Snapper push mower carb issues

Hi All! I've seen a bunch of threads about fuel flow/carb issues, but none specific to my model of mower, so I thought I'd start a new thread. Here's the scoop:

Model: Snapper P21407T, SN: 06340909
- it has (i think) a tecumseh engine/carb

Issue: mower will start and run for about 10 seconds if fuel is poured directly into the carb (via the air intake)

Details: mower was last run in approx. 1998, however the fuel was drained at that time; when the mower DOES run, it runs great (doesn't miss, etc.); it seems like it's more likely to start when the air intake hole is completely covered

Here's what I've done so far (based on this forum and youtube vids):

- drained/replaced all fuel
- replaced fuel line
- replaced spark plug
- attempted to start with fuel cap completely off
- attempted to start with air filter off
- attempted to start with air intake completely covered - when doing this, it starts initially (after gas is poured directly in), but then won't start again after the initial start
- cleaned air filter by washing with dishwasher soap/water
- removed bowl/float/jet/needle
- sprayed carb cleaner inside all orifices in the carb
- cleaned out jet very well (two holes near screw head, and also tiny hole inside the screw itself
- shook the float - no rattle, i don't think anything's inside it
- removed seal where needle valve goes - cleaned it with carb cleaner - put it back in
- if the primer bulb is pressed, it seems like it fills the bowl up with gas, but you can't hear it gurgling
- once the mower starts, pushing the primer bulb in/out has no change

I saw some notes on oil level for compression, but i've got plenty of oil.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated - I know this freaking thing is really old, but I'd like to get it going.

Thanks in advance!

BTW, if we can't figure this out, any referrals to a good mechanic in the Austin area would also be appreciated! Hopefully it doesn't come to that!

- HMD

 

You may wind up having to remove the carb and work on it. This being a 4hp tecumseh, you probably have a plastic nozzle running up the center of the carb. I suggest removing this and replacing the o-rings on it, cleaning it well, and reassembling to see what that gets you. This is a simple carb, but it has a few quirky spots. If you are trying to run it without the air filter box connected, make sure you put the filter box mounting screws back into the carb or it will not run right, if at all.

 

cool, thanks cheese. i'll take a look and let you know!

 

cheese - i got it going! (sorta)

so, i was wrong (or actually my dad was wrong) - it was almost completely out of oil (duh!). i also took off the carb and cleaned the hole running up the center of the carb.

so, once it got going, it smoked like crazy burning off the old oil, then ran great. BUT - i turned it over to change the blade, and now it won't run at all. i turned it carb side up, so i don't think it's flooded. i also let it sit for about a half hour then came back to it - no change.

any ideas?

 

Check the spark plug. Is it wet or oily?

 

i pulled it earlier, it was wet, not oily though - i think just gas. what does that mean exactly?

thanks again man, really appreciate it.

-will

 

I think it just flooded when it was tipped. Leave the plug out, pull it a few times, let it dry out and put the plug back in and try again.