Why Won't My Lawnmower Start?

Now that spring is nearly here, it’s time to dust off your lawn mower and make sure that your yard is looking neatly trimmed and looking good.  Even though winter has been a little mild, to say the least, that lawn mower has still been sitting unused for a few months.  What if you were to fill it with oil, prime the engine, pull the ripcord, and… nothing?  What can you do if your lawn mower just doesn’t start?

The first thing you will want to check on a lawn mower that just doesn’t start is to check the fuel and the carburetor.  In fact, 80 percent of all no-starts come from these issues.  Before you begin, you will need a few hand tools and a socket set.  Also make sure to have a can of carburetor cleaner and an air compressor. 

Before anything, check the air filter to make sure that it’s clean.  If that checks out, you will want to remove the spark plug to see if it’s wet.  If it is, you will want to clean it with carburetor cleaner and let it dry.  The carburetor cleaner serves as a solvent and removes any oil residue.  You will also want to replace the fuel in the engine if it is more than a month old, which is likely if you haven’t used it all winter.  Then reinstall the spark plug, and give the ripcord a pull.  As it may take quite few pulls to suck gas into the carburetor, you will need to be prepared to clean the spark plug again.

If that didn’t correct the problem, you will then want to check your carburetor bowl for gas.  There’s a possibility that your fuel filter is plugged or the carburetor inlet needle is stuck.  To check the fuel filter, you will remove the fuel line at the carburetor.  If gas does not run out, you will want to remove the fuel line ahead of the fuel filter.  If gas then flows, you will need to replace the fuel filter.  If not, the fuel line is plugged or kinked.  Is there any fuel in the bowl?  If it’s empty, the problem is a stuck inlet needle and seat.  Those will need to be replaced.  Please note any corrosion in the carburetor.  If there’s any corrosion, the carburetor will need to be replaced. 

If you are still stumped, you will want to clean the jet.  Simply remove the carburetor bowl nut, and then you can clean it very easily with a spray can of carburetor cleaner.  If the spray shoots into the venture of the carburetor, it confirms the passage is open. 

If you’ve tried all this and continue to be stumped, you will want to contact a repair service.  Crowell’s Flying Wrench offers mobile SaltLake City, UT lawn mower repair serving both Salt Lake and Summit Counties.  We will come to you and our service professional will get your lawn mower running like new in no time.  Give us a call today!

What Size Of Tiller Is Best For You?

Due to the unseasonably warm weather here in Utah, many of us have started to think about getting our gardens ready for spring.  Many of us have gardens both large and small, and yards that are waiting to be cultivated.  It’s important to pick the correct tiller for the job, but it’s also important to understand what size of tiller will be best for your particular project.

When thinking of what type of tiller you will need, think about the size of your garden.  A small garden is considered to be less than 1,500 square feet, a medium garden ranges from 1,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet, and a large garden is anything over 5,000 square feet.  Another consideration is based on the type of garden soil you are dealing with, as well as the size of the gardener! 

Typically, a small garden can be managed by a mini-tiller.  Mini-tillers range in price from $200 to $350.  A medium-sized garden is manageable with a 5 to 6-horsepower front-tined tiller, which range in price from $500 to $800.  Large gardens require at least a 6-horsepower rear-tined tiller, which can run from $800 to $2,000.

If the soil in your garden is very hard or rocky, a mini-tiller will often be underpowered to perform admirably, usually requiring a larger 4 to 6-horsepower tiller.  Keep in mind that if you are looking to till your entire yard, you won’t be able to get by with a mini-tiller either.  A large rear-tined tiller will typically work best when you are covering a large area, and the abundance of room to maneuver will be important. 

There are other cons  Front-tined machines are a little more difficult to manage, but that difficulty is offset by the lighter weight of the machine.  Rear-tined machines are a bit easier to use, due to their increased power, but they are more expensive and take up a great deal of space in your shed or garage. 

iderations when you look at what type of tiller would be more effective for you.

Crowell’s Flying Wrench offers tiller repair in Salt LakeCity, UT for any type of tiller.  Our mobile service will come to you anywhere in Salt Lake County or Park City, and our professional staff will quickly get your tiller running at full speed again.  Give us a call today to see what we can do for you!

By: Kyson Crowell

What If Your Tiller Doesn't Start?

Even though we are mired in the dead of winter, you can never begin to plan too early for lawn care.  The piles of snow and ice have done a number on our lawns, and it may be time to seed new grass or prepare your vegetable or flower garden for when spring comes.  Before long, it will be time to take out the trusty tiller and get to work.  

In order to become more efficient, tillers have come a long way from their humble beginnings.  Simple push mowers have given way to the convenience and accessibility of gas-powered tillers.  Gas-powered tillers are reliable, dependable machines that will serve you faithfully for many years.  However, there does come a time where you add gasoline and oil, pull the starter cord, and… nothing.  The silence can be deafening.  Most failures to start a tiller result from a problem in the fuel or ignition system, so a few troubleshooting methods may help you identify and correct the problem.

Old gasoline is often the cause of a tiller that won’t start.  Gasoline that has been sitting in the tank since last year can often settle or condensation can seep in.  Drain the old fuel and replace it, while checking the carburetor and intake manifold bolts to ensure they are tight and ensure that all linkages are connected.  Everything pertaining to the fuel line needs to be nice and tight.  Be sure to replace the fuel according to manufacturer’s specifications.  Your tiller is likely fueled by regular high-octane fuel or is a two-cycle motor that requires the specified gas-oil mixture.  Ensure that if there is a fuel shutoff valve, that it is put in the open position. 

