> I do smell gas when pulling, and it says to prime 3 times
> and I prime 10, so I must be flooding. You know, if
> three's good, isn't ten better?  NO!

> If reducing priming doesn't work, I will clean the spark
> plug and be sure gas is getting through the line. I admit
> I am very close to buying the starter spray.

> I bet it's operator error!

> Al Bundy wrote:
> > "MRS. CLEAN" <goldenmike4...@yahoo.com> wrote in
> > news:1161518262.519328.249170@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

> > > My gas mower doesn't turn over without 100 pulls.

> > > It's 5 years old never tuned or anything.  Plus, I never drained out
> > > the gas because I use it over the winter.

> > > Do you think it's the spark plugs?

> > > What can I do to remedy this pain in the butt and arm?

> > > Can I service it myself?

> > If it's just a basic no feature mower, having someone else service it
> > could cost more than it's worth.

> > You need to determing first if it is getting spark and gas.

> > Prime or choke as usual, gas on full as usual then give it a bunch of
> > pulls. Take the plug out and see if it is wet.

> > If not wet: it's not getting gas. Take a straw and dip it in gas enough
> > to fill at least half way. Put finger over the end so it will hold the
> > gas when you remove the straw. Dump that gas right in the cylinder hole
> > where the plug goes. Put the plug back in and try to start it. Does it
> > kick or start for just a short period and stop?

> > If it is wet: then (for now) clean the plug with fine sandpaper. The gap
> > is what needs to be really clean. Was it ugly to start with? Connect the
> > wire to the top of the plug while it is out of the machine. Hold the
> > metal exterior base where you put the socket on to remove it against an
> > unpainted area of the engine. Use insulated handle pliers or you will get
> > zapped. Have a bud pull the starter one or two times. It will pull very
> > easlily with the plug out of the machine. You should see a small blue
> > spark in the plug gap. If you don't see spark then need to check if the
> > plug, coil wire or coil is NG.

> > If the plug was wet and you are getting spark, take the air filter off.
> > It's either made of paper or foam on the inside. Is it loaded up with
> > crud? Try and start it without the filter. If it starts and runs then
> > fine but don't use the machine without it on. You'll really clog up the
> > carb.

> > If you got the machine to run with the above, go get a new plug and air
> > filter. Take both with you. The new plug needs to be gapped before it is
> > installed. If the new air filter is foam, they usually recommend you
> > cover it in motor oil then squeeze out as much as possible. Also change
> > the oil.

> > There are other possibilities like water got into gas, gas cap vent
> > blocked, etc but the above will at least get you started with some
> > direction.