I have a Murray ride on lawn mower. Im trying to fix it for my father. It hasn't run in 4 years. I put a new batter in it, gas, and a spark plug and it turns over and runs for only about 3 seconds, then it shuts off. I was told the carburetor may need to be replaced? o No: I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions. Thanks.
Most of those carbs can be rebuilt. There is only about four parts, two gaskets and a needle and rubber seat. I did mine. You'll spend more time getting the carb out. You'll need the engine serial # and go to any lawn mower parts store and they should have what you need for under $10.
Sounds like a fuel problem of some kind. Have you checked to make sure the fuel line isn't clogged or it may also need a new fuel filter? Also, did you get all the old gas out of the engine and put fresh gas in?
Undoubtebly the carb! :TU: It simply needs a rebuild. As mentioned above, go to a local lawn mower shop and get a rebuild kit, or if you can get the carb off, sometimes it's just easier to have the lawnmower place rebuild it for you. It's cheap to have done.
I did put fresh gas in it. I sprayed ether in the carb and it started for a few seconds and then stopped. I checked the fuel line and it is not clogged... Im guessing that it must be the carb.
It's definitely a carb problem. The main jet is restricted with gum and varnish from old gas. Although you could prolly clean it to get it running, if the carb is all gummed up it's better to rebuild it. If you are handy it's a really simple carb to rebuild, but you have to know what you're doing. It's important to blow out the fuel passages with compressed air or else it will not run right. I suggest purchasing a repair manual if you're going to try doing this yourself. You should never store a small engine with the gas in it or at least use fuel stabilizer....and it's best to run the gas out first and store them empty. :bglasses:
Clearly the float and needle are gummed up. Shooting ether direct in the carb is bypassing the entire float and needle assembly and going directly into the combustion chamber. So when you start it, it runs for a few seconds (depending upon how much ether you shot in it) and when it all burns away, it dies. In fact, if you stood there and continued to shoot the ether in the carb (which by the way I do NOT recommend) the engine will continue to run (off the ether of course) until you took your finger off the trigger. It's a simple rebuild - no big deal.
That's awesome!!! I want one! That gives me an idea.......I'm going to be out in the shop for a while :Brow:
