Thank you for this no b.s., no frills, video. You helped me earn major brownie points with my husband. I was determined to fix his lawnmower after the know-it-all brother in law couldn't. He blew me off like I didn't know anything and told my husband he needed to take it in because it needed a new carburetor. Husband believed him . . . I didn't. Don't underestimate this old grandma! And I'm not going to tell them how I fixed it or what my "special tool" is. I just said I took the carburetor apart, found the problem and fixed it!
Twenty some years ago I bought a Craftsman lawn mower. Then I moved to a new home with large land and it was stored in the garage for about 20 years without using it. Yesterday, I pulled it out and did what you shared… It ran very good. Thank you so very much Sir. God bless you and your family.
I appreciate people like you - taking the time to make videos like this. You helped me get my Mom’s mower running today. I followed everything you did and it fired up on the first pull afterwards. Thank you!!
My Craftsman mower is 9 years old and this was the first time it had a issue starting. It would run for 2 seconds and shut off. I performed the same procedure as you did and now it is running great. Great explanation and step by step directions in your video. 2 thumbs up !!!!!
@@Buckwsr could I ask you a lawnmower related question? I have a 2014 Yardman that I can get running only by blocking the carb butterfly opening with a an old sock (keeping the air filter assembly off) ...it will fluctuate but if I keep adjusting the level of blockage with the sock it keeps running ...Immediately dies if I remove sock. Any ideas for me? I don't have that main jet at the bottom of the bowl so not sure if I can reach it to clean it out.
@@jaimhaas5170 What kind of engine does it have? All carbs have jets and a way to remove the carburetor bowl. Honda engines can be harder to access that, but Briggs & Stratton are usually pretty easy. A carburetor serves to mix the proper amounts of fuel and air going into the combustion chamber. I would say your carburetor is not getting enough fuel. As you limit the amount of air with the sock, essentially choking the engine, it is able to suck more fuel. What you need to do is to remove the carburetor and give it a good cleaning, cleaning out all the jets and little orifices. There are videos on youtube that show you how to do that. Alternately, you could get an inexpensive replacement carburetor on ebay or amazon. That's probably a simpler option. Good luck.
@@jaimhaas5170 You're running just on the choke and not the main carb. Remove carb and clean it completely. There are youtube videos to speed you on your way. Also - STAY AWAY from gasoline with Ethanol in it - bad, bad, bad! Joe S
Awesome. I managed to get our mower going after watching this video. My mother-in-law was my witness since my husband was shocked that I actually did this myself. Thank you, Buck, you are my savior.
Another very practical option is to put a shut-off valve between the fuel tank and the carburetor and when you want to shut the mower off, you just turn the valve to cut off the fuel. It keeps the fuel system from getting clogged up when setting over the winter. Also it helps reduce problems from ethanol contaminated gasoline making the carb's internal workings "chalky."
If you got a Honda mower there is no problem with anything. I leave fuel in it over the winter months(regular gas) and it starts on the second pull. Been doing that for 7+ years.
@@bunzeebear2973 I also have a Honda mower. I've had it about three years and it has a fuel off switch between the fuel tank and carb. So, that's exactly how I turn it off. BTW, Honda is a Japanese word for " bullet-proof" Motorcycles, mowers, yeah, I've had a lot of Honda's.
Thank you very much, Buckwsr. Couldn't have started my mower today, for the first time this season, without your video! Everything on mine worked out just as you described.
Thank you so much for this video!....I took my mower to a shop and they quoted 150 dollars!!! I obviously said no thanks and with nothing to lose . I watched your video, did exactly what you did and surprise surprise it started right up!! Amazing!! Thanks again!
that it is the most common problems with lawnmowers and weedeaterers and pressure washers generators I haven't buy any lawnmower or weedeaterers for a few years now got them all for free 5 minutes fix. he's the first person I have seen on TH-cam that is really showing one of the main problems on this motors. just keep the gas tank clean thas the key. good job thanks for the video👍
i am retired and took up repairing mowers and i want to thank you for this very helpful information IT WORKED thank you again for the tip on safety pin
I know this is a year late but get you some welding tip wire brushes. They make them in a few different sizes they are very thin and can fit into these small passages and clean them out very well.
Just wanted to say thanks for the video. I was able to follow your simple steps and use one of the "high tech" tools to fix my lawn mower. We had it scheduled to go to the shop to be repaired, but they are running a month behind. Watched your video and followed the steps. Lawn mower is running GREAT! Thank you!
Man, you save me some $$. I thought I would need to take it in and have it repaired. Did as you said and took me about 10 min. One tug on the rope and it started up like a champ. Thanks man.
Thank you. Well done. I find also that at the end of season before I store it, to just run the engine till it runs out of gas. This draws the retained gas out of the carburetor bowl so it does not sit there through the season.
Just performed the exact procedure, on the lawnmower after watching your video. Worked a treat, and started first pull. Her indoors now thinks I’m a mechanical genius. Thanks for all your great instruction. Greetings from Ireland, were the grass is always greener, we’ll that what I was always told as a gosson , small boy 👦.
I do it the simplest way. Once I have finished my mowing, before I store it, I will draw out the remaining residue from the carburetor so that it will not get clogged over time. The next time i want to use it I can immediately get it started without getting my hand dirtied. :D
@@fn4rillo Best is to run ethanol-free E0 gas with a fuel stabilizer for the last tank of gas at the end of the season. Run it until it quits, then drain the bowl. Most require removal; some have a drain plug.
Wish I had seen this 2 months ago. The repair shop said I needed a new corroborator, at a cost of $175. So I got $1.50 for it at the scrap yard and since I don't have much lawn anymore I use the weed wacker. Would have been nice to have known this and saved the mower. Anyway, sending the link to the kids and grandkids. Thanks You'r a good person.
I was fully prepared to remove the carburetor from my B&S engine to tear it apart and soak it in carburetor cleaner overnight. I found this video yesterday and tried out your fix this morning. What a time saver this video was for me. Took out the bolt, cleaned it out, and reinstalled it. The mower now starts first pull every time just like it did when it was new. Great video! Thank you.
Amazing how a little varnish or carbon can completely shut us down! Had to do this myself last week and now I see your video. Great job. Saved hundreds, new mowers are soo expensive. Cheers 🎄⛄🙏😎👍🇺🇸
I haven’t bought a lawnmower in years because of so many people at the beginning of the season having exactly that problem and just throw them out. Great on the spot video. Some models you have to really try to find those clogged metering jets they are so small I use a bread tie that I just strip off the plastic coating. High tech tool too.
There's tiny wire brushes used to clean out tips in acetylene torches. They often come in assorted sizes and in there own little metal box that keeps them together and so you don't lose them. They'd be great to clean out these small passages as they actually have wire to help clean any debris and chalky build up and varnish.
Those are files. You don't want to make the hole bigger than it is on a carb. On a torch, it is not an issue if the hole is bigger. Molten metal blobs go up the hole so you need a file to knock it out. Gas varnish is like jelly, so smooth shaft is preferred.
Thanks, I needed that.... I knew about removing and cleaning the bowl but didn't realize how the fuel flowed thru the plug, or that it needed to be cleaned... Yup, these lawnmower repair shops are going to hate you, but fear not... us backyard mechanics have them outnumbered.
Thanks for being a great down to earth mechanic by not wearing gloves. I myself need to feel the small pieces knowing I have the right touch to work. Don’t forget to check your spark plug. Air, fuel and spark means just that. Check and clean all 3.
I have a craftsman and I would pull and pull the cord and no start. Removed and cleaned like shown in the video and it started right up. You're awesome! Thanks for the great video.
Start and run lawn mowers during the winter months, once or twice, for a couple minutes. I have done this for years and I NEVER have trouble starting a mower to mow in the spring. Pretty simple, no need for goofy mower fuel tank additives, no need to buy crap to get a mower running again. Just start it and run it a couple times during the winter, BAM! Problem avoided...
In Canada, a better solution is to use Premium gas (91 octane). Here it is E0 (pure gasoline), no alcohol, so it does not separate in storage. Aslo, before storage, I pull the plug, and squirt some WD40 in the cylinder, pull the starter to spread it around, then put the plug back in. In the spring, I also give a squirt into the cylinder, and 'bam' it starts and runs.
@@paulmoffat9306 Here in the States there are some gas stations that sell non-ethanol gas only in 91 octane. I have recently started using it and like it much better! Prior to that I was using stabelizer with good results but I like the 91 E free gas better. I will have to give the wd40 a try aye.
Many thanks. I'm 68 and on a fixed income. I had to clean the plug too and wait for the gas to fill,. It started on the fifth pull. My wife held the handle while I pulled!
Well I have two lawnmowers and one has no problem at all starts first crank. Other one started and ran for 5 seconds. I did exactly what you showed me in this video and on the first crank it started and kept running. AMAZING!!! And I wanted to bring it to small engine repair shop. They would have charged me a good $60.00 for a job they call a tune up. I can't thank you enough. You rock!!!
Hay Buck, thank you for the simple to the point exploration. I appreciate you letting us know the using of the gloves and the blowing air with your mouth part 😆. I'm 61 years old, so my teenage years with my dad was back in the late seventies, he was not a mechanic by trade, but he fixed his own cars, the two that I saw him work on was a 1957 Chevy and later a 1968 Pontiac Bonneville. He just used tools and in those days we used to get them at Wester Auto parts store, I think they had layaway to buy tools in those days. No glove...and we didn't have a shop, just the dryway.... simple to the point advice, thank you... I clicked like and subscribed, God bless you. JCT:)
Damn, Buck, you are spot on ... 5:10 .. Did that and didn't work first time. But I squirted carb-cleaner in the holes, then I let it sit. And, damn, seriously, SERIOUSLY. Runs like brand damned new. Thanks.
I’ve had them plugged so bad I had to use micro drill bits to open them out I’m 70 and I’ve learned most of the tricks would like to teach others but no one is interested until they have a problem
Got news for you Chuck, but I will pass along a revelation to me that I just never thought about. We're all following in someone else's shoes who we appreciate and now we- meaning you- have attempted to pass along your skill. Thank you! You too, Buck!😉
That's sure the truth, brother. I'd like to be an apprentice to a mechanic and learn. I have a great place to help other people and even run a small buiss. My neighbor was a small engine mechanic, big engine too probably. Best man I've met. I wish I would've tutored under him. He went home a few years ago🥺 and is sorely missed in countless ways
I got the same situation as your lawn mower. At the beginning I took out the carburetor and try to clean it. Then I found out my carburetor was very clean because it got 5 hour usage. Another utuber recommend to dump the gas due to engine does not like old gas such as more than 3 weeks old. I did that and it works. For my lawn mower after storage I have to dump the gas and fill it with fresh gas. You can get a hand pump from HF for about 7 dollars to dump the gas.
