3

My first time doing the lawn. Trying to help. Now I can't get it to start.

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    That's the less dangerous way. Don't do it the other way 'round, or you'll be buying yourself a new chainsaw/weedwacker.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Apr 24, 2019 at 2:26
  • 2
    More likely the mixed fuel is old and has lost its volatility. Remove the fuel from the mower and add fresh gas.
    – Kris
    Apr 24, 2019 at 12:54
  • 1
    Was the gasoline new or had it sat all winter?
    – UnhandledExcepSean
    Apr 24, 2019 at 13:21
  • 2
    I’m voting to close this question because small engine repair should have been migrated to Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair.
    – FreeMan
    Jun 27, 2022 at 13:27

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
5

Remove the air filter and spray a small blast of starting fluid into the carburetor. It should run for a second or two. If it does then the problem is the gas is most likely old/bad. If it doesn't run for even a split second then you're not getting any spark which means you have an ignition problem which is most likely a fouled spark plug.

Improve this answer
3

I've burned off old gas and even 2-cycle in a 4-cycle motor. Some tips I've found to help with this

  1. Buy some pre-mix stabilized 4-cycle gas (sold in home improvement stores next to the 2-cycle pre-mix). It typically has better detergents than pump gas and can help you get a bad motor started again
  2. Clean your spark plug. Take it off the mower and clean it with a wire brush. This sometimes helps to get a better spark going
  3. If you have a push primer, try doing a LOT of priming to get the newer gas into the chamber. Otherwise, just keep trying to crank it.
Improve this answer
2

Not likely the problem ; it has a little oil in the same gasoline ; you may see a little blue smoke when it is running. When I have been short on gas , I have added at least 50 % 2 cycle gas to my 4 cycle mower to finish the lawn.

Improve this answer
3
  • What could be the reason why it will not start?
    – Cristine Marie Fry
    Apr 23, 2019 at 21:29
  • 4
    Fouled spark plug? The oil burns with a lot more carbon. Did it run at all though? If it never started, then it's probably something else.
    – JRaef
    Apr 23, 2019 at 21:43
  • This might help if you'relooking for more general starting issues: diy.stackexchange.com/questions/109999/…
    – IronEagle
    Apr 23, 2019 at 23:04
1

It might not have started anyway this season. Petrol left in the carb. degrades and crystallises, so even with the right fuel, it won't start.

If, however, all the fuel from last year was drained out/ run till dry, it'll be the oil in the two-stroke petrol oiling up the spark plug. Which will have to be removed, cleaned and dried. Two stroke mix carefully drained, new petrol put in, and if possible, drain not just the tank but the carb also. With extremem care!

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.