The Lawn Mower Mark

[kybearfuzz]

I took a nap after getting home and then got up thinking I should mow the yard because of today's rain. With one strip left in the front yard and not even touching the back yard jungle, my lawn mower dies. I prime the engine, pull the cord, it starts and runs for 20 seconds before sputtering and dying. Like any idiot, I curse and continue to pull the cord thinking a different result will happen over and over. Nothing.

I can't let it go as my yard's appearance is important to me. So I check the oil, add oil, no effect. I clean the air filter, replace, no effect. I flush the fuel line as best I can, replace, no effect. By 9:30 PM, I've given up the yard and wheeled the mower back into the garage. Not finished yet, I check the internet for help to no avail.

After six years, the mower may just be done. I've not maintained it like I should (I only think about it when I need it), and have used it nearly every weekend during lawn seasons. Do I take it to the shop where a guy can charge me $25-30/hour for three hours to fix it or spend $30 more on top of that just getting a new one? Maybe an electric one is in order, my yard isn't that big and it would save me having to buy gasoline for it. Any thoughts?

Comments

Two other possibilities.

[anziulewicz.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you changed the air filter. Two other things you may consider:
1: The carburator needs cleaning.
2: The spark plug need replacing.
It's nice that you have a garage in which to store such devices away from the elements. Good luck.

[tbone1961.livejournal.com]

a couple of goats!!

[mississippicub.livejournal.com]

I went the route of getting the thing looked at, and in the end, I wish I had spent about 25 dollars more and got a new one... cause it completely died the next year. I think its probably the best deal... especially for reliability.

[cincycub.livejournal.com]

I think you should buy a new one. Let me know what you look at - I'm thinking about an electric one myself.

[nlotic.livejournal.com]

My coworker has an electric one and likes it. He also has a small lawn. Also look into low mow/no mow grass seed options.

[mikiedoggie.livejournal.com]

Just throw some sulfric acid on your lawn. No more mowing required!

[clintswan.livejournal.com]

how about a manual push mower?

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/brillux38ree.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_17544_buy-push-reel.html

environmentally friendly AND adds a bit to your workout....

*shrug*

had one at an old condo years ago and worked great!