Motor won't start. Engine turns when cord is pulled but motor won't start. Disconnected plug wire from spark plug, held wire close to plug and pulled the cord. Heard the sound of an electric arc under the wire cap. Primer button sends gas to carburetor.

SOURCE: no spark to spark plug wire

Have you tried cleaning the plug or a new one. Try removing the plug, reconnect it to the wire and placing the thread part of the plug against the 'fins'. This will make the engine easier to pull and to see if spark is jumping the gap. If there's no spark, take the plug off and hold the connector about an 1/8 " from the fins and see if spark jumps. If not, the armature (ign. coil) may be bad. Before you change the armature though, check that the wire from the armature (terminal underneath) to kill switch is not grounding out. Information overload? lol

SOURCE: lawn mower ony runs at idle and dies after seconds

try holding the throttle open

SOURCE: My 550 series Bolens lawnmower won't start. When

keep pushing the prime button

SOURCE: 13.5hp Briggs And Stratton snowblower.I tried to

Concerning your starter/pull cord problem, what has probably happened is that due to sitting idle for an extended period, the pinion gear had stuck in the down position on the clutch drive.

When you engaged it with power it spun as it was supposed to do but did not immediately spin up into the ring gear.

After you released the starter button and it began to slow down the gear spun up into the flywheel and jammed because it didn't have enough power to turn the engine.

A usually simple fix for this is to turn the engine backward by hand just enough to relieve the tension and the return spring will push the gear back down.

At this point, you can try the electric starter again and it should work properly. If it does not work, you will have to remove the starter and clean and inspect the starter drive on the top of the starter.

Concerning the fact that it would not start, you more than likely have some old fuel trapped in the bottom of the float bowl.

You may be able to remedy this by spraying some carburetor cleaner in the carb while trying to start it.

If it has spark and everything else is in good condition, it will start and run as long as it has carb cleaner getting to the engine so you may need to spray it a few times while it is running on that and sometimes the stale fuel problem will clear itself.

If it doesn't clear up and run on its own without the carb cleaner after 3 or 4 shots of spray you will need to remove the float bowl and clean it and the main jet with the carb cleaner.

Protect your eyes and bare skin while using the carburetor cleaner, it will injure you. Do not spray it on any rubber gaskets or seals, it will swell and ruin them.

Sorry for the "book" I wrote but I am trying to explore as many possibilities as I can to get you up and snow blowing!

Testimonial: "Cured the problem just like you said. Thanks"

Jesse Walters

• 337 Answers
• Posted on Oct 08, 2010

SOURCE: the lawnmower won t start after pulling the start

try a touch of starting fluid right into the carburator by taking the air filter off. If it then starts but wont run or stay running, the reservoir below the carb should be removed to clean at and the pinhole in the intake tube above the bowl nut. This is the most common problem with lawnmower start problems, the pinhole can be unplugged with one wire from a wire brush. Be careful with the gas, at least pinch off the gas hose with a vise grips while removing the carb bowl.. Never use a droplight around gasoline.