mower that wont start, common problems to check.

my neighbor dropped off his push mower that would not start but l did not get to talk with him . so lets see what it takes to troubleshoot his machine.

[@dg98adams]

Thanks for helping the older neighbor.... not enough people do that anymore.

[@phbrinsden]

I’m a bit of a “wrencher” and watch out for my fairly aged widow neighbor and her machinery. She has a power washer that needs to be maintained regularly as she lends it to family and they never help keep it up or use it right. That just consume versus contribute. The service/repair shops tell her she needs stuff which she doesn’t so i work it over each year for her. She watches my pool if I travel for a few days. We’re neighbors in the old way. Nicely done Mustie1.

[@brucemorton13]

As a senior citizen, I can appreciate what you do to help the older gentleman neighbor. Good on ya. And I'm learning so much from your videos; thanks!

[@exinanition2307]

Thank you, Mustie 1, for caring about your neighbor. For the last four years I have been mowing my neighbor's yard for her when I do mine. She is elderly and has never learned how to start a mower. She was left with no one to help her and I thought, "I hope someone would help my Mom if she were in this same circumstance. It really does me a lot of good to see her smile! Last year when my string trimmer died I told her I would edge and trim again when I could afford a new trimmer. The next day she brought me an Echo SM225 in the box. I told her I would pay her back as soon as I could and she said, "Oh, no. That's your trimmer. I don't know how to use it!"

[@rayjones3212]

Let him know to not leave it out in the rain anymore. Nice of you to take care of it for him. A fun quick fix, too! Cheers.

[@TedBishop1]

You're a good man Darren I am disabled and in my 60s and help from a neighbor is priceless

[@SteveBrecht]

I've probably watched you pull apart and service a carb more than 50 times now over the years. Despite being somewhat mechanically inclined it was something I would have never touched. These days I think if I was faced with one I wouldn't be too worried about digging into it. The constant stream of knowledge at a relaxing pace is what makes this channel so enjoyable. Thanks again!

[@alial-faesly2902]

Feel the same way

[@robertmckay694]

I don’t know your neighbor but thanks for looking out for him. Our elders are survivors and always deserve our help. Love your videos and have learned so much. I’m proud that you don’t just care about yourself. A happy smile is worth a thousand dollars.

[@justinrutledge1221]

Mustie I really respect how genuine your videos are. There is no boasting about "this is the way you do this, and it's the ONLY way". There is no "the last guy was a moron". It's just us getting to hang out with you in your garage and learn from your experience. Thank you.

[@showtime951]

First one out of seven where the mechanic actually cut grass when he was done. You're a good repairman and neighbor.

[@davidk6271]

I never get tired of watching you bring this stuff back to life. Thanks for posting.

[@johnholmes6570]

6-7 years now, and your videos are the first thing i open up when i see them still. thanks for all the hard work and sharing man, i really appreciate it.

[@mustie1]

thank you john

[@zedee2000]

@@mustie1new spark plug and gaped, new carburetor, new air filter, oil looks almost new. I have the same basic type of mower but after running it won't restart even after hitting the primer bulb nothing. Should you see a little bit of gas out the primer bulb by the throat of the carburetor? I can start the mower up again after it dies with propane down the throat of the carburetor with air cleaner off with propane but once it mower sudenly stops it won't restart unless I put propane down its throat again. the float is level in the carburetor, carb its new because a piece broke off where the float screw goes in the carburetor that's the reason I replaced the carburetor and the mower had been sitting for several years where it was all stopped up in the carburetor with sludge from gas. Gasoline doesn't flow out of the gas tank it drips. I'm thinking there's a restriction in the gas tank or it may be a leak from the carburetor to the motor not drawing the fuel in. I haven't cleaned gas tank out yet. I'm thinking it might be trash in the gas tank causing a restriction or an air leak. I sprayed propane around the carburetor 2 engine but didn't hear a pitch change in the motor so I don't think it's leaking there. I did treat the fuel with fuel stabilizer. What do you think restriction in the gas tank? I didn't want to have to pull the gas tank off I appreciate your help.

[@tomlathrop1945]

Thanks for you kind heart, helping your neighbor, that is the best medicine for this era where everybody is anxious or depressed. Thanks brother

[@rossmoore2844]

Thank you for having the ad at the end of the video! Not during it. Very much appreciated.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

You're a great neighbor Mustie, nice to see you looking after the folks that need a bit of help, I'm sure they appreciate that more than one would think.

