Start Your Lawn Tractor With This Simple Trick After Winter Storage!

Almost Every Time, This Trick Will Start Your Lawn Tractor Without Fail!
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I have easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials "do it yourself" (DIY) videos to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers and zero turn mowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed whacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, zero turn mower, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
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Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
Tengo tutoriales paso a paso fáciles de seguir y completos, videos de "hágalo usted mismo" (DIY) para ayudarlo con su equipo de jardín y césped roto, incluidos quitanieves y cortadoras de giro cero.
Hago todo lo posible para enseñarle cómo diagnosticar fácilmente problemas de la manera más rápida, rápida y eficiente con reparaciones reales más allá de simplemente reemplazar una bujía. Estos consejos son tanto para el dueño de la casa como para el dueño de la tienda.
Ya sea un motor manual de dos tiempos y dos ciclos como una motosierra, un desmalezador, un desmalezador, una cortadora de hilo, una cortadora de césped, una cortadora de hilo, una cortadora de setos, una podadora, una desbrozadora, un soplador de hojas o unidades de cuatro tiempos y cuatro ciclos como una cortadora de césped, una cortadora de leña, un tractor cortacésped, una cortadora de césped de giro cero, una sopladora de nieve, una lavadora a presión, un generador o una cortadora de césped que necesita que se instalen o reemplacen piezas, soy su persona indicada.
#donyboy73 #smallenginerepair

[@donyboy73]

🔻WATCH NEXT🔻 Lawn Tractor Won't Start? Try This Easy Free Fix! ➡kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXfUqX19psSlh5Ykzbin.infogaming/emoji/7ff574f2/emoji_u1f53b.pngkzbin.infogaming/emoji/7ff574f2/emoji_u1f53b.pngkzbin.infogaming/emoji/7ff574f2/emoji_u1f53b.png

[@0u812ski]

Thanks for The Clinic..D.B.❤

[@kencurtis228]

I would also add a Fuel Shut off Valve.

[@markfolino6976]

Your videos are very helpful to regular guys or weekend yardguys&gals & really everybody, thanks Donyboy!

[@jamesrichardson771]

Very Nice 💥🛠🤙

[@henryf.ky.3415]

Funny! I thought them little red filters was just the manufacturer putting a cheap filter on! Thanks for the info. You’re the best.

[@LLStacheLarry]

Great video thanks.

[@garyb8186]

thanks for the video, just subscribe

[@RussellWardman]

Grinding a wrench to fit the solenoid works fine. For those of us who have bicycle wrenches; they also work nicely.

[@brianrizzi6321]

Thanks for sharing all these years. Learned lots

[@donyboy73]

Great to hear!

[@BearE9090]

Great tip about the solenoid, thanks.

[@steveb.6267]

Another great video from the best teacher on KZbin. I’ve been doing this for over 40 years but I still enjoy watching your videos. Thanks again.

[@rooster3019]

Excellent demonstration! A little time preparing equipment for storage is well invested... Thanks again!

[@JamesAnderberg]

Simple and to the point. Very good info.

[@frankie7508]

The simple idea could save me hours of work over the last thirty years. Especially with my motorcycle!!! Thanks Dony! 👍👍👍

[@wandajames6234]

You make everything look so easy-- I love how thorough your videos are. Except on your old Weed Eater vids you did not tangle with a trigger spring and I was praying you would. I have managed to get a Class A autotech license but I can't seem to get this frigging spring in. I had to leave the trade as a Honda tech due to major physical disability and I was very upset and missed it but now I'm tinkering with small engines-- you were my inspiration : ). I've brought back 2 Craftsman tractors, a tiller and a Chinese ATV, but this old Weed Eater trigger spring has me beat, lol. Just love your work!

[@dwaynecollins4974]

I have the same issue with Brand name weed eaters. They're pretty straightforward, but Getting the trigger and the throttle cable lined out is it's an incredible pain in the butt.😮

[@dougjackson1165]

Another great video, fabulous photography, easy to understand instructions, saves us $$. Thanks Donny.

