nicolac34 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 So we've had our petrol 4 stroke mower for under 7 months and it's now not working. Hubby has tried most things he can think of (although not mechanically minded) he's checked the petrol and the oil and changed the spark plug. Having been out and spent $100 on a socket set to change the spark plug and it make no difference I'm beginning to wish we had our old trusty orange electric mower back! Now the local service center says it's $99 + parts to service it and a 2-3 week wait. We only paid $200 for the thing from Bunnings so all this extra cost is getting annoying! Any suggestions? It's a "Sprinter" model if that helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peach Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 So we've had our petrol 4 stroke mower for under 7 months and it's now not working. Hubby has tried most things he can think of (although not mechanically minded) he's checked the petrol and the oil and changed the spark plug. Having been out and spent $100 on a socket set to change the spark plug and it make no difference I'm beginning to wish we had our old trusty orange electric mower back! Now the local service center says it's $99 + parts to service it and a 2-3 week wait. We only paid $200 for the thing from Bunnings so all this extra cost is getting annoying! Any suggestions? It's a "Sprinter" model if that helps! If it is only six months old, take it back to Bunnings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicolac34 Posted November 14, 2013 Author Share Posted November 14, 2013 If it is only six months old, take it back to Bunnings. I would, but I can't find the receipt. Which is crazy, I keep receipts for everything! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyupnorth Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Is Fuel tap switched on? Is the choke off or on? Has he flooded it? Does it turn over when he pulls the chord or presses the start button? could be a multitude of things. Has he got a fault finding section in the manual? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peach Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I would, but I can't find the receipt. Which is crazy, I keep receipts for everything! I would still be inclined to contact their customer service dept. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicolac34 Posted November 14, 2013 Author Share Posted November 14, 2013 Is Fuel tap switched on? Is the choke off or on? Has he flooded it? Does it turn over when he pulls the chord or presses the start button?could be a multitude of things. Has he got a fault finding section in the manual? Can't find the manual either to be honest, which makes me think the receipt is with it. Might have to turn the house upside down later and look for it. It doesn't turn over at all, just makes a weak 'putt putt' sound. Having done a bit of googling I think maybe the fuel might be the issue? We've had the same fuel in the tank since we bought it in April. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eera Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Has it been sat around for a while? petrol can gel in the jets, putting fresh petrol in can sometimes clean it out. Is it turning over and not firing (fuel system problem) or not turning at all (spark problem) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicolac34 Posted November 14, 2013 Author Share Posted November 14, 2013 It's making a noise... does that mean it's turning over? (really have no idea about these things....) It has been sat for a while, probably haven't cut the grass in around 6-8 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lambethlad Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I found out the hard way that cheap Bunnings mowers are just a waste of money and time. Cut your losses, go to a mower shop and buy a quality machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pozz Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I have a sprinter from bunnings too....with the Briggs and Stratton engine. It's green and was quite cheap. The throttle cable on mine is a bit dodgy, and it is prone to getting debris in the fuel. Both these things would/could cause poor running and starting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Take the spark plug out, and squirt some WD40 into the chamber. Replace the plug and try to start it. If it fires up for a few seconds, drain the fuel from it, and put fresh fuel in there. ( Not from the can that you last filled it from, if there is still fuel in it. Use fresh petrol) With the fresh fuel in there, prime it, put some more WD4o into the chamber, and give it another go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicolac34 Posted November 14, 2013 Author Share Posted November 14, 2013 Thanks for the suggestions, will give them a go before forking out $500+ for a decent one! How do you dispose of old fuel you aren't using? Can I put it in my Pajero or is it going to break that too?! It's been stored in an air tight jerry can, less than 5 litres. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 DO NOT put it in your Pajero. If it is contaminated, it will cause the same problems. Place it in another container. Check with your local tip to see if they will take it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Going to PM you a couple of ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ptp113 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I would, but I can't find the receipt. Which is crazy, I keep receipts for everything! And that's why you buy everything you can from Costco, as receipts aren't required and they replace anything without asking any questions. I guess there isn't a Costco in Perth.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicolac34 Posted November 14, 2013 Author Share Posted November 14, 2013 Right, ok, won't do that then! Thanks for your help, will let you know how it goes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lambethlad Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Then put it out for the hard rubbish collection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wakeboard1980 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Thanks for the suggestions, will give them a go before forking out $500+ for a decent one! How do you dispose of old fuel you aren't using? Can I put it in my Pajero or is it going to break that too?! It's been stored in an air tight jerry can, less than 5 litres. tip it down a funnel web hole and light it. That will sort them out You have some good tips there and sounds like if you can get it sorted yourself then it may just be worth getting rid and getting a new one. To fix it may well cost you the same as the original purchase price. I would go back into the bunnings store and speak to them. do you have your bank or credit card statement that would show the transaction? if you get a helpful assistant they may be able to do something for you if the prices all match up and are feeling nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chardy Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I would never buy another mower with a non Honda engine now, all the others are rubbish! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 Right, ok, won't do that then! Thanks for your help, will let you know how it goes! Well, did it go "Vroom Vroom", or did it go in the bin? :biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 You should always empty a mower of fuel if you are going to store it. It doesn't matter how good the engine is. You probably need the car by serviced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaffa57 Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 hi guys Briggs and stratton are an international brand of workhorse motors and one of the best so..... should not give much trouble 1, put new fuel in 2 ,use the old plug lay it with the threads touching the metal engine connect the plug lead to old plug try to start you should see a fat healthy spark (if not suspect the lead or the kill switch) 3, prime the carb tap it a few times try to start with the plug lead lead still off take out the spark plug if it is wet and smells of fuel all is good clean it and refit the plug it should have a gap of about 1 mm 4, take the air filter off (normally two long Bolts) again try to start that is about all you can do as a hobbyist with little knowledge Sorry if that does not work it will have to be the local small machine garage cheers good luck could always buy a goat LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicolac34 Posted November 18, 2013 Author Share Posted November 18, 2013 Well yesterday we finally got around to putting some of the suggestions into practice. Emptied the old fuel into a sandpit (and set fire to it to dispose of - was standing nearby with a fire extinguisher just in case, but was all gone in a matter of minutes) and got rid of the old fuel in the jerry can. Bought some new fuel and put that in, still not starting. Put some WD40 in the spark plug chamber and tried again, thought it wasn't going to work but on the 4th attempt it looked like starting.... 5th attempt and we had life!!! So the grass is now cut short and we don't have to spend another $500 on a new mower. So fuel goes off, who knew?! :biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 We knew. LOL. Glad it worked for you. A nice saving to put towards Christmas. Have a good one Nicolac34. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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