Also take a moment to check the ignition.  If your tiller has a shutoff switch, make sure the switch is in the “On” position when attempting to start it.  Disengage all attachments, make sure the transmission is in neutral, and all operating handles are in the correct starting positions.  Also check the spark plug by removing it and touching the bare metal of the spark plug’s base to the bare metal of the engine.  Look for the accompanying spark between the electrodes.  If there is none, it’s time to replace the spark plug.

Also, it’s important to check the fuel cap vent to ensure it’s open and that all filter screens in the tank are clear.  Take a moment to look at the air cleaner, as a dirty air cleaner can flood the engine or restrict air intake.  If none of these troubleshooting items fixes your tiller, give Crowell’sFlying Wrench a call.  Our mobile small engine repair team specializes in tiller repair, and we are eager to serve you with professional experience and competitive prices.  We serve Park City and the Salt Lake Valley.  Call us today.

By: Kyson Crowell

How Often Should You Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blade?

Although we are mired in the cold of winter, spring is never far away.  As those winter snows melt away and flowers begin to blossom, many of us get back into the routine of lawn care.  Part of that lawn care means unpacking the lawn mower and making sure your grass looks trimmed and well-maintained. 

If you've owned a mower for a while, you surely have noticed that your lawn mower might not seem to trim as cleanly or effectively as it did when it was brand new.  The quality of your work has decreased, and a mowing job that used to take you 30 minutes is now taking you 45 minutes, and the results just aren't as good.  No, your mower isn't losing its efficacy, nor does it have any mechanical issues.  In reality, your lawn mower blades are dull and the time has come for the blades to be sharpened. 

It is recommended that you sharpen lawn mower blades twice a season.  Considering the typical mowing season in Utah can range anywhere from 6-9 months, it’s something you will want to look to do at the beginning of the spring and at some point in the summer.  Sharpened lawn mower blades will help you maintain a green, healthy lawn.  A sharp blade not only cuts grass cleanly, but it reduces the time it takes to mow your lawn, as well as helping grass to recover quickly, helping you maintain that pristine, green lawn that you've worked so hard to cultivate.

A dull lawn mower blade doesn't cleanly cut grass.  In fact, it rips, pulls, and hacks grass blades, which leaves your lawn looking poor and promotes the invitation of fungal growth, disease, and weeds.  Grass that is not in top health can often be a battle that last months, or even years.  Sharpening a blade is important, and it’s something that is neglected far too often. 

Crowell’s Flying Wrench offers a mobile, convenient blade sharpening service that will come to you and leave you ready to mow your lawn like a boss once again.  Our friendly, professional service team will come to you anywhere in Park City and the SaltLake Valley to fix your mower, and no job is too big or too small.  We work on both push and sit down mowers, and our full-service offerings will also repair other lawn mower issues, including engine repair and full blade replacement.  Give us a call today to see what we can do for you!

By: Kyson Crowell

Which Snow Blower to Buy?

Winter has unofficially arrived.  As many parts of the country find themselves buried under feet of fresh powder, many of us find ourselves thinking how we are going to dig ourselves out when the storm hits.  Snow blowers have made life significantly easier for our snow-filled lives, but the important decision of choosing the best snow blower must be answered.  There are several brands of snow blower that offer great features and reliable performance, and each of them is angling for your hard-earned money.  

For those of you looking for the best snow blower of 2014, look no further than Troy-Bilt.  Troy-Bilt offers a wide array of reliable, durable snow blowers that can handle even the toughest of jobs.  Troy-Bilt offers a 2-year limited warranty and affordable financing options.  The Troy-Bilt 31AH64Q has been recognized by Consumer Reports as the best snow blower buy for your money this year, as it includes heated handgrips, joystick control, and offers the benefits of a double-stage gas blower for the price of a single-stage blower. 

Ariens also offers a variety of award-winning snow blowers that meet your needs and feature a selection of premium features.  The Arians 921022 is a critically-acclaimed double-stage snow blower that Consumer Reports recognizes as one of the year’s best.  What sets this snow blower apart is its heavy duty construction and immense power.  Ariens is renowned for durability and 3-year limited warranty.  Financing is also an option, allowing you to find a model that suits your needs and fits your budget. 

If you are looking for a more affordable option, the $700 Craftsman 88970 is an impressive double-stage machine.  This 26-inch gas blower is backed by the dependability of Craftsman, one of America’s most reputable brands.  This particular model offers great clearance and tremendous power output, helping make the task at hand a breeze.  Enjoy a two-year limited warranty and joystick control, with a limited lifetime warranty on upper and lower chute.

If looking for a single-stage snow blower, look no further than the Simplicity SS7522E.  Simplicity offers an affordable alternative to many of the more well-known brands, while featuring superior performance.  This particular model features a 163cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle motor, electric start, and highly-rated throwing power.  This $499 snow blower offers a two-year limited warranty and financing. 

Any of these award-winning snow blowers will make snow removal a breeze, while not putting a dent in your wallet.  However, as time goes on, many of these models will need to be serviced or repaired.  Crowell’s Flying Wrench offers local, mobile snow blower repair acrossthe Salt Lake County and Summit County to help your machine remain in tip-top condition.  We are here to serve you. 

By: Kyson Crowell