I took a chance on a $20 craigslist special that appeared to intact, structurally, but had a broken pull rope. I was assured the thing would start if this was fixed. I did; it didn't. Drained the old gas, plug's fine, I see smoke, it putters, but never fires. The thing I'm not quite getting is the 'kill switch' set-up. The small handle/linkage, I think, is disabled in the, 'on-all-the-time' position (the spring will elongate toward the front of the mower if I push on it, but the cable is otherwise loose). So... maybe it's the fuel system, carb, et al. any insight? Thanks.

Hi,
Not much info. My guess is you mean a Lawnboy with a Tecumseh engine. First, is the mechanism clearing the kill switch fully. If I guessed right, then I have seen the pivot on the kill mechanism rust and seize on the pivot. More info would be helpful if this is not a sufficient answer.
Peace,
Clarke

Actually, it's a lawnman 21" front-wheel-self-propelled mower, w/ a 6.5 briggs and stratton engine. The kill switch seems to move fairly freely (w/ some elbow grease), but appears to be missing a bolt, or whatever would hold it in the 'killed' position... I think... that's why I presume it has been disabled in the always on position. Thanks for your answers (s).

Hi,
Not familiar with the brand name (MTD owns over 200 that they can "dust off" at any give time." Can yan find a model/serial number tag? Or, a picture, I have years of experience on most any brand.
Peace,
Clarke

Sorry clarke; I'ma amoron. It's "yardman" 21". I think that's the home depot brand. It's green and yellow, big rear wheels, transmission drive (forward and neutral). How do you diagnose a fuel line or filter problem? Are those easy fixes? I think the previous owner failed to run it dry at the end of last season and left it to sit for 7-8 months (and didn't restart it because the rope pull had been broken off). I've put all new gas in the tank after draining it, but fear that the fuel line is clogged or something? Would you suggest squirting a bit of gas into the carb? If that doesn't start it, is the carb then bad?

Thanks for your time,
Jaimie

Hi,
Yardman is indeed an MTD. Home Depot, Lowe's, and True Serve (True Value, ServiStar and Coast to Coast) carry it. It is one of their "premium" lines. You can get a copy of the manual from them with the model and serial numbers.
What I would suggest is to remove the bottom bolt/jet from the carb. It is probably clogged; it contains the main jet. Carb cleaner works best, aerosol is my choice, and reinstall.
Squirting a small amount of gas into the throat of the carb will verify that the engine will crank, but has a fuel delivery problem.
Peace,
Clarke

I'll give it a try and let you know. Thanks for the tip.