2-Stroke Lawn-Boy Engine Won't Run

[CalG]

Gas has to be mixed with oil. Starting fluid does not have and after 16 years of setting any gas has plugged up the carb. A mower that old has a good tip speed on the blade. Government has since reduced this. Clean carb with spray, replace lines, clean muffler, new spark plug and mixed gas. The farm had a old Western Auto Wizzard mower that ran for 50 years-until the renter ran regular gas in it.

Guys

Readthe op

It DID start on fluid, (but not run long). Now it does not start.
First thing needed is to get it to start again.. You know fuel, air, compression, and ignition. just the way the OP stated.

It's just that he got all sideways with the governor hardware which has absolutely nothing to do with starting unless it's got the throttle plate closed and choking the carb . Flooded ?

 

[Bladehauler]

I loved MY old Lawnboy, had it 25 years till the ex destroyed it .
Theres no choke on those, they used a primer bulb setup , and if its cracked or the lines bad or put on backwards its a no go.Mine would always try to start off the primer even if the carb was plugged.
My .02 and where I'd start since the O.P already verified ignition is working by getting it to start off either.
Pilot or emulsion tubes ( what I call em ) and main jets clean and a working primer system should have you mowing with a grin !
P.S I think I always ran mine at 32 to 1 , usually off left over gas from my race bikes.

 

[Bladehauler]

And just now noticed the last post from dam near a month ago , so.....

 

[Toyboy]

Well if he continued to use starting fluid to get it going, the mowers probably toast by now. Two cycle engines rely on the oil in the fuel to lubricate them. Without that your running metal to metal. Starting fluid and two strokes just don't get along. Lots of people forget about that aspect.

 

[RalphVa]

Loved my Lawnboy but gave it away to Habitat when the differential locked up.

Had to replace the electronic spark module once. Used some of that carb cleaner gasoline additive that I keep forgetting the name of (in white can) when carb got a little funny.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

SeaFoam fuel treatment is the stuff. Used it once or twice in the Lawnboy when it either wouldn't run just right or wouldn't idle right. Fixed it right up.

Ralph

 

[ultrarunner]

I have a 1980 Toro Commercial two stroke walk behind mower with aluminum deck...

Gave my neighbor $25 for it when he was moving overseas...

Good, well built mower.

Mom was over a couple of weeks ago and wanted to mow... when she ran out of gas she reached for my gas can and put in straight gas...

Have not tried to see if it still works... suppose to have 50 to 1

She said it ran out when she was almost done.

I'm wondering if it is toast?

Only way to find out is to drain the tank and refill with my Stihl 50:1 mix...

My fault in that why would anyone know what fuel a 35 year old mower would use...

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct...BoUTvdqfXmVORhdqjmMCq15g&ust=1466551227570658

 

[Industrial Toys]

I had a couple in the 80s. I think I farted around with them enough. One threw a stone threw it's magnesium deck. Not a pretty sight.

My trick for starting any such small engine is to hold a propane torch (unlit) up to the carb intake, with the filter off. If it has spark, it usually starts. It beats pulling, til you rip out the cord. Sometimes it helps to have someone hold the torch.

 

[ultrarunner]

Makes sense and a great tip!

 

[ch1ch2]

I had a couple in the 80s. I think I farted around with them enough. One threw a stone threw it's magnesium deck. Not a pretty sight.

My trick for starting any such small engine is to hold a propane torch (unlit) up to the carb intake, with the filter off. If it has spark, it usually starts. It beats pulling, til you rip out the cord. Sometimes it helps to have someone hold the torch.

Never heard of that one.
I have used propane to find vacuum leaks.