Top 5 Ways To Fix A LAWN MOWER That WON'T START (Fix It In Minutes)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

CHECK OUT these helpful videos related to the Top 5 Reasons your mower won’t start: 👉How To Test Lawn Mower Compression With NO Gauge ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqWtgpqhd7memqc 👉How To Fix A Lawn Mower With No Compression ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4mYm2mGadZmj6c 👉Easiest Way To Clean A Metal Briggs Carburetor ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXvJoYeOZ7GrZsk 👉EASIEST WAY To Clean a Plastic Briggs Carburetor ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3ipkKykoMhmeZI 👉How To Clean a Honda Style Carburetor ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3KrlZuredWYgdk 👉How To Make Your Lawn Mower Cable Last Longer ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ7GmGmcZ9l-h9E ✅Click here for a compression tester ➜ amzn.to/2JPWGoa ✅Click here for a clamp ➜ amzn.to/2K4P69t ✅Click here for HondaBond ➜ amzn.to/2SJNaaa ✅Click here for a new Briggs & Stratton carb ➜ amzn.to/2IrU6U8 ✅Click here for cleaning tools ➜ amzn.to/2Rb0CTj ✅Click here for micro drill bits ➜ amzn.to/3z9qdSt ✅Click here for a new Honda carb ➜ amzn.to/3s9sH1U ✅Click here for an easy out tool ➜ amzn.to/3MLoBEu ✅Click here for wire cleaners ➜ amzn.to/2HiyqrS ✅Click here for a new cable ➜ amzn.to/2VKVMCj You can connect with Steve here too: ✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ ✅Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ ✅Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon ✅Follow Steve on TIKTOK ➜ www.tiktok.com/@stevessmallenginesaloon

[@alika1777]

7:43 7:46 7:47

[@100vg]

Steve and April will never be out. The channel is too strong and growing because the knowledge and info and the ways they are delivered are so great.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@christiandestefano9997]

Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@brianwaskow5910]

What about checking your fuel shutoff valve to make sure it's open.

[@beerdrinker6452]

On a push lawn mower? Really.

[@TheAncientOneYT]

@@beerdrinker6452 If it has one, I put them on my customers machines that bring in theirs that turn out to be gunked up carbs. Fixed a Husqvarna leaf vac yesterday with a boogered up main jet. I show them what to do, so far none have been back for carb issues - most are misc things such as coils failing, hitting stumps, etc.. Sure, I lose potential income for cleaning a carb, but they come back for all their issue and I don't charge and arm & leg so there is that as well. (I ask them before installing one so they are aware I will be cutting their fuel line to fit it in)

[@brianwaskow5910]

@@beerdrinker6452I agree your mtd probably doesn't have one.

[@edlawrence1107]

My Honda mower has a cutoff valve… and yes, I’ve forgotten to open it before trying to start it up

[@SignorLuigi]

I installed fuel line valves on all my mowers. After the last use of the year, I shut the valves off and run the mowers till they stop running. I know there's is still that little bit of gas in the bottom of the float bowl, but I always use fuel treatment. That seems to prevent that little bit of gas from going totally bad. Anyway, using this procedure has allowed my mowers to start right up every spring. For what it's worth.

[@robertblacksmith4355]

My 79 ' Toro would not start low spark ,checked coil & yes has points all good was the throtle kill switch 2 wires melted together!Took the 2 wires apart fired right up! Made my own switch on the side of the motor works great now!

[@dlkline27]

Over many years (I'm 84) I've had a bunch of no starts on four cycle engines in spring. In every case I was able to get a start, usually on the first pull, by removing the air cleaner and pouring a small amount of fresh fuel directly into the carburetor. I have never done anything special to any engine or fuel prior to long term storage.

[@appleztooranges]

Legend 😊

[@Greg_Gatsby]

You don’t run the mower out of gas before storing it for the winter? I’m just 74 so I’m still learning.