[@DoptedMom]

Thanks for being someone who adds something, instead of someone who just takes something away. I learned a lot!

[@MMR45660]

What a great neighbor you are. You were definitely raised right!

[@ProlificInvention]

*Mustie1* Good neighbor policy and helping the wiser generation is a sign of great character, which all your die hard fans know you have. Thanks again for an informative and entertaining video, you're one of a kind!

[@stephengardin2423]

Like you I've always had a soft spot for the elderly. Most are very kind and sweet. No matter how rotten some are or have been they simply can't do for themselves any longer. Nice quickie clean-up and readjustment. My only observation is that you could've swapped the wheels front to back and vice versa. The old gentleman that owns it would get a better work-out that way. Thank you. The VESPA is calling you. Do you hear it? I do and I'm sitting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. VESPA, VESPA, VESPA!!!

[@frankfrench2867]

I thought the same thing but the back wheels don't have the gears on them.

[@mustie1]

cant swap them,

[@chazer200]

Sir,,, you are a Pillar of your community. I will wager you made less than .05 cents per hour on this service for a neighbor . You Sir are a inspiration to me and I hope many others. Thank you for being simply "Mustie 1" . One of the good ones.

[@standurround589]

Chas Riggs Darrin,he said "You're a good man Mustie Brown!".

[@KarlBunker]

Great skills on diagnosing, troubleshooting and repairing. Also a good job on jumpstarting that stalled bunny rabbit.

[@TechTimeWithEric]

It's funny, you said, "It's an older gentlemen" and I thought, "I can tell because all the safety guards are missing" lol

[@vettekid3326]

Its amazing how cheap they make mowers anymore. When I was a kid if you bought a new mower in the 1960's you could expect it to last at least 10 years or more. In the 1986 I bought a new store brand mower with a Briggs 4hp engine and it was totally wore out in three years of heavy mowing, The valve guides that were non replaceable were so loose the valves were tilting and loosing compression. My first mower was one I found in the garbage in 1968 that was a 1959 Toro that had a rusty fuel tank that I replaced. It lasted until 1975 and a whole lotta lawns I mowed as a kid making money.

[@marcryvon]

VetteKid Most mowers, especially store brands are made for light to medium household duty. You should get a professionnal grade if used heavily, they're tougher and endlessly repairable. But I must agree, they are made cheapely nowadays. My neighbour bought a new one last year with a Briggs on it. They told him that it would never, ever need an oil change! I asked about it to my local retailer/repair shop and he told me they were a new generation of now "maintenance free" engines but with a strange smile on his face. (!) He said "Tell your friend to change his oil every year as usual..." It says it all !

[@billh1471]

Bought a Murray mower in about 1975 at a Gambles HW in Wisconsin. Cost $103. Moved to Texas in 1979. Ran it every week during growing season until 2005. That's 30 years. Changed the oil every spring. Went thru 3 sets of wheels. Still started on first pull (ok, maybe second) when i got rid of it. Body was too rusted out to go on.

[@stephendavies923]

I love that you first test it over your air-line. Good work looking after your neighbours.

[@audiotechlabs4650]

You are a man of many lifts! That small lift is my favorite. It would lift my power wheelchair so I could work on it. Great video! Thanxz

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Fun repair and even though a simple machine, still requires the ingenuity and diagnostic abilities of the repairman. Good one Darrin. Should help lots of folks out there in KZbin land.

[@lynardburt5992]

I wish I could get someone to help me, you are a kind person, reminds me of me when I was younger. I was told then that I give more than I should... me I didn't care that I gave more. You are a gem

[@marcijunebug]

Such a kind neighbor! Thanks for sharing!

[@flyifri]

That oil looked more like tar. Thank you for being a good neighbor...! Thumbs up to you...!

[@jacquelerock6938]

I know you have years under your belt, but you still make it look easy Darrin. It's always nice to be able to help a neighbour out, whether it's the generation in front of us or the one coming up through the ranks..

[@samuelneil2691]

It's memorizing watching the care go into an old junky lawn mower. Most people would just throw it away for a new one. But now it seems as good as new. Well done. I am sure your neighbor was very grateful.

[@jackjacke4654]

Got a good heart Darren doing that for free for your neighbor... Good man... God Bless.