[@seanmcgillicuddy956]

Thanks Don nice explanation and easy to follow along ..

[@gordbaker896]

The differences in Fuel Filters was new to me. Quick Start is the best and quickest way to determine if you have Spark.

[@woodlandburl6648]

Thanks . I actually learned something watching this video. Keep these videos coming.

[@MrGoosePit]

Great video Don! This will really help people just getting their mowers out of winter storage.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

👍 usual, short, sweet, DETAILED !

[@henerker]

I like this video! Step by step, and so easy, showing us how we can do it ourselves. The bonus is that we save money! Nice job again, Don. Very helpful. I especially liked the advice on the correct fuel filter.

[@wk7060]

Really like you videos.

[@keithpayne8943]

Another great video. Thanks

[@famasmaster2000]

Very helpful advice Don , very good and useful video 👌

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@rodneygreen9968]

Great information & video. Thank You.👍👍👏👏

[@ILOVEMACHINES225]

thanks thats a useful tip with the solenoid i just started fixing small engines and that tip will help a lot thanks👍

[@BigOvlogger]

A very good video. Have a Super Sunday!

[@dannau841]

Another awesome video I like that you take your time to demonstrate each step

[@harrygrimley4352]

Great tips don. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@adnacraigo6590]

Thank you.

[@gregfisher216]

Great Video Dony ,work smart not hard !!

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

Thanks for the tip. Spark, fuel, compression and........timing.🐞

[@m9ovich785]

Suck, Squish, Bang, Blow. HAHAHAHAHAHA

[@dalehill4714]

I cut the tip off my bad fuel solenoid screwed it back in..unplugged it, and put an in line gas shut off...the part was on back order....it worked fine so i cancelled my order and saved almost 50 bucks...Thanks for the tip

[@justted3619]

Thank you for the video you have helped me alot in my little hobby shop. I would have also checked the oil for gas and age and most likely change it I was always taught fresh oil is your best friend. Thank you again.

[@micheljauvin3536]

well done

[@BigOvlogger]

I just traded my GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini for a very nice Troy Bilt LTX 13 riding mower that has the 13 hp Diamond I/C engine. It runs and cuts like new. It has a 38 inch deck. My 2002 Snapper has the 12 hp flathead Powerbuilt engine.

[@jeffschroeder4805]

I have often used a little starting fluid for spring startups. When they start, as it did in this video,of course I put in new gas but always wonder if I should run some carb cleaner or sea foam mixed with the new gas hoping to clean out any remaining residue. Probably wasting my money but if it makes me feel better.........

[@EricClark-io7rf]

I service my rider in the Fall pryer to winter storage.Fresh (supreme) fuel only, my 2015 JD starts first crank in the spring

[@tazmun]

I know those larger filters aren’t meant for gravity feed systems but I used to put them on anyway because I had so much problem with the little tiny filters like you just reinstalled. It just didn’t seem like the little tiny filter did the job and could handle the volume running through a riding machine. I know I’m not an engineer but well… Other then the engineer saying it shall be so, do you have any thoughts on why we shouldn’t be running the larger filters? Again please don’t say it shall be so, explain your thinking if you will. I might also comment to say that my thoughts on the larger filters being better are also associated with the poor fuel we’re buying which especially with these older machines wasn’t as bad quality when we purchased the machine.

[@TheOtherBill]

I still run the cardboard filters and they've never caused a problem. Why I run them is because I was curious and once cut open one of the little red filters and saw it had nothing but a screen inside that seemed too coarse to be an effective filter.

[@chucka53]

It's kinda hard to see if there IS fuel in the red ones.