[@AdmiralDG]

Im with ya! Much younger, but my mower starts in the first 3 pulls in spring, and then on the first pull the rest of the season. However, I do use ethanol free gas. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@appleztooranges]

@@AdmiralDG I dislike my new Honda lawn mower. Takes forever to start. I’d take my old one back any day

[@poppalous]

Just lucky your carb isn't gummed up. I see that more times than not!

[@BrianMiller1973]

This reminds of a tip from Steve a few years ago; put a calendar reminder in your phone to start every small engine in your arsenal once per month. This has worked well for me, if for nothing else, it keeps the fuel from sitting for months.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@markadkins9290]

This is possibly the best advice for everything!!!

[@rk22cc]

@@markadkins9290 yes, use it or loose it!

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

I do the same thing. Anytime we get a warmer than normal sunny day in the winter, I'm starting all my small engines. I'll even drive the riding mower around for a few minutes to let the battery charge and keep the tires from flat spotting. The only exception is my two pressure washers because the outdoor hose bib is shut off and drained for the winter.

[@johnfaustus1]

It may jostle the fuel a bit, but it will not stop the fuel from spoiling or absorbing water. A better method is: - Add stabil - Run engine dry to ensure stabil-laced gas is distributed, and no chance for any fuel to spoil or absorb water - Put battery on trickle-charger There's nothing else you need to do.

[@rolandlewis2356]

Hi Steve, One spring my two stroke Lawnboy didn't want to start, so I called my cousin to ask his advice. The first thing he asked me was did I let it sit in the hot sun to get rid of the humidity? I hadn't. So I did what he told me to do and let it in the sun and it worked, every year. I don't know if letting it sit in the sun did anything in particular, but it worked every spring. Now I have a Honda engine and I've never had a problem starting one in the spring. Honda makes great engines. Take care and thank you and April for everything that you do.

[@Kickstar.]

How about “check to make sure the spark plug cable is hooked to the plug “ I pull the cable off before I store small gas engines because I take out the plug to add a little oil to the cylinder and spin it a couple times. I always leave the cable off till time to get it back out and a couple times I’ve forgotten to reattach the lead to the plug.

[@fabienledem9686]

Just fixed two machines today thanks to your advice. Well done 👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@waynerowlinson6177]

I'm a backyard mechanic who most of my family and friends know has a bit of knowledge. Most of the time in the spring it is old gas, just like you said. A quick drain of the carb and a squirt of fresh fuel in the carb or even spark plug hole usually gets them running. I've actually had a bunch of mowers given to me for this reason. Some of the time the owner already purchased a new mower, so I was able to keep the old one. Some times I was able to catch them before they purchased a new one (they'd likely be doing it again in a year for doing the same thing). I missed last weeks video, will have to go check it out, but mentioning Hyrdro Lock - a couple years back my friend took my advise and changed the oil in his mower. He filled it to the top of the dip stick - very obvious what the fix was there. A few years back my neighbor came to borrow my mower because his wouldn't start. I looked at his mower, and for whatever reason, the spring on the carburetor came unhooked. That was a 2 second fix as well. You mentioned valves. Not a mower, but my father in law's snowblower had an issue where one of the valves stuck during the summer. He attempted to start it in the winter and the valve stuck so bad, and the starter had enough power that one of the valves was bent and damaged the seat. It was bad enough he simply put a new engine on the mower. I did before, but especially now run all my equipment with a bit of 2 cycle mixed fuel for its last run of the season just to have a film of oil, fog the cylinders, and completely drain all fuel. A couple minutes worth of work, but I'd bet money that my mower is going to start within 2 pulls this spring.

[@maxs8177]

Great channel! I fixed my Briggs and Stratton mower last year. Always started thereafter, now in 2024 again after forgetting to pump it 3/4 times as x manual... Forgot how to service it, I reckon it s the fuel, so due for refill and clean up. Back here therefore. Well done from sunny Italy. I am a Brexiteer looking forward to another lawn cut. Spotted your Paypal link. I am subscribed but will acknowledge it anyway. Thanks Cheers. Max

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@athalyerajan2823]

Thank u Steve n April i have been using alcohol free gas and premixed 2stroke fuel this spring all my engines started at the first try. I love ur advice about maintenance saves me lots of swear words in indian!! Thx

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rotor-head]

Steve, I have a new Briggs&Stratton lawnmower and they recommend winter storage with a full tank of gas and their fuel stabilizer. I thought draining the fuel would be better. What’s your opinion? Thank you .

