When my lawn mower runs out of gas it won't start again until it gets cold maybe two hours. What is wrong?

Question

Other than this it runs good when it does start. We've changed the spark plug and filter. It stops at about half a tank of gas.

Answer 1

I suspect there is a problem with fuel flowing from gas tank to carb fuel reservoir and ultimately into the engine.

You should never have a problem with half a tank of fuel. Running for 30 min and then stopping for 15 min is not the solution.

You may have a dirt filter screen between fuel tank and carbureator that needs cleaning, dirt in the transfer line, a bad float in the carb fuel bowl, etc.  Careful cleaning of all these parts will help.  Get the engine manual for specific instructions on this.  CAUTION, do this outside as gas vapors can easily cause an explosion inside.

Answer 2

how old is it? you may want to check the hose from the carb to the tank for kinks or pinching, if it's not getting all the gas in the tank. if the hose looks o.k., you may want to put an ounce or two of carburetor/fuel injector cleaner in with the next tank of gas, to clean out the inside of the carb. as far as it not starting again, after it's been run until it doesn't pick up any more gas; that could be what's called "vapor lock", basically an air bubble forms in the hose between the tank and the carb. the only quick way to cool it off, instead of waiting two hours, would be to rinse the hose and tank off with a garden hose. hope something i said helps you get it fixed, good luck.

Answer 3

you need more gas

Answer 4

I agree with Al. It is a fuel problem. To start it needs a richer mixture than when running. BUT you said it stops at half a tank.

That could the vent on gas cap. It that little hole in the cap gets plugged then it runs until it gets a vacumn in the tank and fuel stops flowing.

The other most common problem is if you have a bowl on the carburator the hollow bolt like nut that holds it on has a small hole in it and it only takes part of a blade of grass to plug it up.  Cleaning that jet on the "bolt" and cleaning the bowl should be a common maintenance.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

Most likely water in the tank and carburetor bowl.  Drain the tank and put in fresh gas then open the drain plug on the bowl until fresh gas comes out.

Answer 6

it gets overheated. You should stop the lawnmower after about 1/2 hour to let it cool. only about 15 min. would be suffecent. everything needs a break! =]

or take it into a lawn mower auto shop

Answer 7

Fuel isn't getting from the tank to the carb.  If there is one of those rubber fuel bulbs to push do that and it will push fuel into the carb.

You could have some debris in the fuel tank, fuel line or the carb that is clogging the flow of fuel.

Answer 8

Get a push mower, they aren't that bad.