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Hello, looking for advice. I have an older White LT 1650. It's an 18 HP Tecumseh engine. It is difficult to get started. Usually cranks and cranks before it starts. Once started it runs great. I've used it to cut my lawn since buying it new in 2003 and the past couple of summers I've had this issue. I always use fuel stabilizer in it and change the plugs and oil and filter every fall. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Need to know if you have any old 18 hp cast iron engine or a newer OHV engine. Please post all engine numbers or a pic of the engine ID tag.

Rivets, I will post the numbers as soon as I get home which should be Wed or Thur. Thanks.

takes 3 things to make an internal combustion engine run - fuel and air, spark at the right time, and compression. One or more is missing or poor.

1. Try spraying a little Berrymans carb spray, like pssst pssst, into the carb. Try to start it. If it starts right up and dies (or keeps going) then you have a fuel / carb problem.

2. Get a spark tester and see if you have spark while it is not starting.

3. Get a compression tester and see what the engine compression is. If it has a compression release in the engine maybe 50 - 60 PSI. If no compression release then 110 PSI+ . Low compression can be several things.

Post your results when you can.

Also if you have a fuel shut off lever, leave it on for four or five minutes before you try to start it. I turn mine off and let the engine run out of fuel when I will not be using it for awhile.

Confirm when you engage the choke, that it is completely shutting off the carb intake. Do a visual on it, don't just feel it with your fingers. The fix is easy, move the cable in or out to make a tight seal.

glen1 said:

Rivets, I will post the numbers as soon as I get home which should be Wed or Thur. Thanks.

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Hi, just got back. Engine tag has the following info...Model TVT691, Spec 600810B, Family 3TPXS.6912AA, DOM 0305FG0063, 691CC. I am unfamiliar with what all these numbers mean. I change oil and filter, plugs, and air filter which is the extent of my mechanical knowledge. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Ok, now that I know which engine you have, I’ve got two suggestions for the to try. First, as stated you should check to see if the choke plate on both carbs are fully closing. If not you need to adjust the throttle control. Second, I would be checking and adjusting the valve clearances on both the intake and exhaust valves, on both cylinders. I understand you may not feel comfortable in attempting this, so an assistant or repair shop may be the way to go. Here is the service manual for your engine which may be of some help. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/847397/Tecumseh-V-Twin.html?page=58#manual

Rivets said:

Ok, now that I know which engine you have, I’ve got two suggestions for the to try. First, as stated you should check to see if the choke plate on both carbs are fully closing. If not you need to adjust the throttle control. Second, I would be checking and adjusting the valve clearances on both the intake and exhaust valves, on both cylinders. I understand you may not feel comfortable in attempting this, so an assistant or repair shop may be the way to go. Here is the service manual for your engine which may be of some help. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/847397/Tecumseh-V-Twin.html?page=58#manual

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Thank You for the advice Rivets, I will check the choke plate on the carbureators. As for the valves, I think I'll be heading to the local mower shop. Thank You again.