Confusing starting instructions!

[MissMizz]

ok i am kinda new to this... i have a question about starting lawn mowers.

what the instruction manual says
1. Push the primer (if equipped) three times. Wait about two seconds between each push. Do not prime to restart a warm engine.
2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control against upper handle.
3. Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly.Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time slowly.

my question is, when it says "repeat until engine cranks" does it mean repeat pulling the rope or does it mean repeat all 3 steps?
also is "cranks" the same as starting up?
earlier it wasn't working for some reason. and yes it has gas in it!
thanks!!

 

[Lostalot]

You should only need to prime once,then start pulling on the cord with the blade control engaged,you did not mention what throttle setting is required for startup but most mowers need some throttle/choke to get fired up...regards

 

[earthworm]

ok i am kinda new to this... i have a question about starting lawn mowers.

what the instruction manual says
1. Push the primer (if equipped) three times. Wait about two seconds between each push. Do not prime to restart a warm engine.
2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control against upper handle.
3. Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly.Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time slowly.

my question is, when it says "repeat until engine cranks" does it mean repeat pulling the rope or does it mean repeat all 3 steps?
also is "cranks" the same as starting up? Not really..."cranks" is just manually turning over the engine...using the provided pull-rope.. "starting up" implied success and includes all the steps..
earlier it wasn't working for some reason. and yes it has gas in it!
thanks!!

Many of us, including me, lack patience and this is vital in the operation of "cheap" equipment.
Instructions can be written much better....The engine does NOT "crank" ; when the starting operation is successful, it spins or runs...
The problem is - those who write the instructions, in far too many cases, may never have even seen the equipment - they are justing behind a desk with little idea of what they are doing.

 

[earthworm]

You should only need to prime once,then start pulling on the cord with the blade control engaged,you did not mention what throttle setting is required for startup but most mowers need some throttle/choke to get fired up...regards

The better(old) mowers may require throttle, timing, and choke settings, but our cheapies (newer ones - this generation) just need to be primed - this may be 2 pushes and up to 20 pushes - depending on the unit and its condition..

 

[MissMizz]

so if i push the primer 3 times and it doesn't run when i pull the rope should i...
1. do the primer again and then pull the rope, or
2. pull the rope again
3. something else?
sorry i know this is a stupid question

 

[earthworm]

Have patience, not like me...
COLD engine...
push maybe 10 times
pull two or three times
If it takes all this, then I'd say a major tune-up is necessary...IMO..
HOT engine.....
pull one to three times
If three times, then the tune up again.
Also, read what others say, I have not covered everything.

 

[Ric]

ok i am kinda new to this... i have a question about starting lawn mowers.

what the instruction manual says
1. Push the primer (if equipped) three times. Wait about two seconds between each push. Do not prime to restart a warm engine.
2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control against upper handle.
3. Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly.Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time slowly.

my question is, when it says "repeat until engine cranks" does it mean repeat pulling the rope or does it mean repeat all 3 steps?
also is "cranks" the same as starting up?
earlier it wasn't working for some reason. and yes it has gas in it!
thanks!!

To answer your question, when it says repeat until engine cranks, it means repeat pulling the rope until the mower starts. Don't repeat all three steps especially pushing the primer bulb or you could flood the mower with gas and then it may not start.