To start, a combustion engine must have three things:

• Fuel (is your fuel dirty or clogged fuel filters).

• Air (air filters).

• Spark (check for good spark).

Engine Won't Start:

• Check fuel for level and cleanliness. Has it been stored in a metal gas can?  Does it have rust or dirt in it?  Has it been left outside? Possibly water in the gas tank.

• Is the engine primed and choked properly?

• Are all safety switches locked in place (brake pedal depressed)?

Engine Will Not Crank:

• Are safety switches locked in place (brake pedal depressed)?

• Safety control arm depressed?

• If installed with oil level shutoff, is oil level at proper level?

• Is battery charged if available on your model?

• Obstructions under deck that blocks blade from turning (never put your hands near blades)?

• Check for spark.

• Do you have fuel shut off turned on?

Engine Smokes:

• Is the oil level too high?

• Possible signs of worn internal parts (contact an authorized service dealer).

Mower Vibrates Excessively:

• Check for bent or damaged blades (never put hands near blades).

• Broken engine mounts or welds.

• Broken or loose blade hubs (never put hands near blades).

• Bent crankshaft (this can be a possible cause specially if it happens after you have hit something).

Regular maintenance is the key to a good performing engine. (You should tune-up your engine at least once per year)

• Briggs & Stratton Maintenance Kits

• Echo Maintenance Kits

• Kohler Maintenance Kits

• Shindaiwa Maintenance Kits

• Tecumseh Maintenance Kits