[@dougsorensen7594]

Full tank vs nearly empty / A full tank has less air inside to interact with the fuel and air contains moisture and moisture = water and water is what makes ethanol fuel go bad thus the need for stabilizer with ethanol fuel.

[@stevejackson1690]

She always appreciate all you do showing us how to work on lawnmowers in these you do it’s really satisfying and it really easy Thanks for everything.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Our pleasure!

[@rayhunt4083]

I have a Bolen BL110 that won't even try to start. It has 120psi, and has spark. I spray starting fluid in the carburetor, it still won't even try to start. It acts like it has no spark. The spark plug is always dry. I swapped the carburetor, but there is no change. Any suggestions? Thank you.

[@daveschibler3465]

You know what, this is the first winter, I’m in Alberta, that I was lucky enough to watch your video on storing weed eaters, prepping your small engines for storage, starting all of them once a month so there’s no surprises in the spring, buying the pre-mixed fuel for the 50:1 engines…… ALL ADVICE I GOT FROM YOU AND GUESS WHAT….. I am ready to do yard work because EVERYTHING WORKS!!!! 😃😃😃 Thank you for your videos! 🇨🇦👍🏻🍻🍻🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@jacobbrowning8144]

I have a fuel/oil in my air filter on my chainsaw and my string trimmer. The chainsaw is new and running fine. It starts easily and idles smoothly. The trimmer is a few years old and doesn't want to stay running without me giving it gas every few seconds. What could be causing the fuel in the air filter? Your channel is awesome, it has helped me fix all kinds of issues.

[@wallaby900]

Steve, I like your show. It has helped me out a lot. I just put a new carburetor on a Briggs and Stratton vertical shaft engine. It started right up but acts like it is running rich. Any suggestions? Thanks again for your help.

[@hairballmanor]

When storing for the off season should you store the engine with the piston at TDC? I usually do so there is less room for condensation inside. Thanks - great site, good info

[@joshuaguenin9507]

I think steve actually has a video on that

[@billkrause4585]

Thanks Steve. Once in late October I wanted to cut the lawn for the last time, but the mower wouldn't start. What I found is the choke wasn't closing enough in the colder weather. One thing I did for all my mowers that has them start every time, I installed an inline fuel shutoff valve to my mowers. Before stowing, I shutoff this fuel valve and let the mower run until the carb is out of gasoline...That's how I winterize my mowers, and they startup every Spring. I first used this fuel shutoff valve was to prevent hydro-locking due to the carb's needle and seat not closing off the fuel flow to the engine when the mower is not in use. Weeks after installing a new motor in my LT1000 Craftsman, I checked the oil level before using the tractor, when I notice the excessive oil level and the smell of gasoline. Hydro-locked! So, before using any of my lawn equipment I check the oil level first. I had an old 1998 Lawn Boy RWD that leaked onto the wooden garage pit floor. I thought it was the moisture leaking from the bottom exhaust plate, but it was a bad Needle and Seat instead. I simply installed an inline fuel valve for this Lawn Boy, and no more leakage onto the garage floor. That mower is still running strong to date.

[@80SWoods]

Also, if you run the carb dry in the fall, sometimes in the spring the float sticks down and won’t shut off fuel. This can sometimes be remedied with a few taps on the float bowl with a screwdriver handle (if you get lucky).

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Sean! Thank You...

[@TheWaterman1000]

#6 Never use ethanol gas. Where I live mowing is generally a monthly endeavor.. Think I can top you Steve. Forgetting to put the spark wire back the on plug. I remove it when servicing and those with kids should consider this also.

[@joeolejar]

I've not had trouble starting my equipment in the spring since I run the engines out of gas before storing them. I'm going to add fuel shutoffs on the two that don't have them.

