[Ethan1]

Hi,
My push mower has something wrong with it. When you start it up, it likes to stumble, runs normally, stumble, runs normally, etc. We replaced the spark plug and a guy did something to the carb and it worked fine for a while. Now it's doing the same thing. I'm going to replace the spark plug again, but what else could I do, to keep it running normally? Also, when removing the spark plug, there is always alot of the black gunk on it too.

Thanks,
Ethan

 

[68KMENO]

when was the last time you cleaned the AIR filter ??

 

[Ethan1]

Mark,
To tell you the truth, I don't think its ever been replaced. I actually never thought of that. Do you think that is the problem?

Ethan

 

[Rod]

The timing could be out, pull the flywheel and check the shear pin.

 

[CHELKAMINO]

Same thing I encountered today also.
I cleaned the plug off and blew out the air filter. I also sprayed some carb cleaner in the carb as well>>>good 2 go!!

 

[dpvoiceguy]

Depending on the design/age of the mower, many have the float bowl visible without removing any shrouding. There's probably a 7/16" hex bolt in the center of it...that's the jet as well as the bolt for holding the bowl in place. Remove it, spray it out with carb cleaner, and run some fine wires through the orifices. Over time it's very common to suck up small pieces of crud into the passages. Usually the bowl has a rubber gasket or o-ring holding it to the carb body so if you're careful and don't disrupt it you can get the jet in and out without having to fumble with the bowl. Just have some rags under it when you pull the jet because fuel will drain out.

 

[gspan1830]

Empty the fuel tank. It may have water in it.

 

[TCSS1970]

Hire the kid down the street!:thumbsup:

 

[ToocoolZ28]

Depending on the design/age of the mower, many have the float bowl visible without removing any shrouding. There's probably a 7/16" hex bolt in the center of it...that's the jet as well as the bolt for holding the bowl in place. Remove it, spray it out with carb cleaner, and run some fine wires through the orifices. Over time it's very common to suck up small pieces of crud into the passages. Usually the bowl has a rubber gasket or o-ring holding it to the carb body so if you're careful and don't disrupt it you can get the jet in and out without having to fumble with the bowl. Just have some rags under it when you pull the jet because fuel will drain out.

9 times out of 10, this is the problem with the small engines. Try it, it will probably run like a new one.
Ron

 

[SSx3]

Drain and clean out the tank. I have four mowers two B&S and two Tecumseh's it seems everytime when one starts acting funny there is water at the bottom of the tank. Condensation from sitting around is a funny thing. Once wiped out and cleaned w/fresh plug they'll run as they should. If that does not work it is time to take the carb apart for cleaning or "hire the kid down the street". lol

 

[barryt]

They still make push mowers
I have been riding for 15 years now
never noticed push mower when I am out at HD, Lowes, WalMart, Sears all I ever see is the riders

Like others have said may be water in tank
clean fresh gas
remove mixture screw -- count turns (B&S engines)
blow out with compressed air

 

[Ethan1]

Well Barry, I'm not rich like everybody else, that can buy a riding mower. Besides, my yard is pretty small.

Ethan

 

[BillK]

And after you clean out the jet in the bottom of the bowl, go to the hardware store and get a small inline fuel filter made for those engines and put it in the fuel line. When I first bought my mower I used to have to clean the stupid jet out about once a month. Put a filter on it and it has been going strong for at leat 4 years now.

 

[dmc9]

what type engine do you have, have you checked air filter yet. If it is dirty it will burn rich and foul plug and miss in mean time. if you have a gravity flow carb , it may have water in gas or clogged carb. check easy things first ,air filter, as it could be several things causing the problem.

 

[copoman69]

your mower is flooding out, time for a kit, im having problem with my push mower , the pusher is out of steam, texas is a bad place to live in the summer, and its still spring time , global warming is a real threat

 

[1badss396]

If all else fails get a gallon of RoundUp:yes:

 

[dscabra]

I've got a 10-year old Craftsman mower that refuses to die. I've wanted a new one for the last couple of years, but can't justify it until mine quits. It came close about two years ago, but after spraying some carb cleaner through the fuel system (tank, fuel supply line, carb) and putting some fresh gas in it, the darn thing started up like new and hasn't quit yet. Every year I replace the oil, spark plug, and air filter and give it a thorough cleaning. About every two years I replace the blade.

Dave

 

[dpvoiceguy]

I've got a 10-year old Craftsman mower that refuses to die. I've wanted a new one for the last couple of years, but can't justify it until mine quits. It came close about two years ago, but after spraying some carb cleaner through the fuel system (tank, fuel supply line, carb) and putting some fresh gas in it, the darn thing started up like new and hasn't quit yet. Every year I replace the oil, spark plug, and air filter and give it a thorough cleaning. About every two years I replace the blade.

Dave

Dude...that's too funny! I thought I was the only one! Mine will be 11 in September (I know because I bought it when I bought the house) and although I've got my eye on a shiny new model I can't get this one to die!

 

[bigdave]

The big thing is old gas. I made the mistake of leaving gas in the tank over winter and didn't put stabil in it. I had to clean out the fuel system and then it was good as new. I usually run the gas out of it when not using it for a long period of time.