I have a PowerPro gas mower with a 5 HP Briggs & Stratton manufactured in 1995. It must have sat in someone's garage for most of these years because it looks like it's only a few years old. I picked it up at a garage sale. It ALWAYS starts on the first or second pull even after sitting for 5 months over the winter, and runs perfect. The problem is that it's impossible to restart once the engine is hot and I shut it off. I have to let it sit for hours, usually overnight, it then starts on the first or second pull. This pattern has been consistent with each use for the last 2 seasons.
I had the same issue with my Toro walk behind mower this past Spring. It has started flawlessly, hot or cold for several years, but this past May, it wouldn't start when hot. I pulled the plug and it was quite "wet"...indicating that the cylinder was being flooded when shutting it down hot. That is usually a carburetor related trouble. I carb kit sells for about $9, and I found a new carb for $11 on EBAY. Replacing the carburetor took care of the problem...and now the mower starts on the 2nd or 3rd pull again, hot or cold. When I get some time, I'll probably get a kit and rebuild the old carb and keep it for a spare.
