I have just inherited one and do not know the first thing about it as there are no instructions and I have never used a petrol mower. Can anyone point me in the right direction with-

Fuel is ordinary unleaded ok or is there a special fuel mix?
What oil etc etc.

Service and things to watch for and spare part suppliers

andrew hunter, July 2008

Just as an update - the petrol I have been using in this mower has been sitting for a few months. You mentioned do not use petrol that has been lying for long periods as it will go stale (I didn't know this). Could this be the problem?

Paul, September 2008

I have also recently inherited one of these and have a problem with it.

I was advised to use the little orange rubber 'pump' on the side 4-5 times to put petrol into the engine and then pull the draw string to start it. This works fine, but after about 10 seconds the engine stops. Between the time of it starting and stopping it revs up and then down and up and down etc. If I use the orange pump to keep putting petrol in it it generally keeps working.

Any suggestions?

Any service manuals for these? This is my first petrol mower and, as you say it maybe crap, I'd like to stick with what I have for the time being and make sure I take care of it properly.

Paul, September 2008

Firstly you don't have a Tecumseh petrol mower- you have a petrol lawnmower fitted with a Tecumseh 3.5hp engine.

The chassis of the mower is manufactured by someone differently from Tecumseh and should be clearly marked on the chassis.

Tecumseh Europe no no longer exist as they went into liquidation a couple of years ago. Because of that certain engine components are getting hard to source- carb bits in particular although service items should be readily available.

Fuel is regular unleaded and the engine oil is a single grade SAE30 (same a Briggs and Stratton rotary lawnmower engines)

It's worth noting that Tecumseh engine of your ilk are pretty crap and are notoriously unreliable due the the awful quality of the carb.

Don't leave petrol in it longer than 8 weeks as it will go stale and wil be difficult/impossible to start. If you are going to lay it up then let it run completely dry of fuel the last time you use it, and then start afresh with some fresh fuel when you want to use it again.

pleasant, July 2008