[@patodwyer721]

Nice one April and Steve. What beer do you recommend when attempting to start the mower after winter

[@johnomalley3666]

Always good info. Thank you Steve and April!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@1974UTuber]

Living in Sydney Australia, my mower never gets a break. I definitely mow less in winter, but still need to trim it occasionally. I see the issue with your climate where you could go months with snow covered grounds and have luxury of packing up the mower for a while

[@marcheffner1232]

Right after I watched this I had a no start (Honda HR215). This mower dates from 2002 but it doesn't have too many hours on it. 4 months ago I had gone completely through the carb and it was running great. Anyways, knowing that, I started with number 5. Didn't seem dirty or clogged, but after the twist tie and the carb cleaner, it started on the first pull. So thanks for that!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@dab1068]

For my winter storage I run my last tank of the year with engineered fuel like TrueFuel and let that sit in the tank and carb. The reason for this is that pump fuel, even non ethanol fuel, has to meet DOT and DEQ requirements for emissions, which makes it made out of a ton of chemicals that go bad in a short period of time. The engineered fuel doesn't have all that crap in it that makes it go bad in just a couple months. That way any soft parts don't dry out and get hard and brittle and I get a start every year within a pull or two. I saw another amazing idea below about starting your small engines at least once a month and letting them run long enough to warm up a bit and that will also keep your carburetor fresh and clean.

[@ambermclaughlin3852]

Hey beer drinking lawnmower dude, I watched a "what to do when the lawn mower runs then stops"....I did whatever it was on his video....Runs like 🏆 champ now

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks, Steve and April! Buying non ethanol fuel is a very good thing for small engines.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Agreed!

[@Hoaxer51]

If you can find it!

[@mnhoss2100]

Spark plug boot was cracked and shorting out arking to the engine on mine once.

[@larrycampeau109]

Any thoughts on the use of Trufuel for off season storage?

[@darrentattersall5164]

Here in the UK I only put my mowers away for about 4 months. Every 4 weeks I run the mowers for about 5 minutes. I have never experienced any problems with non-starting ,bad fuel,gummed carburettors etc. Just do not let the problems develop over winter.

[@tkskagen]

As of 01:01, fuel storage is the biggest problem for homeowners. It is SO easy to just allow the old fuel from last year to just sit in the fuel tank/Carburetor... Additives only save you only so much, fuel deteriorates over time, turning into "sludge"!

[@dlkline27]

I have some fuel that's been sitting in five gallon cans for about 35 years. One of these days I'm going to try some of it in a small engine and see what happens.

[@johnmccormick175]

Thanks April and Steve! ...great channel that has saved me so much time and money many times ty .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@brucedale4465]

Plus April is eye candy! You are a lucky man Steve!

[@jwesboy]

Steve: When storing long-term, other than untreated fuel, WATER/Condensation in the "tank" is usually 70% of the time, the problem. I advise filling whatever tank up to 90-100% with fuel and add a stabilizer ( I recommend ETHANOL SHIELD). Good for at least a year. Also, many manufactures recommend just running the unit once a month for 10-20 mins to cycle the fuel....:) Thanks for your vids, they are great, and keep drinking the beer...lol

[@jwesboy]

By the way, after long storage on a 4-cycle, change the motor oil!! :)

[@richardybanez9052]

April's Small Engine Repair. Is Awesome Richard.

[@stevez340]

I store my mower, snowblower, weed wacker, generator, ATV etc in my garage which also happens to be my basement. The temperature never gets above 70 degrees. I have had very few problems starting my equipment compared to when I stored things outside or in a 120 degree shed, so I also believe that just like size, temperature also matters😂

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

I've had the main jet problem,must agree proper storage is a Must....👍👍

[@charleshare6840]

A quick shot of starting fluid may help for the first start of the season.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Agreed!