[@Draimen89]

Good on you to help out a neighbor. Reminds me of my grandfather, he was the plumber to half his small town well into his 80's always willing to help out where he could.

[@joef9803]

Mustie1 you rock. God bless you. This is another reason why we love your channel.

[@waynecreech]

Thanks for letting all of us hang out :) and thanks for helping out the neighbor...

[@hobbyaddict9908]

That is a very kind thing you do for you neighbor! Good to see kindness is still around!

[@paulkochis9246]

Great job on the mower 👍 Having spent 40 years in maintenance my spring job was taking care of my mother's and aunt's lawn mowers.

[@Nunya_Bidnez]

Mustie you are a small and large engine master. I have learned so much watching. Thank you dude.

[@bobscherrer5981]

Thank you for always providing such fun content. I can (and do) watch hours of your "wrenchin' in the garage" videos. Looking forward to the next one

[@randynovick7972]

It's kind of like a "will it run", only with less suspense. Thanks for sharing the adventure!

[@granvilles.wright4240]

Mr. Mustie, u are an excellent mechanic on fixing lawn equipment, may I, Yours Truly make a suggestion, Please, when mowing grass, turn any mower, in any direction you started cutting the grass, please, never back up mower at any cost, just for-Preventive Accidents Of Any Kind, Save Your Human Body, for, My Late Dad, showed me how to cut grass this way. Take Care And Be Safe, Always. Mr. Granville S. Wright, Dramatic Baritone, Church Musician, And Fellow Toastmaster.

[@aleblanc3547]

I had to smile. The tag on the mower's tank reminded me of my grandparents who never took a tag or price sticker off of anything they bought unless they had to. Thanks Mustie for another great video.

[@jamminjr7856]

Once again I'm in your debt. Trying to get my old Evinrude 9.5 running for the season. No start. Gave it a little tickle and vroom vroom. Pulled the bowl plug Mustie style and dry. Easy to take top of carb off. Nice and clean but needle stuck up blocking fuel. Just tapped it and it came free. Looked clean so put it back together. Let's squeeze the bulb a few times. Ah, hear fuel gurgling in the bowl now. Let's give her a tug what do you say? Vroom and stays vrooming. Thanks for all the lessons!!!!

[@Thebowzer221]

We too took care of our elderly neighbor. After 15 years he passed. We still miss him till today.... And that was over 30 years ago. He was a lonely guy (his wife had passed before we met him) but a really nice man. Korean war Army infantry veteran too. Tough to find great neighbors.

[@TheREBELOFMS]

I LOVE your videos and your expertise! You have inspired me, edified me, and helped me in so many ways. I am a true believer in your gifts. Thanks for being so great in your field through helping others and sharing your knowledge.

[@John-do9ei]

I came back to this one after I got my friend's briggs mower motor (similar to this one )working. It was the throttle adjustment I wanted to check. I've watched a few of your vids. You definitely know your stuff. Thanks for the information and the entertainment.

[@DanielCoffey67]

This is the perfect opportunity for me to say thanks, Mustie. Your small engine rescue videos have given me the confidence to do my own mower service for the first time. I have an 18" push mulching mower that had old unstabilised fuel from the previous season and was overdue an oil change. I drained the tank, removed the carb bowl and cleaned the small amount of crud from it, changed the plug and filter and finally changed the old oil (about 3 seasons). Fresh non-ethanol fuel and it runs really nicely now. The only thing I could not do due to lack of tools was sharpen the blades. So, once again, thanks and +sub

[@googleplusisdead]

The grinder/flap disk are great ways to sharpen the blade, but an ordinary file will do the trick just as well, just needs a bit more muscle power. RichE

[@SeeUsFly]

Great education! I have 4 old mowers to make 1 that runs. I feel confident I can tackle that job now.

[@lrdisco2005]

Good on you, looking after your neighbours, especially when they get up in years. A bit more of that from the rest of us would make for a better world.

[@OttawaOldFart]

Don't worry about the compressor so much, you make much more noise when you grind and weld. Your a good man Mustie

[@charger19691]

Seems like newer mowers run so lean, they constantly need to be primed to start, even when warm. Damn EPA regulations. Thanks Mustie for another great video!

