Can't Mow My Lawn

Discussion in 'Home Improvement' started by Von Jones, May 8, 2018.

  1. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    For the past two maybe three weeks I have been trying to mow our lawn but I can't. What's the problem? It starts then dwindles to a stop after a minute. So I began to check the gas, oil, filter and sparkplug. Gas, check, oil changed, filter,checked and now the sparkplug. Hmmm, where is it?o_O I checked the operator's manual, stupid writers, there was nothing mentioning where the sparkplug is located.:mad: Trust me, nada just a picture of a sparkplug and 'general recommendations' on what to do like I don't know that. I did find out what this little green thing was for though.:D

    I turned to YouTube and just watched a bunch of videos to see what I overlooked and finally found one that may help me at tomorrow's search attempt. In the meantime my grass grows higher and higher.o_O
     
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  2. Holly Saunders

    Holly Saunders Supreme Member
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    We have a cordless mower ( battery operated)...no more messing with fuel, or electric cord..it's brilliant.

    Hope you managed to get yours going again Von...
     
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  3. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    Thanks @Holly Saunders. If I can't get it started I'll just buy a used one at the flea market Sunday. An old beat up one, lol.
     
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  4. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    My lawnmower has run like crap for the past couple of summers. It runs so bad that my neighbor across the street could hear it, and came over to see if he could figure out what was wrong with it. He couldn't get it to run any better than it is. I couldn't get it to start summer before last without removing the air filter. Since lawnmowers don't cost very much, I figured I'd just junk it when it didn't start anymore and get a new one. But each spring, it starts up, and it cuts the lawn. I haven't tried it yet this year, and I'm almost hoping it won't start so I can get new one.
     
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  5. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    @Ken Anderson watch out for all the bells and whistles. That 'green' thing that I mentioned is for a hose to wash the underside of the lawnmower. I'm sure those words sounded sweet to my husband but it hasn't been used since he made the purchase.

    He bought it home unassembled and couldn't figure it out. I told him to take it back and have the store assemble it cause I would have asked for a refund and bought a different one.
     
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  6. Thomas Stearn

    Thomas Stearn Veteran Member
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    The problem with the sparkplug really sounds strange. Should it be so hidden in your mower? Usually it is easily accessible. You can find it somewhere on top of the cylinder detectable through its cap and a cord. I used to have a Honda mower where it was like I described. The reason, as I understand it, is that it's built in at such a prominent position, apart from facilitating maintenance, that you can easily loosen the cap as a safety precaution against unwanted starting.
    Good luck with your search. Watching videos is what I also do whenever there is a problem. There are many and in many cases they help. Have had to mow 4-5 times this year using an electric one because I prefer cord trouble to gas, oil, filter and sparkplug problems. :D
     
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  7. Don Alaska

    Don Alaska Supreme Member
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    Usually the problem with small engines is that fuel gets left in the carbuerator over winter, then the carb is gummed up the following spring. Your float may be stuck. That may be why it starts then dies. For future reference, turn the gas off and let the engine die of starvation before storing it for long periods. The gas may get gummy in the tank if you don't use preservative in it, but at least your carb won't be gummed. I'm no expert, though. Maybe mechanics or engineers have other ideas.
     
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  8. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    craftsman 003.jpg
    Showing location of gas tank

    craftsman 005.jpg
    Front of lawnmower

    craftsman 004.jpg
    showing location of filter and that green thing(deck wash hook-up)
    craftsman 006.jpg
    showing location of oil tank

    I'm up early because I wanted to see if the video from YouTube was helpful. I still didn't find the sparkplug.

    Now if any one of you can see a sparkplug I give kudos to you.
     
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  9. Bobby Cole

    Bobby Cole Supreme Member
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    It’s at the front of the mower, real close to the cover. We have one just like it and yes, it’s a bit hard to find and work with but if you tip the front up, or do the hands and knees thing, you’ll see the plug wire and cap.

    If the plug is clean or you put a new one in it and it still doesn’t start, please refer to @Don Alaska’s post. It has a plastic-like carb instead of the old metal ones and they gum up really easy.
     
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    Last edited: May 9, 2018
  10. Cody Fousnaugh

    Cody Fousnaugh Supreme Member
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    Call it "lucky" or whatever, but we don't need a lawn mower anymore. But, sure remember mowing at our last house in Colorado. I think if I ever had to mow again, it would definitely have to be a riding lawn mower.
     
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  11. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    I took a look and looked again. My thoughts; none at first. I'm shaking my head. No wonder the location wasn't mentioned - they couldn't even see it. This definitely causes for a call to the manufacturer.
     
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  12. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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  13. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    Just a follow up. I did find the spark plug. I also contacted the manufacter regarding the operator's manual lack detail on this today.
     
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  14. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    Message body


    Thank you for contacting Sears.

    We truly apologize for the inconvenience caused. This is definitely not
    what we want our members to experience.

    Further, I would like to inform you that, I have made a note of your
    feedback and forwarded to the authorities concerned. Going forward we
    ensure that good customer service is provided.

    And I hope that you would be generous and understanding in accepting our
    apologies and trust us enough to give us a chance to serve you again.

    Regards,
    Shaun.m.


    Original Message Follows:
    ------------------------
    From: www-data <www-data@sp-mail.arsplatform.com>
    To: shc@customerservice.sears.com
    Subject: Ace / Contact me this week / Web /
    Date: May 10, 2018 11:46:47 PM IST





    Item: Craftsman 21" Lawn Mower
    Model: 247.377300
    When: Not Within Year

    Please check the owners/operators manual. I was very frustrated when I
    couldn't find the spark plug on this lawn mower. The Operator's Manual
    doesn't show where the location of the spark plug is. I searched front
    to back and still couldn't find out where the spark plug is. Not
    indicated on any of the diagrams either. How couldn something like this
    be overlooked? If it is part of general maintenance mentioned in the
    manual I would think that it would be indicated as well.

    Fortunately I found someone who also have the same model and was able to
    direct me to the location. They even stated it was very well hidden.

    Thank you.
     
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  15. Bobby Cole

    Bobby Cole Supreme Member
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    Hummmm...........I think we could use a good diplomat at the state department level. Perhaps you might be interested @Von Jones ?
     
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