21" mower problem..won't start

[tinman]

Got a self propelled craftsman 21 inch I used for a couple of ditches / banks....decent mower for waht it is......... last summer while using it a huge downpour come...soaked everything..... have not been able to crank it since. Replace spark plug ....but it stilll won't start. Any ideas...Thanks

[Jeff194307]

Water in fuel, drain the tank, remove the float bowl and clean the insides with carb cleaner.

[tinman]

will do..Thanks

[TClawn]

Water in fuel, drain the tank, remove the float bowl and clean the insides with carb cleaner.

ditto......

[RELIABLELAWNMAN]

Remove the starting housing/fuel tank assy. and check the flywheel. If it has
alot of rust trying cleaning it wiht emery cloth.

[Tech man]

is the air filter water logged?

[topsites]

is the air filter water logged?

Yeah, I had this problem with a Vanguard, the carburetor/air assembly gets water in it when it rains. Water in the fuel also being a possibility, slowly and carefully pull off the carburetor bowl (most the time just loosen the nut will do) and let things drip until you see fuel coming out (if is water in there, water comes out first, fuel floats on top of water).

Also, on a warm day pull plug and leave the mower sit for several hours with the plug OUT this will help dry out the cylinder.

Next, try some starter fluid. 99cents at Big Lots or Dollar store, one or two quick blasts into the throttle body (that's what you see after u removes the air filter), then pull rope immediately (dont put air filter back on - squirt + pull). If 2-3 tries of this doesn't do it, errm, heh, probs ...

Peace