Murray riding lawn mower model 425001x8

12 years ago

Ok, so I'll admit that I'm an idiot.

I wanted to replace the mower blades without having to remove the mower housing so I laid the mower on it's side and replaced the blades.

The mower won't start now.

I looked under the hood and realized that oil has gotten into the chamber where the air filter is. No telling where else it is, but I can't afford to pay someone to fix it.

I need detailed instructions on how to fix this problem.

Any takers out there...??? :)

Thanks

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Comments (10)

bill_kapaun
12 years ago
The air filter is probably saturated, so count on replacing that.
Wipe out as much oil from the filter housing etc. that you can.

I'd remove the spark plug and crank the engine over for a bit to "blow out" any oil that MIGHT have drained into the cylinder.

Reinstall the spark plug.
Check oil level.

Hopefully, you're good to go.
Expect a LOT of smoke for a couple minutes.
robert_in_oklahoma
Original Author
12 years ago
That might work, except the engine doesn't turn over. When I turn the key, it just clicks like something is stuck. I'm pretty sure oil has leaked into the cylinder. I don't have a diagram of the engine, so I'm just guessing.
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robert_in_oklahoma
Original Author
12 years ago
That might work, except the engine doesn't turn over. When I turn the key, it just clicks like something is stuck. I'm pretty sure oil has leaked into the cylinder. I don't have a diagram of the engine, so I'm just guessing.
bill_kapaun
12 years ago
Did you miss the part about-

"I'd remove the spark plug and crank the engine over for a bit to "blow out" any oil that MIGHT have drained into the cylinder. "
robert_in_oklahoma
Original Author
12 years ago
No, I didn't miss that part, except there is no spark plug. It's an electric start. I've been soaking up oil most of the day so now I'm looking for an engine manual to help me figure out a way to remove the affected parts and clean them, but the problem remains that the engine won't even turn over when I turn the key.

Thanks!
bob_k
12 years ago
Is this a Diesel? Diesels don't have spark plugs. But if you put gasoline in the fuel tank then you need a spark plug to ignite the gas once it is compresse by the piston.
bill_kapaun
12 years ago
IF you can't find the spark plug, you really should have someone else fix this!
robert_in_oklahoma
Original Author
12 years ago
Silly me...I always assumed the spark plug was easy to see. LOL

I found it, removed it, will replace it, along with the oil tomorrow and see what happens. I'll let you know.

Thanks!
robert_in_oklahoma
Original Author
12 years ago
Well, I took your advice and now the mower is back to normal. Thanks so much.

P.S. This was my first attempt at fixing a mower, so excuse me for being a little dumb. LOL
bill_kapaun
12 years ago
Well, You kind of covered yourself with the opening line in your first post---

Glad it's working!