Expert: Everett Peacock - 12/16/2008

Question
Trying to revive barely used motor left idle after tuneup 3.5 years ago.
Replace battery turned engine with coil pulled to get oil up. Won't start- no
smell/ sign of gas at carburetor after many minutes of series of 15 second
cranks. Can I put gas down carburetor, replace spark arrestor and attempt to
at least get it to start- safely? What's the best rountine. I do have spark, and I
got to believe compression. I could pull plugs and test, but should fix the "no
gas" condition first. Yes, 3/4 of tank of old gas. Could a sticky float/valve
seat be the trouble. No drain I can see in float bowl and gas line is so tight i
can't turn it. Don't want to force it and break carburetor body casting.

Answer
if the gas was not treated when you stoped using it then the carb is full of junk varnish....see if you have gas up to the pump and then the carb...rebuild it and it should run.  while it is cranking spray carb cleaner in the flame arrestor...it should start...