Lawn mower won't start

We use a small push mower to do the trimming. When the mower is cold it fires rather easily, but after it is running for a while it shuts off and won't start again until it cools off. What do I need to do?

Check out the lid on the fuel cap to see if the vent is clogged

I had one doing the same thing. I re-set the gap between the flywheel and magneto and that was that.

Had a chainsaw that did the same thing.

Buy a battery powered mower. Is it a 2 cycle?

First determine what is causing the no-start problem.

Common causes - fuel issues or no spark.

To test for fuel issues , spray a little ether into the air filter assy next time it doesn't want to start. If it starts or tries to start , it is a fuel issue.

To test for spark , remove spark plug wire and put a screwdriver in it , hold the screwdriver close ( about a 1/4" away ) to the engine to see if you can see a spark jump to the engine while someone pulls the cord. Hold the insulated end of the screwdriver or you will know for sure if it has spark. Been there done that , or as Scuba says " I do all my own stunts , just not intentionally " .....lol

Nittany, hire the kid next door. Pay him extra and insist he use his own mower.

Good advice Don, the problem is the person next door is my 92 year old mother-in-law.

Sounds like a spark plug to me.

Well, being family, you shouldn't really have to pay her.

Neighbors just ain't as helpful as they used to be!

When hot and wont run, pull air filter and try to start it.
If no go, pour a little gas in carb and try it.
If no go, check for spark and condition of spark plug.

It's a junk world, with junk fuel.

Ain't there some Amish kids around there?

Ya need to have spares .........



I get small engines for free off of Craigslist. These all run. When I got them they didn't. Most of the time it is a carburetor problem , easily fixed. I do this as kinda of a hobby. I sell some , but give most away to friends and family.
I've owned over 50 mowers , snowblowers, tillers , generators etc.

Cragar, whats a typical carb problem you find?

Contamination. All it takes is a very small amount of crud. The fuel they sell today with ethanol is also a problem. 90% of the mowers I get for free is just for this reason. Cleaning the carburetor usually does the job.

I'd buy a tiller from you if we could get it here.
Finally junked the old monkey wards.

Is there a "good" small tiller being sold these days?

Look for a older Troy-bilt , they are like tanks. Preferably at least 10 years old. Even a 20 year old one. A lot of the newer ones sold under that brand name are made by MTD and are not as good as the old ones.

I got a tiller attachment for a weed eater free on Craigslist. My neighbor uses it all the time to churn up the dirt inside his chicken coop. Great for those small confined areas , little tough to hang onto but it is good for small spots.

BCS makes a good tiller.

I am plagued by the fact that mine always starts and runs. I will trade you. I hate mowing my lawn.

I hear ya about older, I spent time on a mtd troy tractor, wasted time.
Seems the crank oil seals all go bad, after nickel and diming you.
I gave it to the neighbor, his turn lol.

True. My parents are elderly but still live independently in a nice subdivision. They say kids coming around wanting to earn some money cutting grass or shoveling snow is a thing of the past, sadly.

You guys are still mowing? I havent mowed part of my yard in about 6 weeks, the other a month. Brown grass wont grow.

I don't have a mower ... just brush hog the place when the missus can't find her way to the car. She is a little sorter than me.

LOL.

Air Filter air filter air filter....

I agree.

I'm with you. I'm okay with a brown lawn.