Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I purchased a Scotts self propelled mower from an individual who had it sitting outside.  It did not start.

I replaced the spark plug, fuel line, sanded the magneto, emptied the old fuel and replaced with new fuel.

I cleaned out the carb as well as replaced the gasket the needle and the seating.

The engine will start but then stops.  I am puzzled at this point.  Does anyone have any suggestions???

dzton

Same thing happens to me on my scotts mower - in a fashion.

Mower ran fine and then it ran out of gas. I went to a local fly-by-night gas station for more gas - filling my jeep at the same time. 

Once i put the gas in the mower would start but then stop after a few seconds.   After reading the above posts i decided the culprit was likely the gasoline and i put a little gas dryer in the gas, loosened the nut on the float bowl to let the old fuel drain out and then retightened the nut. 

Mower ran fine from then on.

So perhaps the issue isn't as complicated as carburator rebuilds etc for some of you - it wasn't for me.

Good Luck

Dave Rimmer