Re: rec tech mower

On 4/11/2025 4:44 PM, Mark J cleary wrote:

Ok this is a good crowd for the issue but not a bike. My walk behind Troy Built self propelled mower won't start. It is a no choke you just pull and it supposed to start. Well it has been maybe 5 months right in the garage. The fluid is ok and the mower only has 2 season on it new 2 years ago. I keep pulling and smell gas but won't really catch or seem to get close. I read the manual and seems probably a carb issue and got to take apart and clean it. I don't want to I just want to get it started and it should work for the season.
 I tried dabbing some gas in carborator where I took off filter. No luck do you think starting fluid sprayed direct will get it going. Give me any real world tips the videos of this are just a pain the ass and I want to quick start knowing once it gets going it will.

First, go back in time and drain the gas before you store the mower. Then run the engine until it stalls due to being completely out of gas.
Altenately, go back in time and add a recommended amount of gasoline stabilizer to the gasoline in the tank and run the engine just a bit so some of the new mix makes it into the carburetor. That's what I do, with very good results.
Since you can't really go back and correct your mistake: Just to be sure, pull the spark plug out, plug it back into its ignition lead, make sure the base is touching ground, and make sure you're getting a spark when you crank the engine. (You may need help to see that.) You probably will get a spark, and the problem probably is the carb, but in the rare case of a bad spark plug or other spark problem, that will prevent lots of wasted time. Also, while it's out, be sure the plug is clean, not fouled.
If the spark is good as is likely, then try spraying some starting fluid into the carb, or at least into the air cleaner. The mower will probably run for a few strokes then stall again. That would be a pretty sure sign the problem is a gummed carburetor, as we all suspect.
Depending on the machine, you may not have to tear the entire carb apart. I fixed a similar problem early last winter on a friend's snow blower. His carburetor allowed removing the main jet directly from the bottom of the float bowl, no other disassembly required.
But drain the gas tank first, or clamp the fuel line closed, unless your carburetor (like his) has a solenoid to shut off gasoline flow when not running.
With his, the jet was very obviously clogged. Carburetor cleaner would have helped for soaking the jet, but he had none, so I just worked away with various little tools, toothpicks, etc. to get the jet adequately clean.
If you can't access the jet without removing the carb, just remove it and dig in and clean it. Carb cleaner helps. I'd suggest taking some photos as you go so you remember how various hoses, linkages, cables etc. are supposed to attach.
Oh, and it occurs to me that Jeff should be the one answering your question! He's probably done this sort of thing more than any of us.
--
- Frank Krygowski