[@marcryvon]

I'd say that it's the ethanol in the regular gas. I own an almost same Yardman mower, the previous owner had trouble starting it. Did a complete tune-up, clean the carb, plug, synth oil, lube everything AND use premium gas with no ethanol. It starts now at first shot. People just don't maintain their stuff anymore

[@davestout844]

The ethanol is definitely a hindrance.

[@marcryvon]

Way to go !

[@rayburnett3253]

@@marcryvon , that is for da3sure my friend

[@danielfisch655]

You're a good man for helping out your neighbor and thanks for sharing this video.

[@KanoKapre]

That helps some of us "weekend wrenchers". Thank you..!

[@tlaim]

Ron Shell, I like that term.

[@Shmbler]

So satisfying to watch you giving old things love.

[@SuperGliderman]

Good on you for looking after your elderly neighbour Daren and a good video to watch.

[@aengmax]

Good video. Nice that you help out your neighbor.

[@doylehodge7906]

Great video!! Old people like me enjoy seeing helping hands. You're a great guy.

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

Thank you for being so thoughtful and generous. Too few folk would be so inclined towards their elderly neighbors!

[@moldingpro7208]

You are a good friend to your neighbors. Good man.

[@mustie1]

they sent over a gift fruit basket christmas time that was the size ofl illy

[@donpatterson136]

I've recently started enjoying your channel and have a lawn mower needing a little work. You've given me "the stuff" to repair it, thanks a lot. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for all the work taking us along.

[@MegaYosarian]

Nice one Mustie. More inspiration for me. I trust your neighbour is grateful. Thank you

[@delmontindustriesltd7501]

Nice fix! It's always great helping out neighbors.

[@devictorp]

Never thought small engines were worth fixing until I came across your videos. Now I’m an avid subscriber and look forward to working on them. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach and share

[@daurbn]

Just looked up this video to give me information and refresh my memory on how you look at the problems with other people's lawn equipment that is not taken care of properly. I'm a subscriber and enjoy all your videos,but lawn and garden are my go to, helping out my equipment and helping my neighbors. Thank you so much!

[@bigmac965]

I like projects like this. Get 'em in, do some cheap repairs, get 'em working again, and send them home. Old mower is showing it's age, but it ain't dead yet! (I kept waiting for you to remove that tag on the gas tank...) Good work! And a wascaly wabbit too!

[@usmichiganboyz1314]

Thank you for posting these troubleshooting videos and all videos for that matter.... I find it entertaining to watch this kind of stuff, and I got my generator running in mint condition thanks to you!

[@johnreid859]

It's good that you do that stuff for your elderly neighbor.

[@rodw]

Thanks for sharing your talent and videos, Rodney P.S. I'm lucky enough to have a neighbor who is a mechanic and he helps me when my mower acts up like this one. I wish we all had neighbors like you. God Bless You for helping him. We need more neighbors helping one another now instead of having to say "Back in the day" and it be a fond memory😍😀😃

[@cass276]

Hi Mustie, you remind me of my dad, he liked to 'fettle' stuff, I think everybody around where we lived used to take their motorbikes & cars etc, around to 'Reg' (my dad) and see if he can fix it, (Usually he could) great stuff! Regards from the UK Chris.

[@piggly-wiggly]

At first I was thinking I wish I had that lift or even a garage with enough room to move around. But really what I wish I had was this gent’s incredibly deep understanding of how it all works and how much you can fix by bending something back to where it was supposed to be.

[@AndrewAlex92]

thanks for doing what you do. I was able to get three yard sale mowers for $30 after watching your videos for months and was able to fix them. I never would have been able to do this without you.

[@natemarion9510]

Thanks to you, I had my B&S mower running with fresh oil in 30 minutes. Much appreciated, sir.

[@stephenlmckeown1439]

Thanks for helping out my generation 👍👍👍

[@cmichaelhoover8432]

You sir, are a true gentleman. Your neighbor is truly lucky.

[@electridan69]

You're a wizard with small engine repairs. Love watching your youtubes man!

[@lakecavanaugh]

I have the same motor on a similar vintage MTD mower. Last weekend I attempted to mow my lawn for the 4th or 5th time this season. Mower always starts on the first pull (thank you primer-bulb). It's run great so far this season, but this time it only ran for about 5 minutes and died. Would.not.start. I pulled the carb, blew out the circuits, etc. put it back together- no obvious obstructions, the bowl was clean, etc. I could prime it and it would idle but no top end. Long story short- it ended up being the vent in the gas cap was so completely plugged gas wouldn't flow out of it. it took a bit to figure that out because like you, I clamped the gas line before removing it. But I did find that Amazon has that same carb (but with manual choke) for $13 with free same-day delivery (to my area). i didn't end up ordering one but it was nice to know I could still support a 25 year old mower if needed!

