Fixing A Yard Machines Mower That Won't Start

[@craigford9360]

Thank you, this worked perfectly for me. Cleaning out the carb was straightforward, and now it starts first time with a light pull. Really appreciate it, saved me having to buy a new one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it helped

[@mjg263]

I usually remove the cover and take out the tank and carb as a unit. That way you can inspect / clean everything under there, flush out the tank and lines then thoroughly clean the carb. Chances are that slime and old fuel is still hanging around in the carb or fuel lines, but I’d also check the spark plug wire where it passes under the engine cover. Sometimes it gets pinched against the fins and grounds out or rubs against the auto-choke linkage and causes it to hang up. These are pretty good little mowers and sell quickly when all sorted out.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes that's what I should have done too

[@999thenewman]

If you notice the chuh-chuch sound when turning the engine over (starting this engine isn't instant), you may wish to adjust the valve lash. This engine likely has 50+ hours on it and now may be a good time to complete that service. Also, snug the head bolts as well. Great job, Home Garage.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good idea

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

Full cleaning is my vote. Cheaper then buying a new one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

most time, however this one is special and you'll see why later on.

[@Dopest_diecast2003]

I'm working on a steel FS55. It's making grinding/like a bell noise. I'm wondering if that's the clutch and the head doesn't spend when you Rev it up

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think there might be an issue in the gearbox at the trimmer head.

[@Dopest_diecast2003]

@@HomeGaragechannel It's towards the motor like right in front of the motor that's what makes me think it's a clutch, and when you pull it over it makes grinding noise towards the clutch.

[@jct300m]

Tank/Carb/fuel line off...From the start....Clean/Clean/Clean...Reassemble & Install👍👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed although there's more to this one, as you'll see in the follow up

[@mrcasualty3314]

im having issues with my mower it was running horrible and sputtering when last in use and it ran out of gas so i let it sit for a few hours. then i filled it back up and it wouldnt start up, ive cleaned out the carb checked all the jets all was clear its a plastic carb if that info is needed. i also checke the spark plug for spark and it had plenty. im out of ideas what it could be at this point

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Not enough information so I'm being general here. Have you checked to make sure the Air filter was not wet with water or fuel? Also have you tried putting some fuel into the carbs inlet to see if it might start by bypassing the carb? Otherwise it seems like the problem is the fuel. It might have water in it? Have looked to see If there might be water in the gas can?

[@mrcasualty3314]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks for the response. And yes the filter is absolutely nasty I had to take it off it was ruined it was wet with fule and whatever gunk was on it . I need to get a replacement. And the only thing I tried was a little break cleaner in the carb should I try gas?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes try the gasoline

[@mrcasualty3314]

@@HomeGaragechannel okay so update after cleaning the carb and draining the gas tank it wasn’t starting afterwords. And now here we are day after and she starts up first pull. Any idea as to why? After it sat overnight it’s working without issues.

[@mario11xx]

Been watching your videos for over a year you've always asked to put comments. I just want to let you know your videos are very informative and I really like the way how you explain things but I have a question....... my seven year old Honda power washer just kick the bucket. I'd like to know if you could direct me down toward a path of a model that you would recommend to buy a new power washer ..... Example, good engine good quality ..... Funny thing I should send it to you so you could fix it but that's a different story but I really would appreciate your opinion if you can direct me down for a good model thanks a lot.....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and I appreciate your time in watching. It means a lot to me. So here's the part, where things get tricky. How often and how long do you use your power washer for? Also, where do you store it when you're not using it? What's your budget for it too? sorry for all these questions but these would be the same ones I would ask if we were standing at the Lowes, looking at them. My recommendation is that if you use the washer a lot and store it indoors to get "any" power washer with another honda engine on it. Doesn't matter the brand name. But If you store it in a shed, and only use it sparing, just get an electric one, based on your budget.

[@Turningwrenches85]

That is a surprise for a 2012 model mower with good paint since the mtd machines the paint peels. If you look at it the wrong way , I have made my shares of mistakes also we learn from it and move on and get better.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're right about that, and yes it's in surprising condition

[@Ethan_the_Railfan]

Hey man, my dad has a toro lawnmower over head valve and he only got it like 3 and a half years ago. I just got done mowing today when I noticed oil was starting to leak out onto the bottom of the air filter and onto the mowing deck. How do I fix this???