[@Steve-O-78]

You are 100% correct. That filter, will eventually give that customer problems

[@rontrombley2596]

I understand the logic behind the small filter, but the larger displacement motors (single cylinder) burn as much gas as the twin cylinders that they replaced. Some of them even come with a fuel pump. The see thru filter makes it easier to see if dirt is trapped in the filter. This makes it easier to know when it’s time for replacement. The smaller fuel filters were designed for annual replacement when servicing the motor. Removing the need to see if the filter is plugged. But what if you use your riding mower many hours each season and have to service it 2-3 times a season? Large amounts of fuel being burned with gas and debris in the tank possible.

[@liljoeii6091]

Thank you for the good idea and thank you for the video

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks Dony

[@rightlanehog3151]

Don, What would you do to keep yourself busy in the spring if everyone drained their fuel tanks the previous fall? 🤔😉

[@donyboy73]

Good question lol

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@donyboy73 😁

[@alang.4570]

That's exactly what happened to my Kohler 7000 series engine after storing over the winter. I always siphon any gas in the gas tank, then run the engine dry. However, at the start of this season, the engine just spun and wouldn't start. I contacted my local power equipment shop and I was told to try spraying a quick start product into the carb. I turned the key and it started right up. I've mowed my lawn five times this season with no start up issues. Good tip on the solenoid, too. I never really knew its true function until after watching your video

[@rk22cc]

Thanks Donny

[@brianmcconnell7988]

good tips Dony !

[@stoolie10]

Don, Any suggestions for removing a stuck carb needle on a briggs mower carburetor. I don’t want to destroy the plastic float if I can avoid it. It’s hard to get a bite on the top of the needle 🤔

[@danielrobert7181]

Encore une vidéo super utile. Merci Donald !

[@SandiRose2008]

I have a Craftsman that's been sitting for a long time, too. Now that I've watched this video, I'm going to try to see if I can get it running again!! Thank you, Dony!!

[@donyboy73]

You can do it!

[@andyhamilton8940]

Spark, fuel, compression, AND air are needed for it to run😊

[@markfolino6976]

Dony boy, question : do those red lawnmower fuel filters have a directional arrow embossed on the plastic housing? Thanks

[@donyboy73]

no

[@karlschwab6437]

I had trouble with two of those carburetor anti backfire solenoids so I eliminated them and I never had a engine backfire before or after. I like fuel filters I can see into and never had a fuel flow problem with all of my small engines.

[@TheBeast-tj9qo]

Donny I can't figure out the carburetor linkage and choke on Kohler RH265 do you have any videos on how to I can't find anything.

[@BruceMacDonald-yr9rx]

What do you do with the old gas?

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

If you don't have thin wrenches consider getting a bicycle cone wrench. Among my many tools I have a bunch of cone wrenches accumulated from 55+ years of wrenching on bicycles. SAE wrenches are (were?) available and there are certainly metric cone wrenchs available. In the later case, if you don't find the exact size you need get the the next smaller metric wrench and open the jaw width with a file. A simple modification task... especially if you don't own a grinder to thin the jaws like Don did.

[@74willy81]

Another great video with some very good advice, thank you for sharing the knowledge. On other item I do for my customers with similar gravity fuel supply applications is to install a fuel shut-off valve in the fuel line. Seems it's not if but when the float's needle and seat allows the contents of the tank to leak into the engine.

[@tonygresham2634]

You have a great day to

[@randi740]

Hi Dony, that anti-backfire switch is expensive and seems to be a waste of money, ya think?

[@Steve-O-78]

Kohler 25-050-22 is the correct fuel filter

[@donyboy73]

Thanks

[@patrickflohe7427]

I’ve had that little anti-backfire solenoid fail, but not be stuck. It was an intermittent failure, and wouldn’t run for more than a minute or two and often just for a few seconds. I discovered that there was often no click when I turned the key on, but when I hit the solenoid with a wrench or small hammer or something, it would usually work-for a little bit. First thing I did, was cut the cone shaped plunger off the top of the solenoid valve, and then ran it for a lengthy period….no failures. After that, I put the new solenoid valve on, and it continued to run perfectly.

[@cottydry]

Dony, just curious how a shop like yours gets rid of gas soaked rags and old gasoline? Is it OK to blend relatively small amounts of old but clean gas in a vehicle's nearly full gas tank.

[@donyboy73]

There's a company near me called Brendar that takes all the old oil and gas. Sometimes you can mix old uncontaminated fuel with new stuff and it will work great in your vehicle.

[@GravityReflex]

Bonjour , je recherche présentement un tracteur à gazon usagé et je me demandais comment c'étais pour trouver des pièce de remplacement au Québec sur les tracteur de marque plus cheap comme entre autre ce craftsman , columbia , white et sinon quel marque me suggèreriez vous par expérience ?

[@patrickpoulard24]

Don't forget timing too. If the timing on your engine is off, the engine will NEVER start either. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔✌🏿 Keep up the good work Dony

[@80SWoods]

Yes! I spent many hours trying to fix a chainsaw only to find that the flywheel key was sheered.

[@patrickpoulard24]

@@80SWoods Yes, the flywheel gets you every single time. 🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🤦🏾‍♂️

[@ForfeMac]

That's what the cosby sauce is for. If it starts on ether but doesn't run without it, it's a fueling issue. If it doesn't start even with the sauce, then you've got to start looking at spark, timing, compression.

[@johnmilner7603]

Since I own a John Deere X300 I like using the John Deere gas filter. I have used the red one on my 8-26 Canadian Tire snow blower that I purchased back in 1985. 6:59 I would have cleaned that dirt out. It may have fallen in the bowl.

[@billsmith1770]

i like to use 2 stroke mixed gas to start my spare mowers that only get started once a year . i put some in an old flip top rubbing alcohol bottle . the oil lubes the dry cyl , rings and valves , and can increase compression slightly (only till it starts 1st time) to help get one started that hasn't been run a few years .

[@jp-us9rq]

Why do some people say never use starting fluid.use 2 cycle mix ?

[@80SWoods]

That’s for if you are tying to start a 2 cycle engine. If you start it and run it on starting fluid, there is no lubrication. A short start is fine, but you don’t want to keep a 2 cycle engine running on just starting fluid.

[@PainterD54]

Always add Seafoam in any motor before putting it away for the off season. That way your motor will start right up and you won't need to be watching videos to see what's wrong.

[@johncollins8304]

Thanks, Dony. Nice reminder for those of us who only do this once every few years. Request-- old Murray getting harder to change gear. I have a spare transmission from an other machine; is it best to just try replacing the transmission with this one or try something else first? Thanks.

[@donyboy73]

I would lube all linkages first and if no better I would just replace the tranny with your spare one.

[@johncollins8304]

​@@donyboy73 Thanks a lot Dony. Have never seen any vids of probs with old /manual transmissions.

[@manuelneira5222]

How can I reach you , I have a Generac generator only putting 85 vac in the 110 v recep

[@mr.goldenrod291]

I have the same model Crapsman. 100% junk! Helpful video if I encounter solenoid problems.

[@shabadoo24]

I started a couple of zero turn mowers a couple of weeks ago. Primed it with carb cleaner and away she goes

[@RichardSivonen]

Morning donyboy73, I have a friend that has a mower just like you are working on. Everything new parts on it, carb, fuel lines, starter,etc. Starts and will run ten to fifteen minutes and dies out and wouldn't restart. I am confused, any insight 😕 🤔 would help me greatly. Thank you 😊 🙏

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Gravity fed filter VS: Pump fed filter, I'm sure you have addressed this before about the differences in filters, BUT it may be a good idea to have BOTH beside you when you do such & address it each time you are doing similar, I don't remember HOW to tell the difference

[@donyboy73]

Great suggestion!