Thank you so much. because of your video, I got my lawnmower started. Also no gloves, but used an air compressor to blow. Now i have the knowledge for next time. Cheers
My mower conked out after many years of faithful service. Time to locate and investigate the carb bowl and what could very likely be a clogged plug. Similarly, many years ago my motorcycle had the same issue on the right side carb. Starting the bike up in the early morning would wake the neighbors with the backfiring. Three inlet jets had to be de-gunked and once that was done, the engine ran like a top. Great info. Thanks.
Thanks for the instructions Buck! Interesting John Deere mower, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one like that. They made great mowers. My neighbor has a silver deck walk behind Deere, it’s over 20 years old and still going strong.
Fantastic video I have been doctoring old lawnmowers for so many years and I am embarrassed to tell you I didn't know about the holes in that little plug. Thank you book for your information and the time it took to do it
in 2000 i retired from 20 years of office work, moved out of the big city and started doing lawn work for supplemental income...i learned this exact process...EXACT....an old timer showed me what you did , EXACTLY,,,,,i guess i am now the old timer as i am 70 yo....excellent video.....my company motto was .... GRASS,,,,used to smoke it, now i mow it.....
Thanks! Right to the heart of the problem, works like a charm. One thing I do to clamp off fuel lines is slip a deep socket over each of the vise grip jaws. Helps reduce damage to the wall of the fuel line .
My mower was " neglected " when I put it away last winter. It had a bit of gasoline left in it and I was afraid it wouldn't start...and it didn't. I was lucky, I thought that I was going to have to do a carburetor teardown. All it took was a re-fuel in a high octane, highish detergent, grade of good gasoline. I decided that with this mower that I wanted it to last, my last mower only lasted 3-4 years. These videos are helping keeping the new mower out of someone else's repair shop.
Thank you!!! I spent hours fiddling with the lawn mower over the weekend without success. Watched your video and 10 minutes later the mower is purring.
I tried this on a B&S 6.75 engine on a DR trimmer mower and it worked perfectly. The float bowl did not have to be removed, there was a large hex key fitting that removed the piece that needed to be soaked in carb cleaner and reinstalled. It started right up after that, thanks!
@@raczyk my generator has a drain provided at the bottom of the float bowl that is opened up with a screw stop. I have a fuel line connected to it and just drain it out to a fuel container. Better doing it that way if you don't want to just run it all out with the engine.
Anytime something won't start I go straight to the carburetor, dirt bikes, quads, go karts, lawnmowers, weedwackers, sometimes cars. Since 2011 I've always gone straight to cleaning carbs. Its just something mechanics should do naturally like I do. Glad to see the old way still being done
same thing I came across while going for walk and Englishman struggling and sweating a new machine he purchased from store. I advised him to clean the plug, adjust space for spark and on my return I found it was working and he thanked me.
Tip there is also a gasket between the carb and the fuel bowel . Sometimes the gasket stays on the carb , sometimes it comes off . Be sure it is positioned correctly when you put the bowel back on . Also some fuel bowls are not the same all the way around the bottom so they need to be positioned correctly in relation to the float when you reinstall the fuel bowel .
Right Jason, the kids in the background were enough music for my ears. Buck, this was a great video to watch and it would seem the problems with my dad's mower may soon be over. I may now have to go into business fixing lawn mowers, as I ordered a work stand on which to perform such operations. (Getting old and back etc. don't appreciate me bending over or putting my knees on hard surfaces). Seriously, I wish I had taken small engine repair when I was much younger. So many people lack a reputable repair man. Thanks so much for your no nonsense presentation.
I am going to start using one of those filters that removes sediment and water from the gas . Many gas cans have a fine mesh screen on the nozzle . However , over time , the small stuff gets in .
Good video. Sometimes trash makes it to the float needle. I treat all my small engines with the red Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer prior to winter storage. Make sure you run the engine long enough to get treated fuel in the bowl. Come spring you don't have these problems. :)
I put Sta-Bil in my 5 gallon gas can when I fill it up at the gas station. So my engines - push mower, tractor, snowblower, etc... - ALWAYS run with it in the gas. I never have to think about it (until the gas can is getting low).
Thank you very much. A neighbor gave me a nice Toro mower years ago.I didn't need it so it sat outside for 10 years. Well finally needed it, cleaned all parts replaced needle & seat still no run, till I did this. Runs great Neighbor not impressed.
One thing I have been doing is using ethanol-free gas for my mower, tiller and ATV. Just what my brother-in-law told me to do as he’s a motorcycle mechanic.
A bit more expensive. $3.89 a gallon in Michigan. But well worth the effort. I add a dash of Seafoam per the can recommended rate and NEVER had any issues with my stuff. USE IT for 2 cycle mix too...
In Small Engines class at Northern Montana College we were taught to use a wood tapered round tooth pick. Never put anything metal through a jet! You could scratch or increase the diameter of the jet, affecting fuel flow! We were also taught the same thing in Automotive Fuel Systems also. Been a while since I’ve seen a carburetor on a new vehicle. Hello from north east Montana. 10 miles from the Canadian border.
