Lawn Mower Issue - Easy Fix?

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networkn

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#277168 29-Sep-2020 23:02

Hi.

I have a 8 year old mower, hasn't really been maintained that well, but also not used for significant hours. Has been working OK, but filled it with Petrol and then tried to run it a couple of weekends ago. It starts (if I use the fuel pump button on the side) and then conks out after a minute or less. Needs Pumping again then conks out again. Are there any really basic things I can check to resolve it? We have replaced it already, so I want it in a working condition for a potential new buyer but really want to spend miniminally on it.

It's a SteelFort Lawnmaster with a 550 Series Briggs and Stratton Engine 158cc.

Looks like the oil is "full" according to the dip stick.

I see Spark Plugs should be replaced yearly, I doubt mine has ever been, however, it starts, so I guess not that?

I am not the most handy of people, so simple and easy is good :)

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#2576226 29-Sep-2020 23:32

Sounds like a possible blockage in the fuel line.

networkn

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#2576232 29-Sep-2020 23:44

gehenna: Sounds like a possible blockage in the fuel line.

That doesn't sound simple to fix! :)

farcus

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#2576239 30-Sep-2020 00:11

networkn:

gehenna: Sounds like a possible blockage in the fuel line.

That doesn't sound simple to fix! :)

lots of youtube videos on how to clean the fuel line / carburetor on Briggs & Stratton engines . . .

but I'd start with a new spark plug first.

My old Briggs and Stratton from 1984 is still going strong . . . but burns through a lot of oil. 😂

1yippy1

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#2576250 30-Sep-2020 06:30

I had the same problem turns out it was a dirty air filter

xpd

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#2576267 30-Sep-2020 08:16

Yeah, filter and or line block.

Had a similar issue on a generator a couple weeks ago.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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#2576329 30-Sep-2020 09:18

I'll give it a clean and check the filter in the weekend. I am sure there are videos for it :)

If it's a paper filter it needs to be replaced correct? If it's a foam one it can be cleaned and reused?

xpd

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#2576334 30-Sep-2020 09:25

Most foam ones can be re-used, long as theyre not crumbling apart :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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itxtme

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#2576338 30-Sep-2020 09:26

farcus:

but I'd start with a new spark plug first.

8 years old, my moneys on this

wellygary

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#2576344 30-Sep-2020 09:38

networkn:

I'll give it a clean and check the filter in the weekend. I am sure there are videos for it :)

If it's a paper filter it needs to be replaced correct? If it's a foam one it can be cleaned and reused?

There will be a fuel filter somewhere too!, my bet is that has become fouled

(when you use the fuel primer button it causes extra pressure to force fuel through it, but normally there is not enough fuel flowing to keep the engine turning over)

networkn

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#2576347 30-Sep-2020 09:41

Jesus, this is sounding like a real PITA.

I've asked someone from Steelfort to call me.

I may just list it on TM $1 reserve and let someone else deal with it.

hsvhel

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#2576350 30-Sep-2020 09:53

networkn:

Jesus, this is sounding like a real PITA.

I've asked someone from Steelfort to call me.

I may just list it on TM $1 reserve and let someone else deal with it.

Don't talk yourself out of it just yet, they really are very basic.

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networkn

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#2576351 30-Sep-2020 09:54

I might grab a spark plug and find out about the air filter, and if it's more than that, flag it. I don't have a lot of spare time, so if I can fix it in an hour or less, all good, otherwise, I may as well sell it for whatever I can get for it.

BlinkyBill

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#2576358 30-Sep-2020 10:10

Why not take it to a bloke and get a full-on service and refresh? $50 should cover it I reckon.

networkn

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#2576359 30-Sep-2020 10:12

BlinkyBill:

Why not take it to a bloke and get a full-on service and refresh? $50 should cover it I reckon.

The inspection was $30 and he thought it might need $100 worth of stuff, so at around $130 I am not sure I'd even get my money back if I sold it after that?

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#2576364 30-Sep-2020 10:20

1yippy1:
I had the same problem turns out it was a dirty air filter

I've had a number of B&S engined Masports ex Wellington tip recycle shop ($35). I normally pick one with a broken starter cord and no evidence of other dismantling. I haven't had to take a carburetor off yet but have left one out in rain and paper air filter got soggy. Current go to mower is another tip special 2 stroke Masport and that did get pilot jet in carb blocked regularly until I added a filter to fuel line.

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