Lawn & Garden Discussions

That leaves fuel, spark and compression. We'll assume the gas hasn't gone stale in 2 days. Check the plug for spark by holding it against the block with an insulated tool while someone turns the engine over. Or there's a nifty tool for about ten bucks that lights up when you hold it on the plug wire. While the plug is out, have someone turn it over to listen for a whooshing noise at the spark plug hole. If the piston isn't moving up and down forcing air out the plug hole, you got a compression problem.

Thanks for the info

It started and ran for a few secondes then stopped. If it was a compression problem would it do that ?

probably a fuel problem. lawnmowers are notorious for dirt in the carburetors, just by the fact of the environment they run in. Try some starting fluid, spray in the air filter,not much. If it fires up,and shuts down you have a fuel problem.  you can try adding some fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank ( at auto parts stores) but ussually requires the carberator to be taken apart and cleaned.

If you are still having issues, check out our troubleshooting video on YouTube - http://bit.ly/4yC9mH

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In b4 searscares.

Another thought, sometimes you can get the engine to catch by trying the throttle at different positions. Usually this works on a warm engine but it's worth a try.

Speaking of which, is the original poster trying to start the tractor with the throttle on the turtle? It's always worth asking. :)

How old is your battery the 2000 up have a electronic fuel valve if the battery is not giving it full 12 volts it will not start . Happened to mine 17 Hp L1000

Most likely a fuel problem. Either a clog in the line (special attention to fuel filter) or a carburetor  issue. If the fuel line checks out clean then remove the carb and take to a small engine shop and ask them to do a sonic cleaning.

If its turned over, try turning it over again so its right side up.

OK.

The thing is obviously not turned over.

How would anyone get the "key in the ignition" if the thing were turned over?

I added a "fuel-dryer" to mine and that helped it turn over and not go "bang" while driving.

I had the same problem with mine.  I had the Sears service man come out and lucky for me I wasn't charged.  All he did was give the fuel tank a quick push (its plastic) and out popped a little speck of crud.  After that - no problems.  Your tracktor will run fine if you take the gas cap off or do what he did.

Yaa...

I managed to get some "flecks" in my tank, too.

I'm thinking paper towel on a stick to clean the tank.

AdamO-

If you clean the tank that way, make sure the cloth is lint free and is durable enough not to leave pieces of it in the tank.  If you stir up a bunch of grime you might want to flush the tank.  Also, use a long enough cloth so that some of it is hanging on the stick outside of the tank - to keep it from being lost inside of the tank.