Old Gas? (Lawn Tractor)
#1
Old Gas?
I have a riding lawn mower that I have not started in two years. When I stopped using it, the spark plugs were new, the oil was new and I left the gas tank a quarter full. I went to start the tractor and was unable to get it to turn over. I put in some fresh gas, and it turned over and then sputtered and stopped working. Is it possible that the old gas is not allowing the engine to work? I am thinking about syphening the old gas out, and putting in fresh gas. Is this the most logical solution, or could it be something else. It is not a battery problem, as I bought a new battery for the tractor this year. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
#2
Yea sounds like an old gas problem what I would do is replace the old gas and get some starting fluid. Take out the spark plug spray it with the starting fluid and spray some starting fluid directly in the spark plug hole. Replace the spark plug and it should fire right over. Repeat the process with the starting fluid if necesary if everything else in the engine is good it will work
#3
Two year old gas sounds like the problem. The inside of the carb is probably loaded with lacquer. You may have to do a carb teardown and cleaning. I would suggest that you contact the guys in the "outdoor and small engines" forum.
#4
Join Date: Feb 1998
Location: The Shake and Bake State USA
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Hello: ackcpa
I moved your question into this forum topic. Since the question does pertain to a small engine and powers a mower. Now there is no need to ask for help in this forum topic. You have already arrived....
Removing all the old fuel would be a good idea. Replacing the fuel with a small amount of fresh fuel also a good idea. Less to deal with when the carb has to be cleaned out and rebuilt. Which is very likely needed.
May be a good idea to have a service repair manual handy. If not the specific one for the machine, almost any generic one will do for now. Provide you with some insights for carb cleaning and rebuilding.
Use the reply button to add the engine brand name, model number and serial numbers. In that manner the resident professionals can help further.
Check back on your question several times over the next few days for additional replies. The resident small engine service and repair professionals in the forum may be able to offer additional suggestions, advice & help.
Small engine repair parts, generic repair manuals and additional help are all available at all local small engine repair shops and or lawn mower repair shops in your area. Shops and dealers are listed in the phone book directory.
Suggestion:
Read the already asked questions and the replies offered in them on this same type of problem for additional help & information. All the questions pertaining to engines that do not start, carb and or engine running problems, etc.Doing so will provide additional possible causes and the solutions to correct them.
Regards & Good Luck. Sharp Advice.
Master Small Engine Tech. Web Site Host, Forums Monitor and Multiple Topics Moderator. "Accurate Power Equipment Company." Engine Diagnostics Services & Repair. Fast...Fair...Friendly & Highly Proficient Services....
I moved your question into this forum topic. Since the question does pertain to a small engine and powers a mower. Now there is no need to ask for help in this forum topic. You have already arrived....
Removing all the old fuel would be a good idea. Replacing the fuel with a small amount of fresh fuel also a good idea. Less to deal with when the carb has to be cleaned out and rebuilt. Which is very likely needed.
May be a good idea to have a service repair manual handy. If not the specific one for the machine, almost any generic one will do for now. Provide you with some insights for carb cleaning and rebuilding.
Use the reply button to add the engine brand name, model number and serial numbers. In that manner the resident professionals can help further.
Check back on your question several times over the next few days for additional replies. The resident small engine service and repair professionals in the forum may be able to offer additional suggestions, advice & help.
Small engine repair parts, generic repair manuals and additional help are all available at all local small engine repair shops and or lawn mower repair shops in your area. Shops and dealers are listed in the phone book directory.
Suggestion:
Read the already asked questions and the replies offered in them on this same type of problem for additional help & information. All the questions pertaining to engines that do not start, carb and or engine running problems, etc.Doing so will provide additional possible causes and the solutions to correct them.
Regards & Good Luck. Sharp Advice.
Master Small Engine Tech. Web Site Host, Forums Monitor and Multiple Topics Moderator. "Accurate Power Equipment Company." Engine Diagnostics Services & Repair. Fast...Fair...Friendly & Highly Proficient Services....
#5
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Upstate New York
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You are now in the right place.
Having sat for two years with fuel, I guarantee you will have to remove the carburetor and soak and service it. Are you willing to do this yourself? Post back and let us know and, if needed, we'll walk you through the proper procedures.
#6
Once you service the carb and get that engine running good here is a peice of advice. Using fresh gas and adding fuel stabiliser in it. If used the proper amount, it should keep fresh fuel fresh for 1 year.