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Spark plug gets gas fouled every cold start

Intek 12.5HP I mow twice a month. When I go to crank her up, I press the throttle all the way forward which is the choke (I’ve always cranked her this way) she won’t start bc the spark plug is covered in gasoline.

Should I not be choking an just leave the throttle at the position I run her at (just a bit lower than WOT probably ¾.)



I now air out these gas fouled plugs an am able to reuse on a rotation, would prefer not have to be forced to swap a plug twice a month.

Pls recommend a fix maybe turn back the carburetor a bit.thanks for advise

most likely you have a fuel or carburation problem. Check the oil too to be sure it isn't filled with gasoline that has been leaking down while it sits.

air filter clean?

sgkent said:

most likely you have a fuel or carburation problem. Check the oil too to be sure it isn't filled with gasoline that has been leaking down while it sits.

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prior to finishing mowing, what I do is turn the fuel petcock off an run the engine till dry. how can I tell if gas is in the oil?thanks sgkent

Scrubcadet10 said:

air filter clean?

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I can check the air filter IIRC I had a tiny bit of dirt in it at beginning of April. I mow from April though mid Dec. thanks

Scrubcadet10​

Pull the upper cover and air cleaner off/ out of the way then operate the throttle to verify the choke is working freely and releasing properly. The choke plate lever may be hanging up from excess dust or grass clippings.

This design was a little moody about the choke hanging up.

the throttle has always been a bit tight when pushing forward for choke it's been like that for over 12 years. never paid much attention to it.
I will take a look at the carbs. plates. the owners an service mauel kindof skip over carburetor. when I push the throttle lever forward for the choke will I see the plate open extra wide an when I pull backward for regular throttle the plate will close a bit? thanks AutoDocs

A throttle cable adjustment or new throttle cable might do the trick. The throttle plate should close all the way on full choke.