AboutEric 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.
Question I am trying to repair riding mower that was given to me. I checked the oil and I think there is gas in it. What would cause it?
Answer A leaky inlet needle or a bad float would cause this problem. The cheapest solution it to install a fuel shut-off valve in the fuel line...I have installed in my own mower. Just shut the valve off when you done mowing...it's too simple and guareented not to leak gas into the oil.
Make sure you change the oil.
The other solution is to remove, dis-assemble and clean the carburetor. Once it is clean you should install a new inlet needle. Not that difficult of a job but takes a seasoned technician about an hour using air tools and a parts cleaner.
