Craftsman Rider Hot start

[tld]

My 10 year old Craftsman mower cranks right up when cold. However, after stopping, it will not start. It cranks fast, but wont start. It smell like it is getting too much gas. I have the choke in and idle down.

Any ideas?

 

[whistlepig]

When it gets hot and will not start pull the spark plug, hook it to the plug wire, and lay the plug on top of the motor. Crank it to see if it is getting arc. It it is getting spark then you have a fuel problem. Make sure your gas cap is venting. Take the gas cap off and try to start it. You could have a bad float needle or gum in the carb. It wouldn't be a waste of money to rebuild the carb on a ten year old motor.

 

[turnerbend]

Try cranking with throttle fully open..

 

[biggerten]

I think a compression check is in order, as well.

 

[Thomas]

Had Sears tractor did the same thing,had choke push all the way in but butterfly plate?? was still partly close..spray cleaner inside cable plus butterfly plate work fine.

 

[RandyT]

the suggestion to lay the spark plug on the head and crank to check spark is a good one until you have one that has pooled fuel in the cylinder and you light it. nice little fire.

 

[mostly_gas]

Right after you try and hot start it, pull the plug. If the engine is flooding like you think it is, the plug will be wet and smell like gas.