Craftsman push mower suddenly will not start

[bluegirl]

Hi all,
Been using it all summer and even up to last week and now today I pulled the cord and the engine does nothing but sound like and 80 year old chain smoker. Any ideas where to start?

 

[possum]

Best place to start when looking for help is the year, model, engine etc. On the mower itself best to find evidence of spark, fuel, air, and compression.

 

[reynoldston]

Hi all,
sound like and 80 year old chain smoker

Now that is a new engine sound to me???:confused2:

 

[bluegirl]

Model 917.373680. Not sure of the year.

 

[bluegirl]

Oh and a B&S engine.

 

[mechanic mark]

Manual Craftsman Lawn mower 917373680 | SearsPartsDirect download manual at bottom left of screen, page 18 is troubleshooting chart. Adjust valves per specs. page 3 in manual.
https://www.google.com/webhp?source...=2&ie=UTF-8#q=How to adjust b&s engine valves

Post engine numbers: model xxxxxx, type xxxx, trim xx.

 

[bluegirl]

Did some troubleshooting today. So far, new gas, new plug, clean air filter, control bar seems good, blades are mounted fine, oil a bit low but not bad-added some. So I am supposing that I am heading into valve adjustment. Anything else easier I haven't thought of? When I pull the cord there is no hint at all of actually starting. Thanks Mechanic Mark for the references so far. Will check the valves tomorrow hopefully.

 

[bluegirl]

Sorry, I have the wrong model #. The one I have is 944.363201 and the engine is a B&S 125K02 0253-E1 03061657

 

[mechanic mark]

Sorry, I have the wrong model #. The one I have is 944.363201 and the engine is a B&S 125K02 0253-E1 03061657

Parts for Brands Craftsman, GE, Kenmore, Whirlpool and more | SearsPartsDirect Enter correct model number for parts & manual.

Results your engine manual with valve specs. page 9.

Engine Won't Start | Mower & Small Engine Repair | Briggs & Stratton FAQ
Checking Spark Plugs | Engine & Mower Maintenance | Briggs & Stratton FAQ replace fuel filter part # page 9.https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=b&s part 298090s

 

[bluegirl]

Took the carb off and checked it out. Put it all back together and she fired right up. Air lock maybe? Weird.