Why won't my lawn mower start??

Question

It did sit in the shed for a year, but I cleaned out the filter, changed the sparkplug, dumped out the oil and gas and replaced it with fresh and new. I have evrything set like it should be, and the last time I tried to start it I pulled the cord about 50 times, cursed, stomped my feet, but it still won't start !!

It putters but won't engage.

Am I missing something here?

Answer 1

The choke might not be closing, causing it to sputter.

You could also try removing the air cleaner, and spraying starting fluid in it.  

It's important to use gas stabilizer prior to mowing the last time, in the fall.   The mower will start right up in the spring.

You may need to have the carburator rebuilt. It's not to big of a job.  And get the blade sharpened for a nice even cut.

Answer 2

The most common problem is the carburetor.  It sat with gas in it.  The gas over time evaporates and leaves a residue.  This blocks the passages in the carburetor, which are pretty small.  All of that means you don't get the right fuel/air mixture to the cylinder.  To make it right the carb should be removed and properly cleaned.