My grass cutter is powered by an eight year old Kohler Magnum 8 petrol engine. Whilst mowing my field it ran out of petrol. I topped up and after a couple of attempts got the machine to start again. It ran for perhaps a further ten minutes before putting it away for the night. I have not been able to start it since! There is petrol in the air inlet and occasionally a 'backfire' which perhaps indicates there is a spark - so why won't it start?

Thanks for any help, Keith

Keith., May 2008

I would suggest that there is water and debris in the mechanical fuel pump [under the carb.] and in the carb float bowl - and most likely the fuel tank too. The mechanical fuel pump will get gummed up - fuel flows from the tank - through the pump diaphram and into the carb. There is a screen in the pump assembly that will clog with debris. Two screws removes it from the engine block and four small screws open the pump to see the diaphram and screen. Blow them out and reassemble - Don't forget to empty the tank of old fuel which is most likely contaminated, also the float bowl! Is there an inline fuel filter - if so, check it - put on a new one after emptying the fuel tank and cleaning the carb float bowl.
Best of Luck,
Bill

B. Moose, May 2008