Just inherited a rotovator that hasn't been started for at least 20 years. In what order should I try to get the B&S engine working? It still has petrol in it.
1) Drain old oil and petrol
2) Fill new oil and petrol
3) remove spark plug and clean
4) Remove air filter and liberate spiders etc.
5) Choke, pull the starting handle, and with luck it will fire up!
Malcolm greening, April 2009
More importantly, has it still got engine oil in it?
Try to turn it over by hand first to make sure it isn't seized.
Take out spark plug and check it's condition - replace if necessary (likely).
Check lead to spark plug - is it perished (likely)?
Check air filter element - make sure its not clogged up with insects or even a small birds nest or something.
