The lawnmower wont start...where to start looking for problem?

Question

My BF left it out in the yard for three weeks.

As far as I know it hasn't rained in that time....

But now it wont start...

What things should I tinker with trying to get it to start so I can mow the lawn?

Thanks

Answer 1

Stale gas. Drain the tank and remove the carb. bowl and clean it out. Refill with fresh gas. Possible rusted flywheel magnets that fires the magneto.

Answer 2

All the tips above are good but most likely the mower has a primer bulb somewhere. This little round clear bulb should be pressed several times until you feel resistance. Then it will probably start.

Answer 3

depend,s on the engine brand installed on your mower...most likely ..contaminated fuel or fouled spark plug...not all engine,s have a float bowl on the carburetor ....older briggs & stratton engine,s were diaphragm controled...first...check for spark with the spark plug removed, ignition wire connected,&lay it on the block to insure a good ground...engauge safety control & pull rewind starter...observe plug for spark..if it has spark...check for old/contaminated fuel...install a new spark plug , spray a little carburetor cleaner into the carb. ..air filter removed...pull safety control , & try to start..if it start,s & die,s...you have contaminated fuel or a carburetor problem...try theese thing,s..if you still experiance problem,s...you can e-mail me for more information...good luck!

Answer 4

First change the gas.Then squirt some gas down the carburetor(or quick start) Then try. If it doesn't start after 2 pulls;pull the spark plug and hold it against the mower while some one pulls to check for spark.If spark put plug back in (probably won't be if you got this far) If not then remove the cowling/gas tank/and pull starter to check and be sure the kill wire isn't grounded(Briggs are bad at that)If gas and spark are there then you have a compression or timing(shear pin) problem.To check the shearpin pull the flywheel off.To check compression(ie stuck valve) do a leak down test.If all that  passes and it still doesn't start then take it to a witch doctor because its possessed.

Answer 5

If there is petrol in the tank, the most common problem is the spark plug. If you do not know where to find or check it, you need to bring the mower to a repair shop.

Answer 6

Pull the spark plug and clean and re-gap. Is there gas in the tank?