[@HomeGaragechannel]

check the oil level, make sure it's not over full, if it's not overfilled then the head gasket might be broken

[@dfields9511]

0:07 I hear yah, I have found only 1 free mower this year so far; I have seen a few posted but too far away to drive. ppl are holding on to them and may be trying to DIY fix themselves with youtube and a socket set. its much easier to just take the carb off to clean to me. the old quantum ones you could get away with just the bowl because they were easier to get to .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point

[@TravisSturm-wb9jp]

i have been watching your videos and i was wondering if you know what is wrong with my chainsaw it is idling on choke but when i turn choke off or pull the trigger it shuts off i cleaned the carb some and cleaned the spark arester

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, I'd say the metering diaphragm needs to be replaced but you could try turning the "L" screw counter clockwise a half turn, to see if.. it'll help out.

[@TravisSturm-wb9jp]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok ill try

[@TravisSturm-wb9jp]

@@HomeGaragechannel ill try it thanks you

[@robertmailhos8159]

More than the mower is worth 😮

[@matthewwearsch242]

Take shroud off remove fuel tank and carburetor clean tank and fuel line or replace fuel line blockage might be in carb inlet and between needle and seat under float valve also check fuel tank outlet some manufacturers used an inline filter that pushes into the tank outlet that significantly will reduce fuel flow if dirty

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good idea

[@brianmccafferty1470]

Sounds good!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not bad, could be better though

[@electroddxful]

Great video. Take the carburetor off and give it a good cleaning 👍🙏👍🙏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I'd take that carb off and clean it and flush the whole system. That plastic job would be an easy fix. Still acts like the choke is hanging up, but there's always more than meets the bloodshot eyeball. Mowing with the battery job with in the slow and economy mode. High grass is battery at 60% left but witht the same settings and light mowing but moving along it's been 80% the last two times. WELL pleased but the gas jobs are still here too. Happy weekend and Blessings

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed, and that's the plan

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel YAAY!

[@daboomer2277]

I think you should check the engine valve lash. Or timing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@mrbubetube]

at this point, I'd say either giving the carb a full cleaning or replacing are equally good options. But since you have such good flow through the carb right now, another option would be to try running full strength sea foam through the carb for a few minutes. That might equally do the trick.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

interesting choice

[@Patrick4959]

from my view i,d probably take off the carburetor aka carby for a full cleaning and maybe inspect the breather tube hose as that might also be cracked and if the inlet manifold on that engine is warped or if the gasket on it is perished that also could be the problem too for a start up and run etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you might be onto something

[@Patrick4959]

@@HomeGaragechannel yep too right mate or maybe the linkage might be in a obstruction or the shaft might be stiff etc.

[@larryz24]

So easy to take these carbs off and clean them I think that would be my first order of business. 10 minutes in the ultrasonic cleaner would make the carb like new IMO.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you know that's what I always thought too, however there are some things the ultrasonic can't do.

[@nathanielsmith6765]

Where does that top hole behind the air filter lead? Is that the air intake? Also, is it a bad idea to spray any starter fluid in there? 😅

[@HomeGaragechannel]

to the top of the engine and the PCV system. No it's not the air intake to the engine. You can spray it there but it would be better in the lower hole which goes to the carb.

[@jamess.putman1779]

You have the knowledge and know how just look at the time to clean compared to price of new carb. Either way you got to remove old carb . It's your mower / your call. Cleaning you don't have to buy parts. Same with the tank just take off and clean good

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're very perceptive and I really appreciate that. In the next video we find out what's really going on, and it'll all make sense. Thank you Sir!

[@Mike-su8si]

That ones got the cheap carburetor on it because leaves a gap between the engine and the carburetor and is how those ones catch fire

[@HomeGaragechannel]

interesting idea.

[@liljoeii6091]

I would think if you took the whole carburetor off and cleaned it good it would be work well thank you for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's the hope but sometimes it doesn't work out

[@jeffsnodgrass9747]

I suspect that jelly is fuel stabilizer. I’ve seen it before and the color of the fuel that came out of the carb bowl is not normal. Like others have said, I would do a proper clean of the entire fuel system ( carb, tank, line) and give it another shot.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for that

[@owenrobertson-n6o]

Quickest way to check if the blade is sharp is you stick your leg under the mower while it’s running. If it takes your leg clean off it is sharp. If does not then,sharpen it until it cuts through your leg

[@brianmccafferty1470]

Holy mcketal!

