Starting an OLD Snapper

nctox · Jul 22, 2011

I've just acquired an old Snapper rear engine riding mower, model# 30085. It is appx 25 - 30 years old, and has not been cranked in probably 10+ years. It was stored inside, dry, but not prepped for storage.
My question is about starting the 8 hp B&S engine for the first time after this long unused period. What, if any, precautions should be taken prior to attempting a start? My thoughts are to ensure proper oil level in the crankcase, pull the starting cord a few times without gas or spark and see if it pulls easily. If so, then put in some fresh gas and a properly gapped plug and see if it will run.
Are there any other cautions to be aware of, when trying to start an engine in this situation?
Thanks for any advice.

oldnslo · Jul 22, 2011

I would pull the spark plug and pour a little oil in the cylinder to help lube the rings and cylinder wall before turning it over. possibly even shine a flash light in the plug hole to see if the piston location. Might be possible to see cylinder bore and this could also give an indication of potential rust or not.

May want to pull the carb to see if it was stored full of gas that has now turned in varnish.

Good luck

Roy

TedLaRue · Jul 22, 2011

If you pull the carburetor off and dismantle it, you'll probably need a gasket or two. You might be able to avoid that trouble by just dropping the bowl off the carburetor and cleaning it up. There's probably a rubber ring gasket sealing the bowl to the carburetor, so be careful not to break it.

You could also back out the adjustment screws and shoot some carburetor cleaner through the jets.

nctox · Jul 23, 2011

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably take both pieces of advice.

J_J · Jul 26, 2011

I would install a fuel filter and a fuel shut off first thing.

Change out the oil and filter if it has one.

Rotate the engine and check for spark. Check, clean and gap the points.

Remove the plug, brush it good or install anew one. Set gap.

I would go ahead and install a new pull rope.

If the engine was ran dry, it may start right up with no hassle.

heehaw · Jul 30, 2011

we are all waiting for the results?? did you get it started??
heehaw

nctox · Aug 1, 2011

Thanks for all the tips and advice. I followed most of it.
After flushing the fuel tank, cleaning the carb bowl, cleaning and regapping the spark plug and sanding a little rust off the mag I got it running. I still need to replace the fuel filter, fuel hose, and clean the jets, (it's surging a little), but it seems to be in better shape than I expected.