Well, it's just a lawnmower. Even if I did mess up the jet, it's like a two or three dollar part. Not the end of the world. Sometimes I use micro drill bits to deliberately open up the jet on some engines that simply aren't getting enough fuel flow...you know, they design them to run so darn lean... Thanks for the note!
your my type of mechanic, no frills, gas, oil in mouth, dirty hands, NO big deal. I've been doing this for years. Guess what I'm 67 years old now and I'm going with battery power now. Just to much pain in back and hands anymore, I know I know just a new set of problems, wish me luck! Thanks for the video
Thanks Buck Nice and simple. I always make it hard for myself by removing the carb and cleaning, and blowing air, and checking everything, but then having to make gaskets etc. I will try this next time. wish I saw this 3 days ago. Thanks from Ontario Canada.
This is why it always helps to run seafoam or stabil before you put your mower away for the winter. I even usually start my mower and run the gas tank empty in the fall before I put it away. But this was a great video. I have had to do this several times for some friends who didn't take care of their mowers
I don't usually use fuel additives, nor do I "winterize" the machines in the Fall. If they don't start easily in the Spring, I know what to to fix them, so it's not a big deal.
I like it because no music and straight to the point and I can hear what he is saying during the process.
Absolutely - GD loud music and no BS selfie poses for the camera - keep focused on the job at hand.
LIKEWISE no Bull*******!😀🇺🇸
Yea, sometimes the damned music annoys me so bad that I leave! I do the same thing when I’m shopping
ive music louder then voice! How do I turn it off!
@@surferbud5863 f
Thank you for this no b.s., no frills, video. You helped me earn major brownie points with my husband.
I was determined to fix his lawnmower after the know-it-all brother in law couldn't. He blew me off like I didn't know anything and told my husband he needed to take it in because it needed a new carburetor. Husband believed him . . . I didn't.
Don't underestimate this old grandma! And I'm not going to tell them how I fixed it or what my "special tool" is.
I just said I took the carburetor apart, found the problem and fixed it!
Congratulations! And thanks for the note. So, how do you really feel about your brother-in-law? Ha ha ha!
Hahaha! He's fine if I don't have to talk to him. 😊
You took his balls away instantly lol.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Brownie points saying is not like girl scouts cookies. It's actually putting your nose in his poop factory
Good for you.
Twenty some years ago I bought a Craftsman lawn mower. Then I moved to a new home with large land and it was stored in the garage for about 20 years without using it. Yesterday, I pulled it out and did what you shared… It ran very good. Thank you so very much Sir. God bless you and your family.
Awesome story! Thanks for letting me know. Good job getting it done yourself!
Pppp
Thank you! I watched at least 15 to 20 videos on this problem and no one else said anything about this plug.
After watching this video I was able to repair my 25 year old Craftsman. Thanks a bunch!
Thank you, Carl! Great job!
That's how a great video is supposed to be: problem, yes solution, yes, music video.. no. Straight to the point. Thanks man, great video.
Thanks, Andy. So you don't like music, huh? I was about to break out in song....
I appreciate people like you - taking the time to make videos like this. You helped me get my Mom’s mower running today. I followed everything you did and it fired up on the first pull afterwards. Thank you!!
Great comment, Brendan. Good job on fixing it yourself!
Wow! That’s awesome.
Brilliant to see someone who prefers the old style of doing things just like I do.
Thanks for the video.
Awesome presentation for us retired DIYers. Thanks!!!!!
Thank you.
I am so glad I've found you. I remember lawnmowers in the past that wouldn't start. Now, I know what to do about it. Thank you.
My kind of "teacher" !
My dad would've liked his style of demonstration 👍
One of the best down to earth how to video's on YT. Glad to see the old school way of doing things. Thank you!!!
Thank you for the kind words.
Very good advice! Thanks
Nice to see a real teacher. What no bad muzak no selfies.
Thanks, bro. And thanks for not complaining about my long fingernails!
@@Buckwsr never noticed.
Hurray to no Muzak!
Thanks for explaining how the injector part works. That helps me a lot.
My Craftsman mower is 9 years old and this was the first time it had a issue starting. It would run for 2 seconds and shut off. I performed the same procedure as you did and now it is running great. Great explanation and step by step directions in your video. 2 thumbs up !!!!!
Excellent! Glad you're getting more life out of your mower!
Thank you, you are a great person, Fixed my Law mower and my Brigs and Stratton edger, and the lawnmowers for 5 of my neighbors for free. God bless.
Followed your instructions, up and running in 15 minutes. Thank You!
GREAT!! Thanks for letting me know. Made my day!
Nice! You are one of the coolest guy who can fix stuff without going to Home Deport.
Thank you so much! But to be honest, I love going to HD!!!
@@Buckwsr That's okay, I recently left that place but wound up at Walmarts to get pliers and knee pads. Lol
Thank you for not using gloves and blowing it with your mouth...Finally a real mechanic that I can relate to!
Oh yeah! Just keeping it real!
@@Buckwsr could I ask you a lawnmower related question? I have a 2014 Yardman that I can get running only by blocking the carb butterfly opening with a an old sock (keeping the air filter assembly off) ...it will fluctuate but if I keep adjusting the level of blockage with the sock it keeps running ...Immediately dies if I remove sock. Any ideas for me? I don't have that main jet at the bottom of the bowl so not sure if I can reach it to clean it out.
@@jaimhaas5170 What kind of engine does it have? All carbs have jets and a way to remove the carburetor bowl. Honda engines can be harder to access that, but Briggs & Stratton are usually pretty easy. A carburetor serves to mix the proper amounts of fuel and air going into the combustion chamber. I would say your carburetor is not getting enough fuel. As you limit the amount of air with the sock, essentially choking the engine, it is able to suck more fuel. What you need to do is to remove the carburetor and give it a good cleaning, cleaning out all the jets and little orifices. There are videos on youtube that show you how to do that. Alternately, you could get an inexpensive replacement carburetor on ebay or amazon. That's probably a simpler option. Good luck.
