check the air filter,blow out fuel line and check for trash in the gas tank.--- Good Luck- This worked for me.

Answer 7

One other thing to check is the cap on the gas tank, loosen it and check for clear holes to let air in. I would let the unit idle once it is started, when it dies, loosen the cap and try it agian. If it now runs well, clean the air vent in the gas cap.