I have a 5.5HP Craftsman mower, Model #917.387270. When I tried to start it water sprayed out of the exhaust. I pulled the spark plug and saw that although I am getting spark, water also sprayed out of the spark plug hole. What should I do to get the engine running?

Brad S., April 2007

1.Drain gas out of tank.2 Loosen nut on float chamber slightly to let it drain out.3.check oil if it is milky colored you must drain it to,pull oil filler plug and up-end mower over a pan to catch old oil.4. pull spark plug and turn over engine with it out, till you see no more water(best done with mower lifted by handle so spark plug hole is pointing to ground).5 Before putting new gas in engine put about three or four drops of oil in sparkplug hole and turn over engine a few times.7. I had to use a heat gun on engine head to warm engine, without plug in to dry out cylinder.8.tighten float chamber nut till snug.9 put in gas and oil as necessary and pour about 1/8 teaspoon of gas in air filter,and pull start engine.10 if engine wont keep running then push primer button 5 times.It took me about one hour to start mine.You can leave the mower in the sun to help warm it up for an easier start.It's an easy process and you will get it

James Phillips, November 2007