My Poulanpro Lawn Tractor Won't Start

If the gas has set in the carburetor for any length of time then the needle valve may be stuck due to the formation of varnish as the gas evaporated. Even the float pivot could be stuck. Remove the bowl and clean it out check that the valve is free. I would also inspect the float as some are made of plastics and can deteriorate.

If it looks like the bowl needs to be replaced purchase a metal one. In replacing the float the carburetor will need to be removed to set it properly. The float sets the pool level of the gas in the bowl. You will need to find the setting for that carburetor and the directions how to set it.

Start Here and to download the operating instructions or get help from the manufacturer.

Hi Dear,

Do not start the activity without reading the complete message.

First of all, clean the acrburator & spark plug with gasoline without disturbing the gap between the electrodes of the spark plug and for carburator do not dismental it just see for the previous setting as soon as you remove it keep in mind and then clean it with gasoline and then blow air through it. Now reinstall the parts in the locations.

There will be tube running from the fuel tank to the engine, suck the fuel and let it drop few drops to a utensil, now connect the tube to the filter.

Let the fuel get through the filter and then to the carburator.

Now crank the engine till you get a firing round, and when you get the firing round accelerate the engine without gears shifted.

Battery part of it : - No need to buy another battery, replace the battery solution (Acidic solution) if lead acid battery, then charge it for 2-3hours and reinstall with the terminals tightened (To avoide sulpher formation on terminals paste them with petrolium jelly).

Now after doing all this doesn't help then you will have to take your tractor to a garage for engine servicing (Servicing of the piston its seal, cam shaft, crank shaft, timing chain, tappets, valves and oil to be replaced).

With Regards,

Vinay. (E-Mail : ving_h2@rediffmail.com)

Fuel system probably plugged up. Old gas decomposes and gums up the works. Carb may need to be taken apart and cleaned (soaked in carb cleaner), along with other fuel supply components.

Put some gas stabilizer in it before it is put back into storage next winter.

A few things to try, based on (painful) personal experience:

1. Make sure all interlocks are off. Check your manual to make sure you know where all the interlocks are located. Switches, keys, etc.

2. If there is a gas shut off, make sure it is turned on.

I know these sould like very elemenary things.......but ask a computer tech how many times he solved a computer problem by plugging it in.

Good luck!

Does the engine crank when you try to start it? Your post is not clear on whether it cranks or not.

Do you choke it when trying to start?

Have you tried removing the air cleaner, then introducing a small bit of fuel into the carburetor before trying to start? The engine should fire, momentarily, following a bit of fuel added to the carburetor throat intake, even if the carb is not fuctioning.

Are you sitting on the seat when trying to start it, thus engaging the seat lockout switch.?

You appear to be a Lady and one with little mechanical know how.

If I am correct and you don't have a nice neighbor who can help and you also do not want to get your fingers too dirty, then the only alternative is the shop......

SOME FILTERS HAVE AN IN AND OUT ARROW ON THEM, MAKE SURE ITS INSTALLED IN RIGHT DIRECTION. 2 IF IT WON'T CRANK WITH A JUMP TRY SHORTING ACROSS THE STARTER SOLINOID. TRY THIS AFTER YOU WENT THRU ALL THE OTHER TIPS, ALL OF THEM QUITE GOOD.

OILCAN13

First remove the spark plug to see if its fouled or get a new plug. Check for a spark from the plug wire. If all this is OK. Spray the carb. with carb cleaner and and add small amount of fuel system cleaner to the gas. Get some engine starting fluid "ether" and try starting your engine.

When using starting fluid, be VERY careful. It is more flammable than any other chemical commonly handled. Additionally you are deliberately using it near a spark. Both the liquid and the vapors are potentially dangerous. Use a short 1 to 2 second shot of the starting fluid and try to start. If any starting fluid spills where you do not want it, wait for it to evaporate, and then another 60 seconds after that. If the mower does not start after three attempts on the starting fluid, it probably does not have any spark. Even if the engine only runs for five seconds, that still counts as running.

There have been many good suggestions so far here. Try to follow what has changed since the mower ran last time.

One last thought. In all the heat -cold cycles that have taken place since it ran, it may have some water condensation in the fuel system. As you drain anything from the fuel system, look for water droplets in the bottom of the drained fuel. Good luck.

If you had old gas sitting in it, then there is quite likely varnishing and sludge like deposits in the carbs and plugged jets which will prevent it from running properly.

You should probably remove the carb, properly clean it, or have someone that knows what they are doing clean it.