Walk behind Craftsman Model 550 - Very hard to start

carlb43

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Dec 9, 2011
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I have a model 550 push mower. Has carburetor primer problem that has evolved into a motor that is
hard start. By hard to start I mean that it pulls very hard and I cannot spin the motor fast enough to start.

It would not start at all. I determined that a small tap screw, I think, is missing from the carburetor. If I put my finger over the small opening and pushed the primer bulb I could get it started. I ran good but not great. I re-attached a spring to the part on the carburetor that goes to the governor. The engine started and ran very fast and I quickly shut it down. Now it is very hard to spin the engine, it won't start, with the pull cord.

If I take the plug out I can spin the engine. Does not seem to be frozen. The piston goes up and down ok. Not sure what the problem is.

Any ideas?
 
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