[@alfred672]

What is your thoughts on Ethanol Shield

[@jessemixon3135]

Steve, I appreciate all the fine videos you have produced, would you please do one on adjusting the valves on a 17.5 Briggs and Stratton engine? So far I’ve seen three videos in which the person used three different settings on the same engine- which one is right?

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Steve and April well done 👍❤️❤️😸. Take care of yourself and family and be Blessed ❤️❤️.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@davevitek9661]

Found a loose valve spring nut because of this video. Would have never thought to look at the valves to get a scrapped personal pace started. Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@TravellinOn2010]

The main reason my mower won't start is because I'm at the pub.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I will see you there! LOL....

[@doraleousandassociates]

Thanks. Some call me , a teacher, or smart. But I recognize you as one. Thanks bro

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I appreciate that

[@tominmo8865]

I have a 13 YO Husqvarna with Honda GCV160 motor. I run the tank and carb empty on the last mow of every season, and refill it next year with fresh gas. This eliminates the possibility of any fuel problems. I have never replaced the spark plug or air filter. After every mow, I knock the dust off the filter and blow it out. Other than a couple of stains, it looks good as new. I also clean out under the deck after every mow, so there is no grass in there to cause rusting.

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Steve and April.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Kevscancave]

Great Tips👍👀👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@paulvilleneuve9628]

Use non ethanol gas in gas engines that don’t get used frequently. Two cycle, four cycle. I bought a ethanol test tube because of a video of yours. We can get non ethanol gas at our Stewart’s store if you buy high test.

[@mojoman2001]

What does very hard-to-start and belching black smoke for 10 seconds on start-up mean? It did that like three times, then the problem seemed to go away. Honda push mower with no-ethanol gas, newly tuned-up by my wife. Maybe carburetor? IDK

[@tkskagen]

Another great video!

[@BritishBeachcomber]

I reckon that #1 is ethanol fuel. It absorbs water, rusts the carb bowl, and clogs the jet. Black spark plugs are also a problem. An engine will run all season with one, but will be hard to start after lying idle over winter.

[@rusty6666]

Thanks guys for the great tips they come in handy when needed for sure. You may never know when you will need a good tip for help on your repair....

[@andrewcasey5243]

Hey dude Andrew from Scotland here had some issues with my chainsaw and stumbled across your videos solved my problems with out costing me a penny awesome tips 👍🏻 love the beer introduction too …made me laugh…. A fine conisure of beers I see 🍻cheers…

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Andy! Thank You...

[@prophetjaredchristian]

So cute. Love seeing y’all work together. A women supporting her man doing what he loves. God’s great design on display. It’s worth noticing.

[@tombose5899]

Mice build nests under shroud, and love to chew on coil wires !!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Agreed!

[@RobSchofield]

I use an accupuncture needle (fine, and very flexible - but SHARP!) to clear the main jet without damage.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

COOL!

[@budwilliams6590]

In the fall when I'm done with lawn maintenance for the year, I let the push mower run till it runs out of gas then I park it. In the lawn tractor I have a shut off valve in the fuel line, every time I'm finished mowing, I shut the valve off and let the engine run till all the fuel in the carb is used up. I never have to do anything but change oil, blow off filters, and clean the OUTSIDE of the carb. My neighbor has to take his stuff to the shop every spring. Maybe I should have a talk with him?

[@terrychattington6089]

Excellent videos. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@johnw817]

Love the channel and thanks for this timely video. I decided to do some more involved maintenance on my push mower this spring because, like an idiot, I over-filled oil last season and had to dumped the oil and refill it to the proper level. Anyway, I changed the spark plug (before I watched this video), cleaned out the filter, put fresh gas in (I ran the mower dry before I put it away last winter), and sharpened the blades. The first cut was fine but I couldn't get it to start a second time after I was done with the first cut. Someone told me I may have to replace fuel filter and/or check out the carburetor. I wonder if you would make a video on how to winterize a mower properly.

[@jwilli850]

I have a question…. My Husqvarna lawnmower is making a rattling noise when I engage the self propelled handle… it started right after I finish the yard. I didn’t see anything stuck underneath it… the oil looks fine… it’s practically brand new… any ideas on what to check

[@davidpressel6946]

Do you recommend putting anything to keep grass from sticking to bottom of deck of lawn mowers?

