Tips & Tricks

How to start a hard-to-start mower
If your small engine is hard to start, most likely you have a deeper issue that needs service. But if you just need to get it running in an emergency situation, try this:

• Take off your air filter cover and make sure it's not all clogged up with grass and dirt, etc. When you take off the cover, be careful not to let dirt fall down into the carburetor. Tap the filter off, or if you have access to compressed air, spray it off with air, inside out. If you have a little starter fluid, spray some down into the carburetor. Reinstall the filter and cover.
  
• Next take the spark plug out and clean it really well with a wire brush. While it's out, spray a little gasoline directly in the plug hole. Then reinstall the plug, attach the ignition wire.
• Try starting your machine, making sure your choke lever is on, and any kill switches are off. If it uses a starter rope, pull gently two or three times first. If your machine still doesn't want to start, let off on the choke a little and try again. 
• For machines with electric starters, if the machine won't turn over, test your battery to make sure it has a full charge. If it does, follow the electric wiring along the body of the machine from the key switch to the solenoid and starter, the battery to the starter etc. You are looking for any wire that may have become disconnected. If you find a wire that has come loose, try reattaching and starting.
  

If after trying these things, the machine still won't start, or turn over, it's time to call your small engine repair guy.