Basic small engine problem - What fixed it?

[stuckmotor]

If you guys want to play, we'll see who answers the basic small engine question first.

Walk behind wouldn't start first time this spring. It had been under a tarp on a lift table since last run..
Pulled cord and got only one tiny pop
Put chainsaw mix of gas and oil into carb, got nothing
Squirted starting fluid into carb, got nothing
Put spark tester between wire and plug, got spark
The problem wasn't water in the gas. When I corrected it the mower started on the first pull
Why what made it start?

 

[kirkawilson]

Blocked air intake on carb/air filter?

 

[dodge man]

Bad spark plug.

 

[Richard]

mud dauber?

has to be fuel related, you need spark, compression and fuel. you presumably have compression, you confirmed spark so something is preventing fuel to go in




final answer!!

 

[stevem5215]

Since it ran last and probably had poor quality fuel still in it, I'd say a dump and fill with new gas and possibly some new fuel lines from the Ethanol/gas deterioration of them.

 

[NoTrespassing]

Mouse nest in muffler?

Kill switch shorted?

 

[stuckmotor]

Bad spark plug.

Bingo!

 

[stuckmotor]

Blocked air intake on carb/air filter?

Good try.

 

[stuckmotor]

mud dauber?

has to be fuel related, you need spark, compression and fuel. you presumably have compression, you confirmed spark so something is preventing fuel to go in




final answer!!

It was easier than that.

 

[stuckmotor]

Mouse nest in muffler?

Kill switch shorted?

Good guess.