Petrol Mower have I killed it?

[crfordham]

I just got my petrol mower back from being repaired, cut the grass fine, then I turned it over to clean it and my partner suddenly said there's loads of oil and petrol flooding out!

I turned it back over and mopped up the spill, tried to start mower and it won't start! I took the sponge (air filter?) out and it ws soaked in oil, so I squeezed out that and put it back, it still won't start so I figured I'll leave it and try later,.

Have I killed itThanks in advance for any help!

[Whickerman]

Back to the repair shop - if you start it now you risk a fire (couldn't say for definite without seeing it)

You really shouldn't turn a petrol mower on its head by the way.
http://www.mowerpro.co.uk/lawnmower_maintenanc e_advice.php
"To clean the underside of the mower, first remove the air filter element then tip the mower with plug upwards as described above. You may put the mower on a bench or table with the handles touching the floor so that the mower chassis is vertical. Warning: If there is fuel in the tank this may leak out during this process. Either drain the fuel or take appropriate measures to avoid fire hazard. Clean the underside with a paint scraper and wire brush. Provided the engine is cold you may also use a pressure washer or hose pipe to assist with underside cleaning."

[Toureman]

You haven't killed it.

The spark plug is probably oiled up, take it out and clean it. Whilst the plug is out turn the enguine over a few times to get rid of any oil in the cylinder.

The oil filter probably still has to much oil in it to let the air through.

Did you soak the motor with water when cleaning it, if so make sure it is dry especially around the spark plug.

Don't try to start it unless you have topped up the lost oil.