[cgreer8]

This question is about my lawn mower. I can get it to start, but I have to keep pumping the bulb to keep it running. What can I do to fit it?
Thanks, cgreer8

<moved from Lawn & Garden>

[MOWERMAN2468]

Fit it? The problem is in the tank, the pickup tube or the carb. Remove and clean all of these. And I think you meant fix it. But if you need a primer bulb to FIT IT, carry your model, type and serial #s from the engine to the shop to get a primer bulb to FIT it.

[cgreer8]

I've cleaned all of the above it ran for about 15 min. and died. Now I can't get to start at all. Today I again took off the tank, carb and fuel line and cleaned all of them and it still will not start. Any ideas to what else I can do.
Thanks cgreer8

[ballengerb1]

OK you cleaned everything but have you tested the float and needle valve. Reassemble everything but leave the bowl off. Add gas to the tank and the float area should be dripping gas at a fairly go clip. Raise the float until it stops and the gas should stop dripping. Can back and tell us how that went. PS reinstall the bowl or its going to drip out your entire tank full.

[westnlas]

Sure sounds like the float is sticking to me too. Might try spraying the valve assembly with carb cleaner and working the float by hand to clean it up. Don't bend it. Good luck

[cgreer8]

Ok, today I took it all apart again cleaned everything one more time. This time I cleaned the bolt that holds the bottom of the bowl on and it started. I mowed my lawn left the mower in the driveway so that it could cool down for cleaning. So when I went to clean it was leaking gas from around where the air filter goes any ideas on what I did wrong?
Again thanks cgreer8

[westnlas]

I think the float is dirty as I said before and it stuck in the down position and let the gas overfill the bowl and then it ran out the carb. The needle valve and float need cleaning. The needle valve allows the gas to come into the float bowl when the float is down. As the bowl fills and the float moves upward the valve is closed, stopping the fuel flow. If all this is cleaned and not sticking, I think the problem will be solved.

[ballengerb1]

I agree with westnlas but there is always one other problem that can cause this symptom. Your float may have lost its ability to float completely because it is gaslogged or cracked. If you keep flooding after cleaning the needle valve and seat then I'd consider a float replacement.

[westnlas]

Yes, the float can go bad. You may need to get a new carb, if you can't find the parts for the one you have. Good luck with it. An alternative might be to rip your lawn out and replace it with a colored rock mulch. That's what I finally did. Here in Las Vegas, it's encouraged by the water company. I went to desert landscape and gave the mower & edger to charity. Gave me more room in the garage too.

[cgreer8]

Well thanks everyone for your help I cleaned the bolt that holds the bowl on the carb runs like new again!!