Hi. Hoping someone can help me.

I have a Murray 6.5 push mower (about 2 years old) I could not start it after the winter
So I bought a new spark plug and nothing. Then I went online and found out it had an air filter - who knew? So I found that and replaced it this morning. Now it will start but will not stay on - sounds like it sputters and then dies.

Remember I know nothing about engines or mowers. I see some people posting about carbeurators but I do not know what it even looks like... so I need detailed instructions.
I'm a single mom and my neighbors use a lawn service so they can't help me.

I appreciate any advice :)

Thanks!
Lucy

Hi Lucy! I would guess you have gelled gas in your carb.(your airfilter housing is attached to it) some ingredients in your gas can turn to a solid when vented to atmosphere and left undisturbed for a period .Unless your good at taking things apart and remembering how to put them back together you best take it to a service shop(but don't let them take advantage of you) basically your carb needs to be cleaned (internally) at least that would be the first thing to look at.If you do decide to do it yourself ,I'll gladly walk you through it( I am not a professional small engine guy,I basically am into HP sled engines and am a former auto tech)

Guess what? I got it on! Took me an hour of trying and pulling and unscrewing and tapping and lots of luck! First it was barely running but I kept at it and by the time I finished my front yard it was purring :)))

Thanks JMP! If it had not started I would have taken you up on your kind offer. I still
Do not know what the carb is. HP sled engines - wow!

Guess what?? I got it on! Took me an hour of trying and pulling and unscrewing and tapping and lots of luck! first it was barely running but I kept at it and by the time I finished my front yard it was purring :)))

Thanks JMP!! If it had not started I would have taken you up on your kind offer. I still
do not know what the carb is. HP sled engines - wow!
Your welcome! And good for you!

Yep, it sounds like she had a fuel problem all right. Good job Lucy. And you probably saved yourself about at the least $20.