Urgent Advice Needed

[Stargazer]

almost finished mowing and mower won't start. It is a rotary, briggs and stratton engine. I have removed spark plug so maybe if I clean it it will work. It runs on petrol.It is not flooed (well it wasn't but maybe now I have gtried to start it several times.) WhaT DO i DO TO TH PLUG BEFORE i REPLACE IT? Do I need a new plug? How do I tell if I do?

[RATTER15]

Pick a vid to watch, far easier than explaining it in here.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+check+and+clean+a+spark+plug&oq=how+to+check+and+clean+a+spark+plug&;gs_l=youtube.12...1546.20621.0.22676.45.38.4.3.3.0.172.3760.25j13.38.0...0.0...1ac.1.11.youtube.FVeVEbdggcU

[MichaelZZ]

Don't replace the plug yet. Just attach the plug lead to the plug and rest the metal part of the plug on metal bit of the mower. Then pull the starter cord (or switch on if it's electric start). You should see a nice juicy spark if the plug is in good condition. (You might have to move out of bright sunshine to see the spark!)
If you get a good spark pull the lead off the plug, replace the plug and by this time the flooding should have evaporated and away you go!

[Stargazer]

Thank you Ratter. I have done it now although the video I watched was an American boy and he used a can of something to spray it. I used a wire brush and some sand paper and it worked fine. Thanks also Michael although I only read your reply when I came indoors and finished mowing. However it is useful for future use so many thanks.

[EDDIE51]

The other thing that can go wrong with the Briggs and stratton engine is the head gasket. They perish and start to leak then the engine will not start or runs poorly. This should be replaced at least once a year ( recommended every 6 months) , they sell replacement gaskets in packs of 5 for around £30. It is an easy job, again there are instructions on the 'net' and U tube videos .

[Clanad]

Here's me thinking "do you have gas?) (alternately, 'petrol' for the hardcore Brit)...

BTW... if you follow MichaelZZ's advice, which is reasonable, be sure you're not touching any part of the mower attached to where the spark plug is resting... it'll lend new meaning to 'knocked on your butt'...

[RATTER15]

Clana "(alternately, 'petrol' for the hardcore Brit)" actually it would be "petrol" for any Brit.

Eddie, Interesting you say that about Briggs & Stratton engines, I have used them for many years and I don't think I have ever had a head gasket go on me and im going back 35 years+

[EDDIE51]

My sons mower was running very erratically and slow, he found the gasket advice on line with a Utube video . He checked and the gasket was split a new one has cured the problem, the online advice is that the gasket should be changed at least once a year.