ush the primer button while it’s running, it sounds better. But if I let go of the primer button, it sputters a bit and then quits. I just changed the spark plug and air filter, and it seems better, but still wont stay running.
Craftsman

Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
Hi sharonld 123…

Check/Clean/Replace your fuel filter if you have one.If the mower/weedeater/edger is over a couple of years old, then I recommend that you buy and install a new carburetor repair kit,because the diaphragm will get hard and that will cause it to be hard to crank.Sounds like you will need to clean the carburetor or replace your carburetor internal rubber parts like the diaphgram and O rings.Be sure to use compressed air to blow out all the fuel and air passages.Be careful when blowing out the passages, because there are sometimes small rubber type seats in the bottom of some of the passages.Sometimes you can get by with priming the carburetor or using starting fluid and letting it run a few times like that and it will flush the gunk out of the jets,but most of the time you will need to rebuild the carburetor.Keep in mind that the float for the carburetor must be level when you go to reassemble the carburetor or follow the instrucitons you get with the carburetor kit.When you clean your carburetor and remove the jet screws, you will first need to lightly seat the jet screws.But before you lightly seat the jet screws count the number of turns it takes to seat the jet screws from their original position.Be sure to mark the turns down on a piece of paper.That way when you put the jets back in, you know to lightly seat them first and then turn them back out to their orginal position before you started.
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How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?

We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :

If the motor starts initially but then won`t stay running, that means it`s getting a good initial injection of gas from the primer bulb, but then the carburetor starves off the oxygen it needs to keep combusting. When your carburetor is clogged, the cause is likely to be evaporated gas that has gummed up the pores.
A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall.
Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn`t work, you might need a new fuel filter.
If petrol is coming out of your primer bulb, this means that it is backing up in your carburettor and flowing out of the primer tube. The float-valve in your carburettor has most likely got stuck and just needs to be adjusted.
Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn`t work, you might need a new fuel filter.
You can expect to get anywhere from six to ten years out of your riding mower, or longer with proper care and maintenance.
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance.
A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower won`t stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug.
Over time, a spark plug will wear out. Eventually, the spark will no longer be powerful enough to fully ignite the air and fuel. You are likely to notice power loss including bogging down when cutting grass because of a worn spark plug. Removing and replacing a spark plug is easy.
A dirty carburetor is the most common cause of a lawn mower that starts and then dies. Other possible causes include: Stale/Dirty Gas. Faulty Choke.
If the motor will only start with the use of starting fluid, this suggests you may have a fuel supply problem such as faulty or dirty fuel injectors. If you have replaced the fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator, we can reasonably assume that you are getting the correct amount of fuel pressure through the system.
When your lawnmower is stone cold, do you have trouble starting it? The reason for this is that, when the mower sits unused for a while, the fuel in the carburetor evaporates. By priming the carburetor, you will inject some fuel into its float bowl, which should allow you to start the engine.
If the motor will only start with the use of starting fluid, this suggests you may have a fuel supply problem such as faulty or dirty fuel injectors. If you have replaced the fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator, we can reasonably assume that you are getting the correct amount of fuel pressure through the system.
A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower won`t stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug.
Why Does Your Lawn Mower Starts With Starter Fluid Then Dies? Your lawn mower starts with starter fluid then dies because of a clogged or dirty air filter, a carburetor issue, old gas, a defective or dirty spark plug, oil level issues, or a blocked fuel cap.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Wont stay running – Mtd 22" Yard Machine Push Mower
ANSWER : Under neath the carby is a single brass bolt, undo it

that one bolt is a multi jet, find four holes use a fine pin and carby cleaner ,hint one is at the top were the thread starts , one is in the inside center and two in the sides
put it back in and prim and start, hope it helps

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

Wont start and primer button stay`s in when pushed
ANSWER : Try loosening the gas cap, if the primer bulb still stays in when pressed replace the fuel filter.

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

The lawnmower won t start after pulling the start up cord . changed the spark plug it still won t start
ANSWER : Try a touch of starting fluid right into the carburator by taking the air filter off. If it then starts but wont run or stay running, the reservoir below the carb should be removed to clean at and the pinhole in the intake tube above the bowl nut. This is the most common problem with lawnmower start problems, the pinhole can be unplugged with one wire from a wire brush. Be careful with the gas, at least pinch off the gas hose with a vise grips while removing the carb bowl.. Never use a droplight around gasoline.

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

This is only the second time I have used my Toro lawnmower and it won’t start. I have pulled and pulled, can’t find a primer button, checked the gas and oil (everything is fine) but it still won’t work.
ANSWER : Only the second use?? Take it back where you bought it and ask them to demonstrate for you.

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

I have a Craftsman self propelled lawnmower. It worked fine two cuts ago, and now, I can start it, but it sputters and then quits. When I push the primer button while it’s running, it sounds better. But if I let go of the primer button, it sputters a bit and then quits. I just changed the spark plug and air filter, and it seems better, but still wont stay running.
ANSWER : Hi sharonld 123…

Check/Clean/Replace your fuel filter if you have one.If the mower/weedeater/edger is over a couple of years old, then I recommend that you buy and install a new carburetor repair kit,because the diaphragm will get hard and that will cause it to be hard to crank.Sounds like you will need to clean the carburetor or replace your carburetor internal rubber parts like the diaphgram and O rings.Be sure to use compressed air to blow out all the fuel and air passages.Be careful when blowing out the passages, because there are sometimes small rubber type seats in the bottom of some of the passages.Sometimes you can get by with priming the carburetor or using starting fluid and letting it run a few times like that and it will flush the gunk out of the jets,but most of the time you will need to rebuild the carburetor.Keep in mind that the float for the carburetor must be level when you go to reassemble the carburetor or follow the instrucitons you get with the carburetor kit.When you clean your carburetor and remove the jet screws, you will first need to lightly seat the jet screws.But before you lightly seat the jet screws count the number of turns it takes to seat the jet screws from their original position.Be sure to mark the turns down on a piece of paper.That way when you put the jets back in, you know to lightly seat them first and then turn them back out to their orginal position before you started.
This is a FREE answer,Please rate me

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

Need the spark plug gap – Poulan Pro 22" Self Propelled High Wheel Mower
ANSWER : .028 to .036

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

Wont stay running
ANSWER : Bad fuel or check for water in your fuel! Clean your carb and float bowl. Empty gas
into a clear container, if there is two levels of liquid one of them is
water. Of course make sure you have good spark plug.

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

Where is the primer ball
ANSWER : It may not have a primer ball. If it does, it would be attached to the carberator. If it starts, but won’t stay running, that could mean your carberator needs to be cleaned/serviced.

Read Full Q/A … : Craftsman

My name is June Strandberg, and I am a florist and gardener in San Francisco. I have been working in the industry for five years, and I love helping people find the perfect floral arrangement for their special occasions. I am also skilled in troubleshooting and fixing gardening tools, so if you are ever having trouble with your tools, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.