While it feels like spring is right around the corner we may not be out of the woods yet, so it’s a good idea to start up your lawnmower in the next couple of weeks. This way you can be prepared for any problems before you really need it.
If an engine is cold or has been sitting and not been started in a while, despite having performed proper maintenance, the engine may not start on the first or second pull.
Refer to these tips for more detailed information but here is what you want to do:
- Check the oil! Do not overfill and use the appropriate type for spring and summer (10w-40 should do)
- Make sure the fuel valve is open and be sure there is fresh fuel with STA-BIL and recommended 2-cycle oil/fuel mix (if your machine requires a mixture) — do not use regular oil.
- Inspect spark plug and replace or at least clean it off the electrode with a towel or brush. A normal spark plug will have brown or grayish-tan deposits on the side electrode and not be wet. Securely attach the boot to the spark plug.
- Pull the recoil starter rope!
- If it starts let it run for 5 or 10 minutes, but if it doesn’t start keep reading.
- Open the air cleaner cover and remove the cleaner, open the choke and spray carburetor cleaner into the carburetor for 2-3 seconds. Keep the air cleaner out and pull on the recoil rope and see if it starts. If it starts, again keep it running for 5 or 10 minutes.
- If it still will not start try replacing the spark plug if you initially cleaned off the electrode. Securely attach the boot to the spark plug.
- If after priming the carburetor and changing or cleaning off the spark plug and adding fresh fuel, you cannot get it started please give me a call.