Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - old craftsman lawnmower won't start

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mech declined
07-07-07, 12:23 PM
I have acquired a craftsman 4hp mower, a "you fix it it's yours" deal. Mind you, this hasn't been started in approximately 6 years. I replaced the spark plug, checked the oil level, gas tank was bone dry luckily, added fuel. It won't start. It doesn't pull hard, it chugs a couple times, but won't start. I cleaned the foam air filter, still won't start. However, it did leak gas out of the carburetor for about 10 seconds. That represent anything bad? When I took the filter off it was on it's side, carburetor up. Primer seems to work, I can hear it sucking in air when i push it. Any ideas? Thanks.

oldchevy4x4
07-07-07, 12:27 PM
Well, the gas tank being dry isn't all that lucky... more than likely it has evaporated, which means allot of cleaning. Sounds like the carb needs at the very least a thorough cleaning and rebuild.
If you could post the model #'s off of the engine we will have a better idea of what you're dealing with.