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Lawn Boy starting issues

10 years ago

Hi There!

I have a Lawn Boy 2310 Self-propelled mower I bought off Craigslist. It ran good when I went to check it out but the self-propel control cable was broken but figured that was an easy fix so I got it for $80.

I got it home and mowed the front and back lawns just fine even with the wet grass. Then I did something stupid....

When I went to replace the broken drive cable I tipped the mower forward...(cue the laughs). After failing to start it I realized I must have flooded the engine with oil so I took the plug and oil soaked filter out and replaced them. Still no luck. I pulled the starter cord multiple times with the plug out to "flush" out any oil in the cylinder. Still no luck. I sprayed a ton of starter fluid in there...nothing.

So I thought it wasn't getting a spark. there's just no way that much starter fluid wouldn't at least catch the grass on fire!

Then I saw the ground wire...or whatever green wire runs around the bottom of the engine. There was a push connector there so I just pulled it apart. One pull and it fired right up! If I connect the wire it won't start. Disconnected starts and runs like a dream. When I let go of the top bar it stops right away and the engine is killed.

Now after all that my question is what is the consequence of running the mower without a connected ground cable? Thanks for bearing with me through that!

Comments (5)

tomplum
10 years ago
The model # doesn't seem to fit what you are describing. Missing a digit? You seem to be describing the ground wire that runs to a sensor to be sure that you have the bag or chute installed. (rear bagger) Is this an Insight?
James Cooley
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

Same mower, but mine will start, run for a few seconds then die like its not getting gas. Checked the lines, and the carb, I can make it run longer if I manually adjust the throttle but eventually it dies. Im thinking it needs a new carb kit or priming bulb but I cant find anything on this model.
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Sounds like the ignition isn't working sometimes. I would check out any switch on it that controls the ignition. Look for loose, corroded or frayed wires at the switch. If you find a loose wire, fix it and it still does the same thing, it might be in the switch. I might for test purposes connect the wires around the switch and see how that works. Of course, you'll have to cut it off the old-fashioned way while that switch is out of the loop - wear heavy gloves and pull the spark plug wire. :) Maybe you can get a new switch or adapt another one to work. You're lucky that old rascal still runs at all. Most likely, repeated starting attempts flood it, which would account for the rough running when it does make contact.
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Do you know if it's a Tecumseh engine or a Honda? Tecumseh has fins on the head, Honda has a cam cover with OHC on it. Assuming it's the Tecumseh, you will have to take out the brass bolt that holds the fuel bowl on the carb and clean the three orifices in it. One big one across the bottom, one small one down in the center and another small one at the top of the threads. Use the soft wire out of a bread bag tie, then blow them out with carb spray. If you turn the mower up on the right-side wheels you can do it without spilling gas. Your problem really doesn't sound like restricted fuel but it's so easy you may as well try it. Most likely it's an electrical or valve issue because it would run at least for a few seconds on the primer if the jet was stopped up. You could have a stuck exhaust valve, or it could be old or bad gas. I personally don't think it's the flywheel key since it was running when you put it away, then it wouldn't run next time. I'm assuming you have the bag or mulch plug correctly installed, and the channel for the mulch plug handle is clean? There is a magnetic switch there that cuts off the ignition if the bag or plug is not sensed.
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This is a 'real' Lawn-Boy with a somewhat complicated engine-management/governor system rather than the simple air vane/spring system of the later models. I haven't worked on one like that but there are a number of adjustments/parts that control engine speed. So I'll defer to others, like 'Walt' who has experience with them. But, there are still some things to check. The first thing is it is entirely possible that with the age of the mower and the fact that you have used it without an air filter element that it has lost adequate compression to develop power. Another common problem on old LBs is hard carbon build-up in the exhaust ports and muffler assembly. Assuming you used the right crankshaft seals and installed them correctly, and they haven't blown out of position, that factor should be okay. Contamination in the carb from lack of air filter could be another. The ignition coils have two-phase operation, where the 'start' phase works up to 800 RPM, then the 'run' phase takes over. If the 'run' phase in your coil is not working, it would act like you describe. That's about all I have. Hope you can solve it.
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300ft_anin
5 years ago
hi, you can try and do a more thorough carb cleaning, if you have the time. you'll probably find that you can just replace the carb with a new 1 for little $ and be done with it.
ssewalk1
5 years ago
- Yeah , you can pick up the Walbro float carb for this tecumseh engine for $12.50 with the red purge pump and emulsion tube . Keep yours for a spare and disassemble and clean as a weekend job !
ssewalk1
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Roflmao ! I had a customer drop off a similar 10682 2007 model lawn Boy this afternoon . He stated he picked it up @ his local junk yard for free , surprisingly since it was very clean . He said he drained the fuel and oil and refilled along with a new plug , but it would not start . I checked the compression , which was within spec for this last model yr Tecumseh engine . I noticed the air filter and housing missing so assumed he had played with the carb , however when I dropped the float bowl it needed a good cleaning . After servicing the carb attempted to start the engine , Zippo . I checked for spark , again Zippo ! I then noticed the grass bagger was removed and the mulch plug was on . I inspected for the bag interlock sensor green ground wire and it was coiled up under the recoil shroud (plugged in ). I unplugged the wire and lit up the little green monster 6.5 hp 4 Cycle . I noticed a little stumble in the idle so I added a little Seafoam to the fuel tank and let it run for 20 minutes and it smoothed right out . I thought it idled a little high but it should be good when the customer replaces the air filter . I called the customer who advised if he basket case was dead to just keep it for parts . I told him it was ready for pick up however the blade could use a sharpening , which he green lighted . The Moral of this Story is , I almost had a free lawn Boy , however most likely have a happier potential repeat customer in the future ! lol.

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