Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)/MTD

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Expert: Eric A. Jones - 11/11/2009


Question
QUESTION: I took on a cool challenge of repairing a MTD lawn mower for my father. It's an old mower so I'm not sure of the year so here's the Model# 125-475A352 serial# 1L014C10362, 5HP deluxe 3in1 mower. First I cleaned the whole chassis, motor %26 under it. I've replaced the magneto, spark plug, air filter, blade %26 drive belt for the drive wheels. After putting it all back together and adding fuel to the tank, immediately I saw gas started coming out the Primer bulb %26 air filter. I removed the air filter so it wouldn't soak it and removed the fuel line from the tank. I called my local shop %26 they informed me that I should clean the needle of the carburetor. So I did. I found it to be very clogged, I cleaned and poked all the tiny little holes, then put it all back together. Now there is no fuel flowing from the primer bulb or the air filter. But it still won't start and it still doesn't sound like when I push the primer bulb like its getting any fuel. What can I do next? Thanks in Advance Rudy.

ANSWER: With the air filter removed, spray starting fluid directly into the carburetor and see if the engine will start.

FYI, that mower has one of the best drive systems MTD ever made.  If the deck and frame are in good shape the mower is worth installing a new engine because you will get many years of service from the drive system.

Let me know if the mower starts using starting fluid.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: First of all thank you Eric. As much as I'd like to say it worked, I can't. But only because the Carb started dripping gas again when I put it together. I did however buy the starter fluid as you suggested. But I need help to figure out why it's still leaking gas thru the primer bulb and spark plug and air filter. Should I buy a new carb assembly? And where could I buy it? Thanks in Advance Rudy

Answer
The inlet needle and seat are prone to leaking on those carbs.  The part number is most likely Briggs & Stratton 398188 as this is the most common part.

Send me the engine model, type and code number and I can check to make sure the part number is correct.

Eric

Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)

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Eric A. Jones

Expertise

Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.

Experience

Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.

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