Thank you kindly...I will give it another try.
@@jaimhaas5170 You're running just on the choke and not the main carb. Remove carb and clean it completely. There are youtube videos to speed you on your way. Also - STAY AWAY from gasoline with Ethanol in it - bad, bad, bad! Joe S
Awesome. I managed to get our mower going after watching this video. My mother-in-law was my witness since my husband was shocked that I actually did this myself. Thank you, Buck, you are my savior.
Great job getting it done yourself!!!
You go GIRL.....
@@MICHIGANMIKE12 Thank you Mike.
Another very practical option is to put a shut-off valve between the fuel tank and the carburetor and when you want to shut the mower off, you just turn the valve to cut off the fuel. It keeps the fuel system from getting clogged up when setting over the winter. Also it helps reduce problems from ethanol contaminated gasoline making the carb's internal workings "chalky."
Good tip👍
If you got a Honda mower there is no problem with anything. I leave fuel in it over the winter months(regular gas) and it starts on the second pull. Been doing that for 7+ years.
@@bunzeebear2973 I also have a Honda mower. I've had it about three years and it has a fuel off switch between the fuel tank and carb. So, that's exactly how I turn it off. BTW, Honda is a Japanese word for " bullet-proof" Motorcycles, mowers, yeah, I've had a lot of Honda's.
Loo
Even easier, put a vice grip on like he did and leave it there.
Thank you very much, Buckwsr. Couldn't have started my mower today, for the first time this season, without your video! Everything on mine worked out just as you described.
Thanks for the note. Made my day! Glad you got the mower running!
Thank you so much for this video!....I took my mower to a shop and they quoted 150 dollars!!! I obviously said no thanks and with nothing to lose . I watched your video, did exactly what you did and surprise surprise it started right up!! Amazing!! Thanks again!
Good job. You owe me $150.00 Ha ha!
@@Buckwsr lol!! Checks in the mail!! :)
🤣
that it is the most common problems with lawnmowers and weedeaterers and pressure washers generators I haven't buy any lawnmower or weedeaterers for a few years now got them all for free 5 minutes fix. he's the first person I have seen on TH-cam that is really showing one of the main problems on this motors. just keep the gas tank clean thas the key. good job thanks for the video👍
Thank you very much! This worked flawlessly
1. Cleaned the bolt
2. Cleaned the carburetor
3. Sanded a bit the spark plug.
The plug on my mower bowel does not have holes to be cleaned
i am retired and took up repairing mowers and i want to thank you for this very helpful information IT WORKED thank you again for the tip on safety pin
I know this is a year late but get you some welding tip wire brushes. They make them in a few different sizes they are very thin and can fit into these small passages and clean them out very well.
Just wanted to say thanks for the video. I was able to follow your simple steps and use one of the "high tech" tools to fix my lawn mower. We had it scheduled to go to the shop to be repaired, but they are running a month behind. Watched your video and followed the steps. Lawn mower is running GREAT! Thank you!
Thanks for the note. Good job fixing it yourself!
Man, you save me some $$. I thought I would need to take it in and have it repaired. Did as you said and took me about 10 min. One tug on the rope and it started up like a champ. Thanks man.
Good job! Yep, just 10 minutes and you're back in business! Would've cost you $50 bucks at the shop. Go buy yourself some ice cream!
Thank you. Well done. I find also that at the end of season before I store it, to just run the engine till it
runs out of gas. This draws the retained gas out of the carburetor bowl so it does not sit there through the season.
Just performed the exact procedure, on the lawnmower after watching your video. Worked a treat, and started first pull. Her indoors now thinks I’m a mechanical genius. Thanks for all your great instruction.
Greetings from Ireland, were the grass is always greener, we’ll that what I was always told as a gosson , small boy 👦.
I do it the simplest way. Once I have finished my mowing, before I store it, I will draw out the remaining residue from the carburetor so that it will not get clogged over time. The next time i want to use it I can immediately get it started without getting my hand dirtied. :D
@@fn4rillo Best is to run ethanol-free E0 gas with a fuel stabilizer for the last tank of gas at the end of the season. Run it until it quits, then drain the bowl. Most require removal; some have a drain plug.
@@fn4rillo How do you do this procedure? thanks.
this mower doesn't seem to have a fuel shutoff (ref vyse grips on fuel line). Not so easy to run the carb dry
Wish I had seen this 2 months ago. The repair shop said I needed a new corroborator, at a cost of $175. So I got $1.50 for it at the scrap yard and since I don't have much lawn anymore I use the weed wacker. Would have been nice to have known this and saved the mower. Anyway, sending the link to the kids and grandkids. Thanks You'r a good person.
Wow! Who would pay that kind of money? Cheaper to buy a new mower. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thank you. I had cleaned the carburetor and still had the same problem until I watched your video and cleaned this screw.
I was fully prepared to remove the carburetor from my B&S engine to tear it apart and soak it in carburetor cleaner overnight. I found this video yesterday and tried out your fix this morning. What a time saver this video was for me. Took out the bolt, cleaned it out, and reinstalled it. The mower now starts first pull every time just like it did when it was new. Great video! Thank you.
Thanks, Dave! That's what I call putting the "do" into "do-it-yourself"!!
