I bought a used lawn mower for $40 (Murray 6.5). I know you get what you pay for. I tried it out at the lady's house - it ran fine, and she had kept it in her garage. She had stopped using it because she upgraded to a riding mower for her 5 acre yard (smart move).

I brought it home to my modest 1/4 acre yard and mowed the back half easily - it ran like a champ even though the grass/weeds were quite high. I was patient with the mower since I realized this was a nasty job. A couple of days later, I started on the front yard. Again it finished about half of the yard without complaint. At this point, the over-heated operator (me!) opted for a cold drink and some time on the computer.

Lo and behold - a Florida thunderstorm rolled in. My darling new-ish mower was caught in the rain. After the rain ended, I dumped the accumulated water off the deck and moved it inside on the patio. A couple of days later, I went out ready to finish the mowing job, and checked the gas only to discover it was completely empty. I added gas. I checked the oil - that was fine.

I pressed the little squeezy button that I was told to press before trying to start the mower. I tried to start it. The mower turned over and acted as if it would start ... but it didn't ... and it hasn't. Even after repeated attempts with the little squeezy button, it still acts the same.

So with the help of a kind and knowledgeable friend (who unfortunately does not live near enough to fix this problem) I've been able to deduce that there is a potential of two problems: (1) water in the fuel system from the heavy rain, and/or (2) a clogged fuel filter from the gas tank being completely emptied.

I've removed the top cover and looked at the fuel line from the bottom of the gas tank to the front of the machine. I cannot tell where I'm supposed to find this elusive fuel filter. Can you please help me (if you have pictures, that would be wonderful) figure out how to proceed. Here is what I'm looking at:


Obviously, I'd prefer to fix this myself if at all possible.

Thanks in advance for all your help.
Judy Lee

Tell you what. Check for spark. Take the plug out andhold it agaist the blook and pull the rope. Look for a spark.

Let's assume you have it.

Now go get some spray carb cleaner. Spray it in the plug hole.
Put a rag over the hole and pull the starter a few times.

Repeat.

Now spray some carb cleaner in the cylinder hole and put the plug back in.



Try to start the engine. Does it at least sputter once or does it start?

Generally you won't find a fuel filter.

Yay - it works!

Even better was the look on my 12 year old son's face when it started... and he said his mom could do anything!

Thank you endlessly :-)

Was it really that easy?

$5.76

That easy!

Huge hugs my friend :-)