How can I get my riding mower to start? It has fresh gas, good spark plugs...even tried to jump it off. What else can it be? It's a John Deere, unsure of year or model. I bought it used from a friend who "rebuilds" lawn mowers. Yeah right. He doesn't even know what's wrong with it.

Tammy Breaux, June 2004

if you are getting a spark then it is usually going to be in the carb. sticky float/clogged needle valve,difram.. of course it can be a faulty switch, or any of the safty switches.. unless you have testing tools can be hard to locate. resend your question with a little more information.. such as you have checked firing and is for sure getting fire(test to confirm with spark plug firing testor) check to see if getting gas... if is doing this check switch....is it turning over but not starting?

leonard duke, May 2007

Well, it's one of 4 things...mechanical, electrical, fuel or air.

1) Do you have compression - could be a valve problem
2) Is fuel getting to the spark plug - you could try removing the spark plug and put about a tablespoon of gas into the engine and the replace the spark plug ( reattaching ignition wire ) and see if it starts - might run for about 5 seconds.
3) Check the air filter - try removing it and see if it starts.
4) You could have carb problems - Remove the air cleaner and try spraying some carb cleaner into the carb. You may need to put in a carb kit.
5) Does the carb have floats ? If so, then that could be your prob.

Hope this helps - best I can do with limited info.

Kevin K. Woodbury MN., August 2005

Loosen the gas cap, if this works then the cap needs replacing.
I had same problem. The bottom of the cap has air vents to allow the gas to flow properly. If these get clogged with dirt it will not allow gas to flow. It's like putting a straw in a glass of water and then putting your finger on the open end, it will hold the water until you release it. It's a simple problem but no one ever thinks of it.

Greg Hart, August 2004

hi my name is tim, you should check the gas tube if that is not it make sure it has spark, poor some gas in to the carberator and it should start. good luck tim

timothy merritt, July 2004