Lawnmower won't start

We have been given a ride on lawnmower by my mother who cannot use it anymore, the only trouble is that it has been sitting in a shed for about two years and we cannot get it going. The first time we tried it fired up and ran for about 1 to 2 seconds then turned off, now all it will do is turn over. The battery is fully charged, there is a spark, the fuel tank was completely dry so it has been filled and dh checked that the fuel was getting through and then checked the carburettor for any blockages. Oh its a Yard Man by MTD. Any ideas anyone?

 

Have you tried speaking nicely to it? And then maybe following up with a few blood curdling threats?

Seems to work for my neighbour.

 

Try removing the spark plug and cleaning it with a wire brush and check the gap.

 

Alternatively, I believe a dose of this works well in Australia.

http://img.youtube.com/vi/cY1YndLmbXQ/0.jpg

 

You'll need to check the fuel line - blow it, bleed it or check for leaks. It's the same principle as a car petrol tank, if you let it run dry then re-fill it, it brings all the sludge from the bottom of the tank into the fuel line and, since your mower was completely devoid of fuel for some time, then it's a pretty safe bet it's got dust or 'gunk' in it. You may also need a new fuel filter.

 

The tank may also have rusted inside so small particles may have got trough into the carb; then you may need to clean out the carb itself.

There may be dirt in the jets - even after cleaning everything and getting it to run you may find the same thing happens again after 1/2 hr as more dirt has travelled through the system.