Amazing how a little varnish or carbon can completely shut us down! Had to do this myself last week and now I see your video. Great job. Saved hundreds, new mowers are soo expensive. Cheers 🎄⛄🙏😎👍🇺🇸
☺👣🕳🤣✌
I haven’t bought a lawnmower in years because of so many people at the beginning of the season having exactly that problem and just throw them out. Great on the spot video. Some models you have to really try to find those clogged metering jets they are so small I use a bread tie that I just strip off the plastic coating. High tech tool too.
Oh yeah. Those break ties are handy!
There's tiny wire brushes used to clean out tips in acetylene torches. They often come in assorted sizes and in there own little metal box that keeps them together and so you don't lose them. They'd be great to clean out these small passages as they actually have wire to help clean any debris and chalky build up and varnish.
Those are files. You don't want to make the hole bigger than it is on a carb. On a torch, it is not an issue if the hole is bigger. Molten metal blobs go up the hole so you need a file to knock it out. Gas varnish is like jelly, so smooth shaft is preferred.
Thanks, I needed that.... I knew about removing and cleaning the bowl but didn't realize how the fuel flowed thru the plug, or that it needed to be cleaned... Yup, these lawnmower repair shops are going to hate you, but fear not... us backyard mechanics have them outnumbered.
Glad the video was helpful!
By CT by CT
Thanks for being a great down to earth mechanic by not wearing gloves. I myself need to feel the small pieces knowing I have the right touch to work. Don’t forget to check your spark plug. Air, fuel and spark means just that. Check and clean all 3.
Great note, Charles. Thank you.
I have a craftsman and I would pull and pull the cord and no start. Removed and cleaned like shown in the video and it started right up. You're awesome! Thanks for the great video.
Thanks, John! Good job fixing it yourself!
Well done, you saved me $100.00 or more Kudos my brother !
Good job doing it yourself! Take your wife out for ice cream!
Start and run lawn mowers during the winter months, once or twice, for a couple minutes.
I have done this for years and I NEVER have trouble starting a mower to mow in the spring.
Pretty simple, no need for goofy mower fuel tank additives, no need to buy crap to get a mower running again.
Just start it and run it a couple times during the winter, BAM! Problem avoided...
I have always put gas stabilizer in my mower and tiller, haven’t had any trouble since I started doing that. Great video, thanks.
In Canada, a better solution is to use Premium gas (91 octane). Here it is E0 (pure gasoline), no alcohol, so it does not separate in storage. Aslo, before storage, I pull the plug, and squirt some WD40 in the cylinder, pull the starter to spread it around, then put the plug back in. In the spring, I also give a squirt into the cylinder, and 'bam' it starts and runs.
I also use the fuel stabilizer and I run the tank dry when I put my mower away for the winter.
@@LasVegas68 what is the point of adding "stable" if you run tank dry?? I always run tank dry and never have an issue in the spring.
@@paulmoffat9306 Here in the States there are some gas stations that sell non-ethanol gas only in 91 octane. I have recently started using it and like it much better! Prior to that I was using stabelizer with good results but I like the 91 E free gas better. I will have to give the wd40 a try aye.
I have always used Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas. Never had a problem starting in the Spring. I always run the carburetor dry in my generator.
Many thanks. I'm 68 and on a fixed income. I had to clean the plug too and wait for the gas to fill,. It started on the fifth pull. My wife held the handle while I pulled!
An honor to be of assistance to you, sir! Good job!
Thanks for the info/video. I was able to fix my lawn mower today. Different type/brand but the process still worked. Thanks again!
Downloaded, saved, shared that's how important this video is!!!
Thank you so much!
My lawnmower was pretty different, but this method still worked!
Rayno
Thank you So Much! I have zero mechanical aptitude and the attention span of a squirrel and you helped me fix my mower in one try!
Thanks, Charles. Your note has made my day! Good job doing it yourself!
Thanks for a "straight to the point" video. Good info.
Thanks, Wayne. Glad it helped.
Well I have two lawnmowers and one has no problem at all starts first crank. Other one started and ran for 5 seconds. I did exactly what you showed me in this video and on the first crank it started and kept running. AMAZING!!! And I wanted to bring it to small engine repair shop. They would have charged me a good $60.00 for a job they call a tune up. I can't thank you enough. You rock!!!
You rock....because you saved yourself some money and can feel great about fixing it yourself!!!! Good job.
Holy crap I just tried this and it totally worked!! Thanks so much for this info😁. Lawn boy runs like a top now!
I just learned something new! That could be my problem. I’ll give it a go. Thank you so much! 🙏🏻
Hay Buck, thank you for the simple to the point exploration. I appreciate you letting us know the using of the gloves and the blowing air with your mouth part 😆. I'm 61 years old, so my teenage years with my dad was back in the late seventies, he was not a mechanic by trade, but he fixed his own cars, the two that I saw him work on was a 1957 Chevy and later a 1968 Pontiac Bonneville. He just used tools and in those days we used to get them at Wester Auto parts store, I think they had layaway to buy tools in those days. No glove...and we didn't have a shop, just the dryway.... simple to the point advice, thank you... I clicked like and subscribed, God bless you. JCT:)
Great memories, Juan. Thanks for the note.
Thanks, trying this tomorrow. Hopefully, the o-ring doesn't leak on reinstall.
Real good video. Always love to learn secrets. Can you imagine such a small set of holes stops the whole engine from running?
Thanks for watching the video!
