Mower starts and then stops after 30 seconds

[sparkymarcopolo]

Would anyone be able to throw me some pointers for this issue as I'm hoping to fix myself.

I left my petrol from the summer in my mower over winter (I always do and know it's probably not the right thing to do)....it's never been an issue until now.

This year....after a number of pulls it finally started but it'll run for between 30-60 seconds...then splutter and pop and then stop (I'm sure the run-time is gradually improving)

I've noticed if I wait about 3+ mins it'll start again and then do the same thing.

Having read around I understand it could be a dirty carb, maybe the float sticking with some people mentioning that if I remove the air filter....spray carb cleaner directly into the air source as I'm not wanting to strip the mower down....is that worth a try and safe to do?

Thanks

 

[Rocky J]

Alcohol fuel attracts water ,even the 10% Ethanol. If it was mine I would remove the carb bowl and let it all drain out including what is in the tank. pour in some fresh fuel and lift up and down on the float to make sure it is running through with no problem. Replace the bowl and try to run again. A bubble of water can give you fits at the needle valve.

 

[slomo]

I left my petrol from the summer in my mower over winter (I always do and know it's probably not the right thing to do)....it's never been an issue until now.

It will catch up to you, like now. I use Stabil year round with E-0 fuel. Never a fuel related issue.

This year....after a number of pulls it finally started but it'll run for between 30-60 seconds...then splutter and pop and then stop (I'm sure the run-time is gradually improving)

Carb is plugged. Fuel tank could be full of grit, bugs, grass, leaves, dirt dobbers and toe nails. Trash in the tank will pass to the carb. Water in the tank does the same.

Having read around I understand it could be a dirty carb, maybe the float sticking with some people mentioning that if I remove the air filter....spray carb cleaner directly into the air source as I'm not wanting to strip the mower down....is that worth a try and safe to do?

You already know you have a fuel delivery issue. Start cleaning the carb and tank like new ones. New fuel line probably wouldn't hurt either.

Do you have the old style fuel can spout? As in a wide open spout letting debris/water/bugs/grit fall right into the can? Recommend the new style pain in the rump spouts. They keep the fuel cleaner and fresher. Screw right on your old can. Briggs makes a nice can.