craftsman mower starts, then immediately dies

15 years ago

I have a Craftsman 917.377842 with a Honda engine (GCV190A-S3A.) I used it a few weeks ago, and when it ran out of gas, I left it outside, since it was not supposed to rain, and I was going to finish mowing the next day. When I tried to mow the next day, the mower would start, and then immediately die.

I am not a mechanic, but I'm a relatively intelligent person, so I think I could fix it with some guidance. I would just take it to a repair shop, but they all have a 2 week wait! If I wait that long, my lawn will be ready for haying...

So, after reading and researching online, I've tried a few things, with no success.

It has fuel.

The fuel cap vent is clean.

I drained the gas from the bottom of the carb, in case there was water in it.

I know the next step is probably to remove the carb and clean it, but I'm not ready to try this without some guidance. I've looked online for a service manual. but couldn't find one.

Any help?

Thanks,

JoAnne

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Comments (7)

bill_kapaun
15 years ago
Did you possibly turn the fuel shut off valve?
joannelj
Original Author
15 years ago
No, I didn't. But just to be sure, I've tried it in both directions(it's not labeled well.) But when it's off, the thing doesn't start at all, and when it's on, it always starts, and then immediately dies.

Thanks,
joanne
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lex1125
15 years ago
Hey Joanne,

I am having the same issue, just to check, did you figure it out yet?

Lex
joannelj
Original Author
15 years ago
No luck yet. I guess I'll try some gas additive, although I don't know if that will help now that the thing isn't running. The shop I called today says it will be 3 weeks before I could get it fixed! That puts a real damper on my 4th of July party...

Let me know if you have any luck. Do you have the same model?

:)
joanne
jim49631
15 years ago
Did you try changing the spark plug?
Jim
joannelj
Original Author
15 years ago
The spark plug fixed it! Yay! I don't know why I didn't check that first thing. Everything I read indicated the carb, so I just skipped over that step. Thanks for reminding me. (Although I'm sure the carb cleaner I added to the gas didn't hurt, either.)

Thanks,
JoAnne
barbiewhe
15 years ago
I have the same problem. Where do you put the carb cleaner?
Hubby did the same thing- ran mower out of gas. However, then he changed the spark plug and air filter and sprayed canned air. Now there is no spark. He thinks he's sprayed dirt into something. Any ideas on how to fix this problem?