Damn, Buck, you are spot on ... 5:10 .. Did that and didn't work first time. But I squirted carb-cleaner in the holes, then I let it sit. And, damn, seriously, SERIOUSLY. Runs like brand damned new. Thanks.
Good job fixing it yourself!
I’ve had them plugged so bad I had to use micro drill bits to open them out I’m 70 and I’ve learned most of the tricks would like to teach others but no one is interested until they have a problem
I am ready to learn more
Teach me
Make us a video. You can make money from posting you tube videos.
Got news for you Chuck, but I will pass along a revelation to me that I just never thought about. We're all following in someone else's shoes who we appreciate and now we- meaning you- have attempted to pass along your skill. Thank you! You too, Buck!😉
That's sure the truth, brother. I'd like to be an apprentice to a mechanic and learn. I have a great place to help other people and even run a small buiss. My neighbor was a small engine mechanic, big engine too probably. Best man I've met. I wish I would've tutored under him. He went home a few years ago🥺 and is sorely missed in countless ways
I got the same situation as your lawn mower. At the beginning I took out the carburetor and try to clean it. Then I found out my carburetor was very clean because it got 5 hour usage. Another utuber recommend to dump the gas due to engine does not like old gas such as more than 3 weeks old. I did that and it works. For my lawn mower after storage I have to dump the gas and fill it with fresh gas. You can get a hand pump from HF for about 7 dollars to dump the gas.
2 mowers now running again. You rock thank ya
Good job getting it done yourself!
Thank you so much. because of your video, I got my lawnmower started. Also no gloves, but used an air compressor to blow. Now i have the knowledge for next time. Cheers
Great job, my friend.
Thx, had a McLane front throw that hadn’t been run in years, and it started right up. Thx
My mower conked out after many years of faithful service. Time to locate and investigate the carb bowl and what could very likely be a clogged plug.
Similarly, many years ago my motorcycle had the same issue on the right side carb. Starting the bike up in the early morning would wake the neighbors with the backfiring. Three inlet jets had to be de-gunked and once that was done, the engine ran like a top. Great info. Thanks.
Thanks, Paul, and good luck with your mower.
Thanks for the instructions Buck! Interesting John Deere mower, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one like that. They made great mowers. My neighbor has a silver deck walk behind Deere, it’s over 20 years old and still going strong.
Honestly, the pivoting front wheels are useless on this thing....
👏👍 thanks good advise & yr funny comments makes it interesting 😊
Thank you!
Anyone who owns a mower should learn to do this. This is the number 1 problem with homeowner's mower.
Fantastic video I have been doctoring old lawnmowers for so many years and I am embarrassed to tell you I didn't know about the holes in that little plug. Thank you book for your information and the time it took to do it
Glad the video was a help to you!
have a different brand lawn mower
i followed everything exactly as you did and it worked...!!!
thank you sir
Great job! Glad the video was of help to you!
OMG - great specialized tools. You mentioned the needs for the gloves exactly while I was thinking the same. Thanks for the video and laugh.
Started right up after I did this, thanks buddy🙏🏻
Great job! Buy yourself an ice cream!
in 2000 i retired from 20 years of office work, moved out of the big city and started doing lawn work for supplemental income...i learned this exact process...EXACT....an old timer showed me what you did , EXACTLY,,,,,i guess i am now the old timer as i am 70 yo....excellent video.....my company motto was .... GRASS,,,,used to smoke it, now i mow it.....
Thank you for kind endorsement of my methodology, Old Timer....Mow on!
Straight to the point. Good stuff!
Thanks! Right to the heart of the problem, works like a charm. One thing I do to clamp off fuel lines is slip a deep socket over each of the vise grip jaws. Helps reduce damage to the wall of the fuel line .
Thanks for the tip!
Short, simple, & straight 2 the point..
My mower was " neglected " when I put it away last winter. It had a bit of gasoline left in it and I was afraid it wouldn't start...and it didn't. I was lucky, I thought that I was going to have to do a carburetor teardown. All it took was a re-fuel in a high octane, highish detergent, grade of good gasoline. I decided that with this mower that I wanted it to last, my last mower only lasted 3-4 years. These videos are helping keeping the new mower out of someone else's repair shop.
Hysterical! I fixed the neighbor up earlier today doing the exact thing!
I sure hope you used a paperclip and a safety pin!
Thank you!!! I spent hours fiddling with the lawn mower over the weekend without success. Watched your video and 10 minutes later the mower is purring.
Thank you so much! Your note has totally made my day!
Awesome! Simple instructions. No fancy tools. Great video. Thanks a lot!
Wrong. He had A highly specialized tool. A paper clip and A safety pin. LOL.
I tried this on a B&S 6.75 engine on a DR trimmer mower and it worked perfectly. The float bowl did not have to be removed, there was a large hex key fitting that removed the piece that needed to be soaked in carb cleaner and reinstalled. It started right up after that, thanks!
Great job!
Thanks for the info. Before i store my mower i empty the gas and run it dry.
There a way to suck the fuel out of the fuel storage instead of running it dry? Also wont these be some fuel stuck in the carborator?
@@raczyk my generator has a drain provided at the bottom of the float bowl that is opened up with a screw stop. I have a fuel line connected to it and just drain it out to a fuel container. Better doing it that way if you don't want to just run it all out with the engine.
Thank you for pointing out all of my inadequacies. Seriously, an informative video. Keep up the good work.
No finger pointing was intended! Ha ha! Hope you're mower is back up and running!
