Trying to get an unused mower working again. Having a bit of a problem. Can you help?

Question

I moved into a home where the previous owner left quite a few things for me because he did not need there where he was moving. One of those things is a push mower. It's a Honda GCV160, has overhead cam so seems to be a decent mower. It looks in pretty decent condition except for the blade underneath is quite rusted. I put gas in it, oil in it and sprayed WD40 in all the turning parts just to see if we can get it going cuz looks like he hasn't used in in awhile(spiderweb galore). When I try to start it, it turns and sounds pretty clean but doesnt fire up. Could it be the sparkplug (it looks darn clean though)? Or is it something else? Side note question- He left two leaf blowers also (also in shed covered in spiderwebs and both are HomeLite brands) that have almost the exact same problem (except i used the oil/gas mixture as directed), sounds good turning but just can't get it to start. Help?

Answer 1

First, disconnect the spark plug lead and check for compression. You should be able to feel compression when you pull the starter rope. If you have compression remove the spark plug and reconnect the lead. firmly ground the body of the plug to the engine block and pull the starter rope. you should see a bright blue spark. if you have no spark try and new (not just different) plug--at this point you can use pretty much any spark plug). If the new plug gives you a bright blue spark replace your old plug with the new one and it should start. if you have no spark you have some sort of ignition system problem and would need to replace or adjust the module/magneto. If you have spark and compression and it still won't start you have a fuel problem. replace any filters. check hoses to make sure they haven't collapsed or deteriorated. finally you can try to start it using starter fluid. if it starts with starter fluid then you have a carburator problem and will need to rebuild the carburator. good luck! NOTE: AT ALL TIMES MAKE SURE NOTHING YOU WANT TO KEEP ATTACHED TO YOUR BODY EVEN GETS CLOSE TO BLADE.

Answer 2

If you have done all you can short of replacing the spark plug, then you DEFINITELY need to do so. Many old spark plugs "appear" clean, except that the ones that do tend to be burnt out. Burnt out means that the porcelain part "white" surrounding has become useless and the spark plug will not fire properly. Also make sure to gap the new spark plug accordingly. Another trick my grandfather showed me once was to take a lit match and hold it near the opening on the mower where the spark plug goes. This will burn off any excess fuel that was created when you tried starting the mower the first time with the bad plug.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If they were left that long..... don't bother with trying to get them running the way your going about it.... all of em need carb rebuilds....... easy to do yourself, get the carb rebuild kits for each, soak each carb in carb cleaner and blow them out through any and all holes with compressed air real good. Clean the gas tanks out as well..... and replace the fuel lines.

Answer 4

'Check the air filter.
We inherited a mower too; it had some gas left in it, so if yours does, drain it out.