curious about Lawn mower maintenance

[Marthe48]

I've had a mower in the basement which hasn't been turned on or used since 2015. My daughter said she'd take it, but hasn't taken it. I'm wondering what will go wrong on it just sitting? Like washers or other fittings? I don't know what brand it is. You can tell me the parts. I might know what they are, but wouldn't know where they are on the mower.

My husband's cousin gave it to him in 2014, because something had gone wrong with it. It was almost new at that time. My husband figured out the problem and fixed it, but didn't use it much as he had other mowers he was using. If my daughter doesn't take it this year, I might try to sell it, but would like to have it up-to-date if I do, or let buyers know what to expect.

Thanks for any advice.

[ret5hd]

1. All I know is: check the gas first.

[VarryOn]

2. If it's been sitting with gas in the tank...

The carburetor is likely gummed up. I had that happen recently with my power washer afteritsat for the winter with gas in the tank. I ended up taking into small engine repair shop.

Small engines don't do well sitting without use

I'd recommend small engine repair. My fix cost only $63.

[Marthe48]

5. I think it was empty when he put it away

Not sure, long ago already. I remember that sometimes he'd soak car parts in gas to clean them. Thank you.

[rsdsharp]

3. Is it two stroke or 4 stroke?

A two stroke engine mixes a specific amount of oil (it comes in small bottle) into the gasoline. A 4 stroke keeps the gas and oil separate as a car does.

If it’s 4 stroke, change the oil. If it still has gas in it, it may well have gummed up the carburetor. You’ll need to clean or rebuild the carb, and put fresh gas in it.

You may need to change the spark plug and air filter for either type of engine, and sharpen and balance the blade.

[Marthe48]

4. You got me :)

My husband did the maintenance on the mowers, and he was really good. I remember some of them he had to mix oil and gas, but not sure about this one. I appreciate your comments-that kind of thing is what I need to know about. If the local small engine shop is still open, I can check with them.

Thank you!

[rsdsharp]

7. Easy way to tell is that a 4 stroke will have two filler caps,

one for oil, and one for gas.

Or, you could take it to the small engine shop.

[Marthe48]

8. If we want it to remain operable the shop for sure

lol

I took a laptop apart last year to get the harddrive out and put it in a harddrive corral. That was my goal, but while I had the laptop apart, thought I might be able to repair it. Still in pieces

[MerryHolidays]

6. I've had 2-stroke and 4-stroke equipment that sat dormant for YEARS

with a little maintenance, both should work fine (with 4-stroke machines being a bit easier to repair).

With any luck, you should be able to find a YouTube or other online guide to help you fix the mower with little effort/expense.

[Marthe48]

9. If I get it checked

I'll take it to the shop. Talked to my daughter this evening, and mentioned it. She thinks they forgot about it. I told her I'd be glad to take it to be checked, and she said I shouldn't. I helped my husband on car repair, but never small motors. He'd tell me what the problem was and how he tracked it down, so I'm good with theory, but not practical

[canetoad]

10. IMO the market for older mowers

Is not a big one.

If it's not working, who wants it? If it is working, why sell it?

Diagnosing and fixing a small petrol engine is not really hard to do. Spark? Fuel? Air? and so on. IMO if you need the space, leave it out the front with a 'Free' sign on it.

[Marthe48]

11. Thank you

Around here, used stuff is sought after. And mowers sell pretty fast. My daughter said they'd probably take this mower, and I'd sure like to see it gone.

[Emile]

12. Today's gas is very corrosive, that's good he stored it with no gas in tank. It

should start with fresh gas and a clean air filter. If not, try using starting fluid spray.

[Marthe48]

13. Thanks!

My brother called gas 'the universal solvent'

[Emile]

14. Also, even with starting fluid if it still won't start, it is probably

flooded. Pull the sparkplug out and dry it off, then try starting it again. Sometimes these little motors can be difficult after sitting for a few years.

[Marthe48]

15. I'll be sure to pass all of these tips along

to whoever gets it. The last time I tried to start a mower, I didn't get past trying to pull the cord. lol