Anytime something won't start I go straight to the carburetor, dirt bikes, quads, go karts, lawnmowers, weedwackers, sometimes cars. Since 2011 I've always gone straight to cleaning carbs. Its just something mechanics should do naturally like I do. Glad to see the old way still being done
I look first for ignition,
same thing I came across while going for walk and Englishman struggling and sweating a new machine he purchased from store. I advised him to clean the plug, adjust space for spark and on my return I found it was working and he thanked me.
Tip there is also a gasket between the carb and the fuel bowel . Sometimes the gasket stays on the carb , sometimes it comes off . Be sure it is positioned correctly when you put the bowel back on . Also some fuel bowls are not the same all the way around the bottom so they need to be positioned correctly in relation to the float when you reinstall the fuel bowel .
You seem to be struggling with the word bowl one moment it's bowl next it's bowel ? I think it's the first one bowl that you mean!
But bowel is funnier.
When it comes to your bowels, ya definitely want that gasket in place.
Yeah buddy. 🖖😁👍👉💥🛎
Videos like this, are what made youtube so popular. Good job sir!
Thank you so much!
Buck you the man! No nonsense real world fix! Thanks dad!
Right Jason, the kids in the background were enough music for my ears. Buck, this was a great video to watch and it would seem the problems with my dad's mower may soon be over. I may now have to go into business fixing lawn mowers, as I ordered a work stand on which to perform such operations. (Getting old and back etc. don't appreciate me bending over or putting my knees on hard surfaces). Seriously, I wish I had taken small engine repair when I was much younger. So many people lack a reputable repair man. Thanks so much for your no nonsense presentation.
Thanks for the kind words, Gary.
I am going to start using one of those filters that removes sediment and water from the gas . Many gas cans have a fine mesh screen on the nozzle . However , over time , the small stuff gets in .
I'm telling ya that happens. I had one here doin that and that's exactly what it was and there was a lotta crap in th fuel tank. LOL
Use heat to get the water out of the gas system and gumout to clean out your carburetor. New plug helps also.
BUCK SW W. YOU ARE A OLD SCHOOL FIXER UPPER. 👍 THANKS FOR THIS INFORMATION.
Thank you for the tips. I'm going to try this on my ancient Lawn-Boy. I loved the thumbs up right in front of the carb near the end. Nice touch.
Yeah, Yeah I do the same thing. Forget the formalities. Great lesson. Mine started right after that procedure, thanks.
good job!
Good video. Sometimes trash makes it to the float needle. I treat all my small engines with the red Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer prior to winter storage. Make sure you run the engine long enough to get treated fuel in the bowl. Come spring you don't have these problems. :)
I put Sta-Bil in my 5 gallon gas can when I fill it up at the gas station. So my engines - push mower, tractor, snowblower, etc... - ALWAYS run with it in the gas. I never have to think about it (until the gas can is getting low).
Thank you very much. A neighbor gave me a nice Toro mower years ago.I didn't need it so it sat outside for 10 years. Well finally needed it, cleaned all parts replaced needle & seat still no run, till I did this.
Runs great Neighbor not impressed.
Oh, the neighbor IS impressed! Believe me, he's impressed! Great job!
One thing I have been doing is using ethanol-free gas for my mower, tiller and ATV. Just what my brother-in-law told me to do as he’s a motorcycle mechanic.
thats good if you can find no ethanol fuel. not readily available everywhere
@@bigjoe2458 yep, only gas available around my area is the ethanol laced stuff.
A bit more expensive.
$3.89 a gallon in Michigan. But well worth the effort. I add a dash of Seafoam per the can recommended rate and NEVER had any issues with my stuff. USE IT for 2 cycle mix too...
In Small Engines class at Northern Montana College we were taught to use a wood tapered round tooth pick. Never put anything metal through a jet! You could scratch or increase the diameter of the jet, affecting fuel flow! We were also taught the same thing in Automotive Fuel Systems also. Been a while since I’ve seen a carburetor on a new vehicle.
Hello from north east Montana.
10 miles from the Canadian border.
Well, it's just a lawnmower. Even if I did mess up the jet, it's like a two or three dollar part. Not the end of the world. Sometimes I use micro drill bits to deliberately open up the jet on some engines that simply aren't getting enough fuel flow...you know, they design them to run so darn lean... Thanks for the note!
Great video. Only thing I would do different is to use a towel around vise grip to prevent damage to rubber.
your my type of mechanic, no frills, gas, oil in mouth, dirty hands, NO big deal. I've been doing this for years. Guess what I'm 67 years old now and I'm going with battery power now. Just to much pain in back and hands anymore, I know I know just a new set of problems, wish me luck! Thanks for the video
Thank you, sir...with the two first names~!
Great job,thank you for the tip! Keep up the good work!!
Awesome tip!... Thank you for the idea of knowing one of the most common problems to the lawn mower not starting!
Backyard mechanic the best !!
Thanks Buck Nice and simple. I always make it hard for myself by removing the carb and cleaning, and blowing air, and checking everything, but then having to make gaskets etc. I will try this next time. wish I saw this 3 days ago. Thanks from Ontario Canada.
Thanks for these very useful tips, worked a treat for me today!
This is why it always helps to run seafoam or stabil before you put your mower away for the winter. I even usually start my mower and run the gas tank empty in the fall before I put it away. But this was a great video. I have had to do this several times for some friends who didn't take care of their mowers
I don't usually use fuel additives, nor do I "winterize" the machines in the Fall. If they don't start easily in the Spring, I know what to to fix them, so it's not a big deal.