[@jeffsandler3339]

nice job !! I do the same for my neighbors using my parts fluids ETC. makes me feel good inside and it's greatly appreciated thanks mustie 1 you have a great day and a better tomorrow.....😀😁😄

[@MrGrundle]

Thanks for the video. I've had a push mower that hasn't run for a couple years. I screwed around with it a year ago but to no avail. Watched a couple of your videos and was able to get it running this evening! Process is everything when you know what to look for. Thanks!

[@loz11968]

Argh got gas in my eye but it’s ok the sparks ignited it and burnt it off lol. Keep up the good work it’s always nice to look out for older neighbours not enough of it goes on nowadays 👍

[@kiltedmonster1]

So wish you lived next door to me, i could be your 56 year old apprentice, i have picked up so much from your videos thank you very much :)

[@admorse77]

I have a Troy Bilt circa 2005 with this same engine. Would run for 2 seconds and shut down. From your other videos i learned how to pull the carb bowl and put it back together. I think the float got jammed closed. Thing still runs great with minimal maintenance over the last 15+ years. Think i paid $200 for it new at a big box. Love your videos!

[@captainmango1355]

I firmly believe that to have good neighbors you gotta be a good neighbor...hats off to you Mustie1 the world could more like you!

[@theenlightenedone8573]

Thanks Mustie1, my lawnmower would not start and had started looking on Offer up to purchase a new one, but then I watched your video, followed it step by step and now to my my surprise, my lawnmower is working perfectly!! Thanks again!!

[@anthonyharper8161]

Great video ..The bad thing about fixing something ! When we finished ! Keep looking around for anything else...Great job Dude.

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing job darren, it looks like it was never serviced for years, nasty oil :-(

[@MRrwmac]

Mustie1, Your just a great person with a good heart! Try to get him on one of your videos one time if he wouldn’t mind? Nice work, and of course, you knew the problem with the filter immediately! Also good of you to gaie it a good once over and fixed a few things for him. Especially that it will start on the first or second put for him!!!

[@MrSuzukiyamaha]

Nice job helping the neighbor.

[@bran756]

Weather it's a ten dollar rotary mower or a vw engine,makes no diference to me , bloody love your vids cheers mate.

[@torkandbeans7321]

What a great neighbor and friend you are!! Always loved your channel, but like it even more now!! I hope when I am too old to work on my own stuff, I would have a neighbor like you around. Thank you for your service to your community!! BTW, good to see the Plymouth out of the shed!!

[@michaeldougfir9807]

We inherited two "dead" mowers last year. Now, thanks to you, I have a better idea how to approach them. Thanks also for having the character to take care of a senior citizen. How about teaching that to a few million young Americans, eh?

[@stanwest3529]

You are a good neighbor thank you for helping out one of us oldies...you have a lot of interesting looking things in your yard how about a tour sometime kind regards from the UK.

[@81tnguyen]

That’s really nice of you to do all that for your neighbor. The lesson here is be good to one another.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Nice one Mustie 👍🏻 Helping your neighbours is top well done you 😄

[@raymondbryde1706]

I love seeing the Plymouth in the background. I hope there is a video coming? Lol

[@planecrazyish]

Great job! you're a great neighbor.

[@alancordwell9759]

Your home looks great, lots of space and all the trees around! Well done on yet another successful resurrection! :)

[@FrankRuiz66]

Nice job and you helped out someone who's probably helped throughout their life. Nice!

[@auntifranny]

Another great troubleshooting/getting "it" to work video. Thanks for being such a good neighbor to elderly folks (from a newbie senior citizen on this side of the keyboard).. Cheers, Francisca aka auntifranny

[@SouthernStyle357]

We need more neighborly folk in this world.. There are too many people that don't even know who lives next door.. I really enjoy your videos but confess I'm a bit jealous of all your tools.. Good job.. Keep up the good work!..

[@davemcguigan218]

You did a great job because you are a great neighbor!

[@craigpalmer5693]

This gentleman knows about lawn mower in this field unfortunately most men can't fix anything take it next door neighbor that's awesome video friend bless you