Stopped, now won't start

[GWilliamT]

Mower is Eager1. Mowing the lawn. Running fine. Then stopped as if out of gas. Tank has fuel in it. Now several days later, attempting to start, after using primer pump, it will run a few seconds while it (my interpretation) uses up the gas provided by the primer then stops. I have attempted to start repeatedly, no success. If I don't prime it, it won't even run that few seconds. Engine turns over easily.

Air filter is new and clean. Plug is new. Mower recently serviced, but I'm not sure of the details, it was given to me as serviced and running - which it was.
No traumatic event.

It is possible I used a fuel/oil mix (as for a 2 stroke) that someone gave me (was not supposed to be a mix), but I have been using that fuel for several mowings with no problems until now.

 

[shiftsuper175607]

Mower is Eager1. Mowing the lawn. Running fine. Then stopped as if out of gas. Tank has fuel in it. Now several days later, attempting to start, after using primer pump, it will run a few seconds while it (my interpretation) uses up the gas provided by the primer then stops. I have attempted to start repeatedly, no success. If I don't prime it, it won't even run that few seconds. Engine turns over easily.

Air filter is new and clean. Plug is new. Mower recently serviced, but I'm not sure of the details, it was given to me as serviced and running - which it was.
No traumatic event.

It is possible I used a fuel/oil mix (as for a 2 stroke) that someone gave me (was not supposed to be a mix), but I have been using that fuel for several mowings with no problems until now.

It is a fuel problem because when you give it fuel it runs for a few seconds.
The fuel is not making it through the carburetor...if wrong fuel then primer bulb fuel wouldn't run it...
summary need: clean the carb.

 

[bertsmobile1]

:welcome:

As previously posted you do have a fuel supply problem.
unfortunately Sears have sold the eager 1 for better than 20 years and in that time have used engines from Tecumseh, Briggs & ??? in China .
to give you any meaning full help you will have to help us by posting the model number of the mower and if possible them make & model number of the engine.
If you can not find these then post a couple of photos so we can identify the engine used .

You can also go to the Sears web site and download your owners manual which are fairly good considering it is a mid end big box special mower.

 

[Flintmotorsports]

Hello
I run into this problem all the time because I do this for a living. The best way to fix your
problem is to replace the carb because it will save time and money to just replace it.

 

[GWilliamT]

Such quick responses, thanks, and so far, consensus. I will post the mower particulars as soon as I can take a look at it, it's at a small rental I have. However, I suspect that fuel flow from tank to engine is compromised as suggested, that's what I will work on first.

Never been particularly partial to Sears mowers, probably due to an early disillusionment with their "easy start" that weren't machines, but this one was doing the work needed and it was given to me

For my own lawn my preferred machine is a Brill reel, foot powered.

 

[GWilliamT]

Photos of the machine.
Engine Model 143.964010
Engine Fam STP185U1G1RA
Could not fine a model number for the lawnmower as a whole.



UPDATE: Found the mower model 917.386620.

And, I cleaned the carb bowl and the flow holes. The machine now runs and starts, though not running as smoothly as I would like, an occasional 'burp.'

 

[Flintmotorsports]

Photos of the machine.
Engine Model 143.964010
Engine Fam STP185U1G1RA
Could not fine a model number for the lawnmower as a whole.

View attachment 29074 View attachment 29072 View attachment 29070

UPDATE: Found the mower model 917.386620.

And, I cleaned the carb bowl and the flow holes. The machine now runs and starts, though not running as smoothly as I would like, an occasional 'burp.'

Just mow with it for a few times and see if it comes out of it. if that don't work try cleaning the carb again it should move stuff around
in the carb while running.

 

[GWilliamT]

I have done the following:
Removed and cleaned the fuel tank, filled with fresh gasoline.
Removed the carburetor, cleaned the bowl/openings/and surrounds.
Replaced bowl and gaskets.
Reassembled everything.

Results:
Engine started although it was surging at first, then this smoothed out.
I started engine several times, it was quick on the start, I shut if off each time after a minute or two.
Confident, I took it to the lawn to mow. I mowed 800 sq ft, it faltered and died.
It will not run, although it starts then dies within a few seconds.
It starts better not using the primer bulb, which when used requires 2 - 3 pulls as opposed to just 1 get the results above.

I have removed and cleaned the bowl several times before doing the above. Each time it wold start and run. But when it came time to mow, it would not run.

 

[BlazNT]

Clean the carb again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAk_WDt3AD8

 

[kody1234]

you can get a new carb for your mower on ebay for 15 bucks.