[@owenrobertson-n6o]

@@brianmccafferty1470wanna know how to check if your brush cutter blade is sharp?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are a genius

[@owenrobertson-n6o]

@@HomeGaragechannel with a brush cutter you use someone’s else’s leg because you have none left from the lawnmower😆

[@norge696]

That mower had to of sat for several years to have the gas looking like that Those tanks can be removed without pulling the carb off. remove the recoil then push up on the tank. then remove the fuel line at the carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the info

[@extrarockersworld8271]

By mistake I put diesel in my masport so I pulled of the fuel line drained the diesel and tipped the mower back to get it out of the carby and it took a little bit but I got it to start and it blown out white smoke for a sec then stopped what a good day I had

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you did a good job getting it going

[@extrarockersworld8271]

And I’m only 11 years old 😊

[@Mike-su8si]

They don't sell replacement pull starts for the 2011 models of those mowers you have to modify it yourself so it'll work and so you can pull the string and start it up I had to put on a different part on the flywheel some people are so picky they want it all original but when the shit is old the parts aren't all available for the old shit they use so i bought a old used part and made it look brand new and let the customer think it was a new part it works thats all that matters

[@HomeGaragechannel]

where have you been looking for pull starts?

[@Mike-su8si]

@@HomeGaragechannel i checked Amazon they didn't have one similar to his original so then i bought the used rusty piece off Ebay i might had been able to find the original part but the guy wasn't wanting to spend much on it the rusty one cleaned up good and repainted it to look new the guy couldn't tell if it was ever old that was last year. Im not looking for that pull start anymore but im always buying new or used parts

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

Maybe try some Sea-foam in it first 😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not for this one, this one is special and the video already showed you the culprit

[@24space310]

it sounds like one of those machines that use diesel gas (a machine that is only manufactured in our country) which uses a handcrank.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it does doesn't it

[@gradyhernandez4699]

Those are easy to " fix";, but ,of course,it depends on what's wrong with it !🎉

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct about that

[@Mike-su8si]

I wouldn't want that engine but have 2 myself they're a bad model to have even though they run great they still can and have caught fire 2 times with me Were the carburetor hooks to the engine it doesn't seal against the engine all the way leaving a small air gap for gas fumes to hit the spark plug how it does it im not really sure but mine burned twice and the engine is still working now we still use the melted gas tank because it didn't burn all the way through i smeared mud all over it to put the fire out but i kept wondering how'd it keep catching on fire and seen its a small gap and those type of engines are made bad just a bad model to own their also on self pulling ones to same gap problem its like Briggs forgot to add on a carburetor gasket to block the small air gap

[@HomeGaragechannel]

another interesting idea

[@christophermarshall5765]

I would pull the carby and clean it thoroughly.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@MazichMusic]

I'd clean the carb off the engine, pull the recoil to make sure all is well and check the valve lash. I would not buy the mower in its current running state.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@berardia4]

Since it basically runs correctly why would you get a new carb, just clean it thoroughly and clean out the fuel system. That is prety much standard practice for me on those units.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

in the next video, you'll see why.... Time.

[@mr1pearl]

Never pay never !!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!! this one is going to be tough

[@georgenovotny4421]

I would clean carb off the mower, replace fuel line, and adjust valves, replace spark plug and change oil. At least then I could sell it with a clear conscience. Lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

The full monty.. sounds like a plan!

[@Supernoma]

Holy cow, that tank is nasty! That's the worst I've ever seen. I think the previous owner tried to run the mower on ground up pine needles.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@rayburnett3066]

I could have told you that it was in the carb

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!!!

[@twofeathers6540]

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hi

[@rickykimbrough7112]

bro run it five minutes wont do it get it hot

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? I'll have to test that and show you what I find out. thanks for the idea.

[@nathanhalsema4859]

I think you're full of shit I ran my for 5 minutes and the oil was hot as hell I didn't dare touch the combustion chamber

[@extrarockersworld8271]

It sounded like a 2 stroke

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I bet

[@rickykimbrough7112]

bope let the carb burn that crap out

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@RoldanRR00]

Worst modern carb design. This brand will keep you in business for a while. At least it has auto choke and not the prime bulb so that's a plus.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

they certainly have their issues

[@WalterKnox]

The fact that those style engines have been around for over 12 years just doesn't sit right for me.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right

[@whojackson]

you sound like buddys diy

[@andersnordsvan7968]

Cheep and lasy!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yep

[@samfeldman1508]

Shoot. Bought for $50? Sell for $100. Send it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like it