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I am trying to fire up a Lawn-Boy R7268 that my neighbor gave me that sat for a long time. I cleaned all the mouse nests out of it, cleaned the exhaust, ignition and carb. I replaced the spark plug and fuel line and it looks new. When I try to start it, it will fire up with a gas spray down the spark plug hole and will continue to run if I keep priming it. When I stop pumping the primer it dies. I see in the manual the carb has an altitude adjustment but I don't see it. I believe the issue is in the carb but I did mess with the gap on the fly wheel. The motor has about 80 psi compression but it leaks down Any advice
Thanks

pdqrunner said:

I am trying to fire up a Lawn-Boy R7268 that my neighbor gave me that sat for a long time. I cleaned all the mouse nests out of it, cleaned the exhaust, ignition and carb. I replaced the spark plug and fuel line and it looks new. When I try to start it, it will fire up with a gas spray down the spark plug hole and will continue to run if I keep priming it. When I stop pumping the primer it dies. I see in the manual the carb has an altitude adjustment but I don't see it. I believe the issue is in the carb but I did mess with the gap on the fly wheel. The motor has about 80 psi compression but it leaks down Any advice
Thanks

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I would start off by replacing the crankshaft seals. They are probably old and leaky and that may be the reason for the consistent need to prime. Leaky worn seals cause low compression on the bottom end of the piston. You probably already know that a two stroke engine needs compression on the top AND the bottom end of the piston. Make sure that the exhaust ports are clean and not plugged with carbon. While you're at it, check the reeds. Rusty, worn out reeds will cause the same problem of low bottom end compression. The carb adjustment screw is recessed and should be on the side of the carb. It may be covered with some dirt, making it difficult to see. Is the air vane spring OK and does it operate freely? Flywheel gap should be the thickness of a business card. All of these steps are important when bringing an old Lawn Boy back to life.

Just my opinion---your Lawn Boy has that wonderful F model engine and is well worth the time and effort to resurrect. Mix your fuel correctly, keep the air filter clean and it will reward you with countless hours of service. Pictures of your project are always appreciated. :thumbs up

Thanks for getting back to me. I looked at an on-line manual and my carb is a later style with the needle down the throat of the main. I am going to pull the carb again and adjust the main needle and see what she does. My goal was to send the mower back to WV Sunday with my Son but I may need to follow your advice and do the seals. I'm new to the forum and have not looked into how to post pics. That may be harder to do then getting this old girl running.:laughing: