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Posted by Srgnt Billko on March 26, 2007, 7:59 pm
>> I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't do right by my lawn mower last
>> Fall and just left it in the garage over the winter without doing any
>> winter prep. It's warm enough today that I thought I'd drag it out and
>> see if I could start it, and I couldn't after priming the engine and a
>> few quick on the rope. What should I do at this point? The lawn mower
>> is a Murray with a 4-stroke engine (model 20617A for those that care).
>> I bought it used and didn't get a manual or anything like that with it.
>>
>> As a follow up, what's the right way to put this machine away for the
>> winter?
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>> -Lotofun
>
> For starters, dump the gas in the tank and in the can. Then drain the
> carburetor-- there's probably a drain screw in the bottom of the float
> bowl. If not, just remove the big screw in the bottom of the float bowl
> and the bowl will lower. Actually, you probably want to pull the bowl
> anyway and spray everything with carb/choke cleaner ($4.00 at Wal-Mart).
> Also drain and replace the engine oil- go to engine mfr's website to see
> the weight of oil to use. If no info, it's hard to go wrong with 10W30.
>
> While you're at Wally's pick up a can of starter fluid to spray at the air
> cleaner right before you make your first start attempt. Also, remove and
> clean/replace the air cleaner. Also remove the spark plug. You can
> clean/gap it to save money or buy/install a new one. Do the plug last
> because you'll want to put a shot of starting fluid in the spark plug hole
> right before you reinstall it and do your start.
>
> Buy a can of fresh gas, fill the tank, set the choke, press the primer
> bulb and she should start.
>
All sounds good to me except starter fluid can easily damage these cheap
engines. If the primer bulb is working you shouldn't need starter fluid.
The primers are connected by very small gas line and they tend to fail
easily. Is there a gas shut-off valve ? If so make sure it is open. If my
small engines don't fire after the first few pulls I take the cap off the
gas tank, press my lips tight inside the opening, and blow as hard as I
can - then try to prime and start again.
> At the end of the season, do all the maintenance I mentioned above--
> except for the starting fluid of course.
>
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