Lawn-Boy will not start problem

[originalswampfox]

Gas poured directly into the piston will flood it immediately. Usually takes 15 - 30 minutes to dry out. I just pour a little gas on the the air filter and try to start it. If that works, it is a gas/carb problem. The only reliable spark test is to hold the spark plug in one hand place the same hand on the engine and pull the cord. If you jump sparks ok. I'm 65, been using this method since I was 6, never fails. I have developed a stutter in my speech.

Hope some of this works.

 

[originalswampfox]

I forgot to mention, I have seen and put a lot of long shank plugs in short holes, ruined the plugs never damaged the piston. You can't pull the rope hard enough and an electric starter isn't strong enough to poke a hole in the piston.

 

[benski]

I'm of the "acouple of squirts of fresh gas" school of engine starting. If the thing fires, it is typically a fuel delivery issue, as has been stated. The affordable spark tester is a super handy tool, too. Make sure you've got known, fresh gas, mixed with the appropriate 2-cycle oil as (if) needed.

 

[jeff]

Have you removed and cleaned theain jet? There are several small holes that must be clean. Also have you checked the float to see if it has become too heavy to allow proper operation? What about the float level? Your problem seems to be fuel flow related. Keep your attention on the carb and I feel you will get it going. If all else fails, PM me. I "cut my teeth" on those Lawnboys when I first started repairing mowers

 

[reynoldston]

I take it that this is a 2 cycle engine? Just because the flywheel turns does not mean it is in time. I don't know what you have for a engine but a lot of lawnmower engines have a aluminum key and it doesn't take much to be off timing. You have to pull the flywheel to check it. You are checking compression with a gauge and checking spark with the plug in the engine under compression. This is the only true way to check these two things. Is the spark plug wet or dry when you pull it out of the engine. This will tell you if you are getting fuel or not. Compression, spark, fuel, and timing and it will run and not if you are missing one. If this is two cycle make sure your crankcase seals are good.

 

[slippery]

You really have to check for compression. Just rebuilt a '79 2 stroke, had 20 psi and when removed the piston found only 1 ring. Installed new rings and brought the compression up to 90. Starts right up

 

[MarineCorpsVet]

I have a Lawn Boy 10686 w/ a Tecumseh 4 cycle engine. It won't start but it feels like a backfire when I'm trying to start it. It gives a single "pop" and yanks the starter rope out of my hand. This only happens when I spray starter fluid in the carburetor inlet. Otherwise it just keeps turning over and doesn't even try to start.
Thank you in advance for your help.
John

 

[fifthstring27030]

The crankshaft seals seals are probably leaking if everything you say checks out