28' Rear Engine Snapper- Will not start

[vboss]

Put a shut off valve in the fuel line, the carb needle valve likes to leak a bit and it will flood the engine and in some cases fill the motor full of gas. And if you by chance pull the plug out to purge gas out the cylinder make sure you have the spark disabled or you WILL have a fire. You will need to drain the oil too.

 

[JB4]

A fuel shut off is also a very good idea because as the mower sits, especially for storage, the carb lets fuel vent out. So as the fuel in the bowl evaporates it leaves behind additives and sediment. Gas stabilizer additive leaves a gummy goo that will clog a jet and have you scratching your head when you try to first start it in the spring. A good trick for a minimally clogged jet is to take the air filter off, and block the carb intake using a rag or something while you crank it. The extra vacuum will pull a goo'ed blockage from the jet in most cases.