I purchased a craftsman push mower 2 years ago. It's be stored inside and been used on our personal lawn for 2 summers.
A week ago it ran wonderfully, then it started running poorly. Eventually getting to where I couldn't even cut the grass. I'm not mechanic by any means, but have tried the following:
- Cleaned air filter
- Dumped out old gas and replaced with new.
- Took the Carburetor apart and clean the entire thing.Sprayed parts with brake cleaner, as that's what i had as opposed to Carb cleaner.
- removed spark plug and screwed back in.
It starts every time on the first pull, however it just runs weak and chugs a long. I noticed that when I tip it back – meaning front wheels in the air, it runs significantly better. When I put the mower deck back level, it sputters along. The oil level appears to be low if anything. Not significantly, just lower than suggested.
any help would be appreciated.
Best Answer
How far apart did you disassemble the carb? Did you clean the metering valve assembly? these are usually super tiny that you need a single strand of stranded wire to get in there and clear the ball bearing or check valve parts.
If you provide the model # I'll try to find the engine diagram and point it out.
You also want to check the float and make sure it is seated correctly and no liquid inside of it.