I have a JD L 130 lawn mower. It sat for a year unused. This year I put fuel in the tank (About 1/2 Gallon) and replaced the fuel filter. If I pour gas directly into the carb. It will start but when I put the air filter on and try to start it no gas flows to the carburetor. I have checked for blockages in the fuel lines they are clear. Does it have a fuel pump or what may be my problem?

Check the needle valve in the carburetor. There is a float that opens the needle valve. If it is stuck and the needle valve does not open, this will be a symptom. Sometimes the float will become full of gas and won't open either. Have to open it up and check.

Hi,
My guess is that it has gummed up the plunger on the backfire solenoid. Easily cleaned by removing, spraying with carb cleaner and working manually until it is freed.
Peace,
Clarke

Hi,
My guess is that it has gummed up the plunger on the backfire solenoid. Easily cleaned by removing, spraying with carb cleaner and working manually until it is freed.
Peace,
Clarke



I have never heard of a backfire solenoid.

Hi,
It is the piece mounted to the bottom of the carb with the wires going to it. It is used on OHV engines since they can have the valve train damaged by a backfire during shutdown. They are only of use if the engine is throttled down for about 20 seconds prior to cutting it off. Full throttle shutdown can still result in damage as the engine can still pass enough unburned fuel into the hot muffler to cause a backfire.
Peace,
Clarke