[@apexiumim2741]

I have a craftsman sitting in my yard for two years under a tarp that a buddy left (temporarily he said). Now he doesn’t want it and told me to just give it away. I think I’ll give it a whirl and see what happens… not hopeful tho lol.

[@adubbelde1]

I run only Non Ethanol fuel in my gas engines. It's available locally at every gas station. I never drain my fuel at the end of the season. Everything I have starts in the spring. I just went out this week and my Zero Turn Scag which had sat since last October fired up immediately. It's an older machine and the engine has been replaced with a Kohler FI engine.

[@garyalensr]

You say that gravity feed tanks use the red filters? What difference will it make if any using the bigger ones used for engines with fuel pumps?

[@donyboy73]

Apparently the fuel flows through easier on the red filter that the one with cardboard inside.

[@ericvaughn1126]

Can confirm. I have this exact same Kohler Command 15-17hp engine and tried a fuel filter like this one had on it. It didn't allow sufficient gas to flow to the carb which made the engine run rough like it wasn't getting enough gas. I put the old Kohler branded one back on until I could get a replacement and that resolved the issue. That was with a brand new filter too. One with any debris would surely make the flow even worse.

[@kenannable4747]

@@donyboy73 Are these red filters directional?

[@donyboy73]

@@kenannable4747 They do not appear to be directional.

[@Tommyr]

Looks like mine but mine is gray and 16 years old.

[@thomase6751]

Why didn't you check the plugs?

[@ajkelly6135]

I have a 20 hp b twin Briggs engine that's keep braking the governor in the engine some times it brakes Immediately or can take hours the clip it on tight anyone have a idea why

[@paulchinn5981]

I guess an easy fix like this one doesn't happen to often?

[@donyboy73]

Not always!

[@Steve-O-78]

I can't tell you how many Kohler command singles I've repaired coming in with that EXACT fuel filter you installed with a no start scenario. The filter you removed, was, the PROPER filter

[@deanrhodenizer938]

You needs spark, fuel, and compression, Agreed but you also need correct spark timing and correct valve timing, although these problems don't develop from extended storage.

[@donyboy73]

Common sense is also needed!

[@deanrhodenizer938]

@@donyboy73 Amen, brother, common sense, more than anything else.

[@K_M23]

Thanks for another great video Dony! Excellent tip! Would you mind telling me the brand & model/part number of the pliers you used at about 2:50? I have been trying to find ones with the tips bent like that for years. My friend has a pair but all the numbers are gone.

[@Triple_3_In_The_Ozarks]

Like he said, use a grinder and remove some material off a 1/2" open end wrench. Just find one and grind it.

[@K_M23]

@@Triple_3_In_The_OzarksI have thin wrenches. I referring to the needle nose pliers with the special double offset tips.

[@donyboy73]

KNIPEX 38 31 200

[@Triple_3_In_The_Ozarks]

@K_M23 sorry, after re-reading, I see what you meant. Sorry, pain meds fog the thought process here. Good luck on getting a set.

[@K_M23]

@@donyboy73 thanks!

[@73superglide62]

Old fuel lol or soleniod sticking

[@THEWRENCH343]

DON'T USE STARTING FLUID! It will damage piston rings. A little squirt of gasoline is all that is needed.

[@richardchayer6597]

Thats bull s#$t. 40 years as a small engine mechanic here and never seen rings fail for 2 3second shot of starting fluid.

[@donyboy73]

Never heard that before!

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

took your advice about pleeted filter i then took it off my pressure washer and put that red one on,,,i blew through pleeter one ,it has no restriction at all free flow,,wasted my time

[@redfields5070]

Duh

[@steamboatwillie935]

Those little red filters are garbage. May as well not put one on at all. If that's what you're going to use.

[@marklubecke4854]

Not exactly tricks, maybe common sense maintenance, eould be more accurate. Thanks Don.

[@harrylegge4898]

Received the same mower as a gift, similar situation. Removed old fuel, replaced the filters, new plug, new oil. Amen on the carb plunger.🫡