[@ex8280]

vasoline

[@johnskitzis6540]

Great info! Thanks guys!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@1okanaganguy]

that's actually a good point, April

[@frankpattijr4718]

Very good tips no one saw that there was no gas lol What about checking your starter rope and recoil spring?

[@gerryclark4330]

Steve, where did you get your orange table top mat?

[@budwilliams6590]

I have picked up a number of free mowers in the course of my life and I can generally get the back running using the following method. Drain all the old fuel out. Mix up a batch (a gallon should do) of fuel with a fairly strong mix of gas/gummout and fill the mower up. Get it running (might need to use a squirt of starting fluid the first time or two) let it run till everything is warmed up then shut it down and let it sit for an hour or two. Then repeat. Keep doing this till you can get it to start in the first or second pull. Keep running it with that gas/gummout mix till it's used up. As long as you don't let it sit with fuel in it for prolonged periods there should be no problem. If it does get hard to start run another tank of that gas/gummout mix through it.

[@C-141B_FE]

This channel is without question, the undisputed authority of small engine science and theory! Crack open a beer in the next video! 🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

WOW! Thank You...

[@danielrichardcaprani9960]

This is the most informative podcast,on this subject on the internet,you two are beautiful, thanks from England 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🔥

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@larrywilliams5490]

I put my mower and weedwacker in the basement over winter.Humidity is kept at 55 and temp is around 60 degrees.Start it a couple times and fuel stabilizer. I had a terrible experience with a new TroyBilt mower I bought in Spring of 2022.Was a lifelong TroyBilt guy but no longer.It was a total loss and even xtra for a repair.Maybe if you do a video on mower nightmares I will share. Considering a Cub Cadet ……….

[@grampy2004]

One spring my blower would not start even when using starting fluid. New spark plug, new fuel was getting spark i was ready to just go get a new one when i saw the exhaust holes on the muffler was clogged with a dirt dobber nest. Poke it out with a wire started first pull ; )

[@Danielson1818]

I don't even have a garage. My mower gets put away in an old metal shed that gets covered in snow. My latest mower has luckily been very reliable.

[@mattwickert736]

For the brake cables, they usually start to get sticky before they totally get stuck. I've started using a needle to help get lubricant down inside the conduit and slowly add about 3ml of oil (whatever I have sitting around). I let it sit awhile, and add some more (on a mower, it'll usually flow out the other end if you use too much). Eventually, they usually start freeing up enough.

[@ToddAdams1234]

I’m with Steve on this one: does it have FUEL in it! 😂

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@jimbrewer2893]

Steve! you know that video you put up the other day with the crimped fuel line? Well, I was working on an old Scott's mower that I put aside about two years ago. I was putting gas in the tank and it was running out the bottom. No fuel line!! I had taken it off to replace it. Guess what didn't get replaced!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL! TOOO funny Jimmy......

[@mcvet57103]

Every year I prep my lawn mower for storage, and my snowblower in the spring. I siphon as much gas out of the tank as possible, then add an oz of fuel stabilizer. I then run the lawn mower, or snowblower till it dies. Any left over gas in the carb is now stabilized. Next season I just add fresh gas, and it always starts on the second or third pull. After the first start they always start on the first pull the rest of the season.

[@Bluefox53]

Hi Steve I have a question on cam's for intek engines I have a briggs and stratton 21 hp OHV with a bad cam (compression ) how do you know which to buy there are cheap one's and expensive one's thanks

[@mgomez5606]

Empty the gas from mower and drain carburetor. Best procedure. Steve, do you put oil thru plug hole and cycle it?

[@whitetiger8652]

Thanks for the informative video. You two are a great team together.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@bl9531]

I have a really dumb question: I needed to replace the gaskets in a B&S 500 series lawnmower motor. Ordered a kit from Amazon which includes a spark plug which is obviously not the right one. I went looking online for confirmation of the spark plug that was needed and I didn’t have much success. I simply replaced the plug with the type I already had but it sure would be helpful if you could devote a video to the types of plugs that exist and how to determine which plug is appropriate. Until then, spark plugs remain a mystery to me.

