Craftsman 21" push mower issues

[seanf12]

Hello everyone,



I have a 21" craftsman push mower (about 6-7 years old) with a briggs & startton engine. Originally a few days ago when I tried to start it, it would run for 2-3 seconds and shut down, and only after I hit the primer bulb 7-8 times. So I tried several things; replaced the sparkplug, added oil (it was pretty low), and temporarily removed the air filter.

Yesterday I took a few things apart (just removed the top peice, removed the air filter and the black peice that the filter sits against, next to the carb) and just cleaned everything out (just make sure there were no obstructions anywhere). Put everything back and still no luck. Actually now it won't even fire up at all.



Any thoughts or anything obvious I can check? I am a complete novice at this stuff



Thanks in advance!

 

[reynoldston]

For a start spray some starter fluid in carburetor and if it runs a few seconds I would check the needle valve in the carburetor.

 

[wjjones]

For a start spray some starter fluid in carburetor and if it runs a few seconds I would check the needle valve in the carburetor.

Yep sounds like debris/ trash in the float bowl that has got into the needle valve, and seat area. If you use an air compressor be careful not to blow the seat out, and loose it..