mtd lawn mower

[7window]

I have an mtd lawn mower that was running the last time I used it. This week I tried to use it and it won't start. I tried pushing the button 3 x and it will start but won't continue to run. I took the plugs out and it was black so I replaced it with a new one. Now it won't start. Anything else I should check.

 

[cardiac]

Try posting this over in The Garage <-- More fellas over there that tinker with engines....

(Make sure the gap is not closed up on the new plug.)

 

[meltdown75]

clean the carb and put new gas in

there have been several posts like this in the last 2 months

 

[Raizinman]

If you buy MTD, you need to expect this. These mowers are cheap and will only last a minimal amount of time. They are produced to be sold cheap by discounter stores.

 

[PottedMeat]

Yeah, ask a mod to move this to the garage.

Also, if this is a Briggs and Stratton engine look on the cover for a set of numbers like this:
www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf

Copy that into their site and you'll get a quick guide ( starting/tuning/oil/etc. ) and parts list for that particular engine.

 

[edro]

Use new gasoline and buy some starter fluid.
Spray the starter fluid into the air intake (take the filter off first).

If it starts with starter fluid, it can clean itself out.

Test the new spark plug by holding the plug against the engine block and pull start it easily.
See if the plug sparks. You have to unscrew it from the cylinder first.

 

[squirrel dog]

edro for the win

 

[ZaneNBK]

Use new gasoline and buy some starter fluid.
Spray the starter fluid into the air intake (take the filter off first).

If it starts with starter fluid, it can clean itself out.

Test the new spark plug by holding the plug against the engine block and pull start it easily.
See if the plug sparks. You have to unscrew it from the cylinder first.

LOL, I'm imagining him snapping off the end of the spark plug to hold it against the block before unscrewing it.

 

[DrPizza]

Put the old spark plug back in. It's possible the gap in the new spark plug is set wrong. Basically, return it to the state it was in where at least it started.

After it starts (but won't keep running) keep pushing that button every second or so - get in a rhythm that keeps the motor running. A minute or so of that might be enough to get it going again. Alternative, after you get it started, keep priming that button the same way, but find a second set of hands to take off the air filter & spray some carb cleaner down there.

If you've thrown out the old plug, then attempt to get it to start using a can of starting fluid. Be careful, that stuff is VERY flammable.

 

[7window]

Put the old spark plug back in. It's possible the gap in the new spark plug is set wrong. Basically, return it to the state it was in where at least it started.

After it starts (but won't keep running) keep pushing that button every second or so - get in a rhythm that keeps the motor running. A minute or so of that might be enough to get it going again. Alternative, after you get it started, keep priming that button the same way, but find a second set of hands to take off the air filter & spray some carb cleaner down there.

If you've thrown out the old plug, then attempt to get it to start using a can of starting fluid. Be careful, that stuff is VERY flammable.

still have the old one but when i put it back in it won't start anymore. Guess I will try the starting fluid.

 

[Gillbot]

moving to garage

and try pouring a TINY bit of gas down the air inlet and see if it'll fire that way.

 

[NutBucket]

If you buy MTD, you need to expect this. These mowers are cheap and will only last a minimal amount of time. They are produced to be sold cheap by discounter stores.

BS. Mowers only last as long as they are cared for. My dad has kept cheap mowers for years without any problems.

Actually, he's selling the one he bought when Montgomery Ward went under. I believe its a rebranded MTD. He's never had an issue with it.