My 1994 Gold Series 10515 starts great and when I shut it off for just a minute or so, like to empty the bag, it starts right back up. If however I allow it to sit after shutting it off for more than a minute I have a real difficult time getting it to re-start. Even if it's off for 2 or 3 minutes it's a hard start. At that point I'm not sure if it needs primed again or if by doing so I'm flooding it. I've tried both ways and neither seems to help. I replaced the ignition coil last year so I don't think that's the issue. I really think it's a fuel issue but why will it start after 1 minute but after 2 or 3 it's hard?
Thanks for the replies. 2 questions. What do worn crankcase seals do (or not do) that causes the hard start and how much of a job is it to replace the seals
Leaking seals allow air to be sucked into the crankcase when the piston goes up on the compression stroke. The extra air dilutes the fuel and air mixture making it too lean to burn. Another thing to check when it won't start is to check for spark. The module can be failing, and this shows up when shutting off the mower you have a hot soak condition that heat builds up with no air flow and this affects the CDI module causing it to stop providing spark. Seal replacement can be done with out removing the motor from the deck. You must remove the flywheel and muffler for access.
Thanks for the replies. 2 questions. What do worn crankcase seals do (or not do) that causes the hard start and how much of a job is it to replace the seals
The crankcase in most 2-cycle engines like this Lawnboy is a part of the intake for the fuel-air mixture. The piston going up on compression stroke, draws fresh fuel/air mixture into the crankcase, where the fuel-oil mix coats all the bearings with the 2-cycle oil, and on the piston down-stroke, it pushes the fuel/air mixture up thru ports into the upper cylinder (the spark-plug end) where it can be compressed and ignited. If the crankshaft seals leak, it will mess with the ability of the engine to draw fresh fuel in, thus it won't start. These seals are cheap, and easy to replace, and they are a part that does and will wear out. All Lawnboys will need seals at some point. You can find U-tube videos on how to replace seals. It's very easy. The reeds, which are in the crankcase right behind the carb act as a one way valve, allowing fuel in, then blocking the passage to the carb on the down-stroke when the fuel mixture needs to be pushed into the upper cylinder. Leaky reeds can cause bad or no running, but in your case since it starts cold, this is classic symptom of leaky seals.
Thank you all. Looks like I'll order a couple new seals. Being from Pa I'll only need the mower for a few more weeks this year for some leaves then it goes to the basemant till spring. Sounds like a good Saturday winter project and maybe some new paint while I'm at it. Thanks again
Well mowing season's over so I started to tear into it to replace the seals. Took the flywheel off for the top seal got it out no problem. Went to work on the bottom. Blade off blade plate off with a little helf for a puller, muffler off no problem and this is where you guys are going to think I'm crazy. I don't see the bottom seal! Just some crud around the shaft which I cleand out. Is it possible for the bottom seal to disintegrate almost completly and if so would the mower continue to run. Help!
Well mowing season's over so I started to tear into it to replace the seals. Took the flywheel off for the top seal got it out no problem. Went to work on the bottom. Blade off blade plate off with a little helf for a puller, muffler off no problem and this is where you guys are going to think I'm crazy. I don't see the bottom seal! Just some crud around the shaft which I cleand out. Is it possible for the bottom seal to disintegrate almost completly and if so would the mower continue to run. Help!