[@deankdx]

Preventing issues by startiing periodically regardless would be advisable. MY recent issue was i couldn't remember which way the throttle lever was off? Pulled the cord about 20 times before flipping the lever and it fired up (think it got a bit flooded in the process too.)

[@JohnnieBravo1]

I have had this happen WAY more than once: gas drained past the needle and seat, drain down into the cylinder, and the engine was hydro locked. I even get mowers from neighbors who tried the pull start and it wouldn't budge, and think their 2 yr old mower has locked up engine, and they just haul them out into the street and go get a new one. If I can grab it, take the plug out, try the pull start, and 9 outta 10 times it blows the fuel out the plug hole. Drain the oil,, replace it, clean the plug, and most times it'll start. Hafta make sure the needle is still sealing though, or it'll happen again. Then I'll take the mower back to the neighbor if they still want it, and if not, I'll sell it and split the money with them.

[@wg4405]

I just thought of something ----- I think April should show us how to tell if your mower has fire or not . She should pull the plug wire off a mower (Push or Rider either will work ) let Steve hold the wire and then she should pull the crank rope or turn the key . That should slow you down from giving her a hard time some .

[@hickorystx]

Very helpful information! Thank you both!!! 😁

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@la5150hi-lophoto]

Just love the collection of beer cans/bottles:). Thanks for the help and now I'm thirsty!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Any time!

[@StevenEverett7]

First time my mower wouldn't start after storage. I manually primed the carb with a squirt bottle and it started first pull after that. I got lucky!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@ronaldwexler8570]

Love the videos and info.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank you!

[@RussellHoughton]

Steve when I was younger I took my carb off my bike and cleaned it 3 time before I found out I was out of gass

[@rogergodin6443]

Excellent advice Steve and your assistant ,love your channel , keep up the excellent work , have a chequvar next time ,you’ll love it,roger

[@markadkins9290]

Great stuff, as usual!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@mudell.hunter0426]

Does “heat” work to remove moisture/water in the gas ??

[@gharv1313]

Great info and opinions as always Steve O! Cheers and Steve and April out!😂 🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@waynestefinashen239]

When we are hired to winterise or summerise equipment for our customers we run them totally out of fuel, pour in a 946 ml can of Alkylate fuel either 4 stroke or 2 stroke mix and run the equipment for 5 minutes then shut it down. They get a guarantee it starts right up for two years and they are told to only use freshly purchased fuel after starting it up on the Alkylate fuel we installed (NOT LAST SEASONS FUEL IN THEIR CONTAINER PUT THAT IN THEIR CAR OR TRUCK). No issues with no starts over many many years of business.

[@adubskiezonly7216]

I have a question my lawnmower starts but runs with a low idle. When I push it it wants to turn off, I noticed the cable that we have to hold for it to keep going it has a litlle play it doesn’t pull all the way back. And hence it’s stalling I lift the back and it keeps going .

[@newsield76]

If I did put it away not winterized, it was because I wasn't sure it wasn't needed one last time. You know fall clean up or warm November last cut. But I have done it left gas in it. I found varnished gas can some times be given new life with a cup or more of Berryman's B-12 Chemtool, even in a two cycle. Will run like putting aviation fuel in it a lot hotter exhaust but will clean it out. Note: carb draining may always be necessary, because remember Ethanol in gas takes water out of the air and it sits in the bottom of the tank and carb bowl.

[@beerdrinker6452]

Nice video. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@ralphparker]

I bet the most probable issue is just water getting into the gasoline. If you store the unit outside over the winter, all kinds of corrosion issues can occur.

[@sleepwalker29]

Yea, I made a video showing how to remove water. I bought a new mower in Colorado and it got burried in snow all winter, and didn't start in the spring, and it was about 8 months old.