Dawg Posted April 29, 2011 Report Share Posted April 29, 2011 I was given a Poulan Pro riding mower. It hasn't ran in quite some time now. Yesterday I drained the gas and filled it up with fresh gas, replaced the fuel filter and put a new battery on it. It started on the first twist of the ignition, with a little help from the choke. Ran but would rev up and down quite a bit. I tried adjusting the throttle but no luck. It ran for about 15 minutes and died. Now I can't even get it start. It will barely turn the motor but mostly ticks when I turn the key. Any suggestions on what could be wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted April 29, 2011 Report Share Posted April 29, 2011 Typically with ticking I would expect a battery problem (new or not). Check connections and double check the battery. I would say solenoid but the fact that is at least turning the motor hints otherwise. Put a battery charger on it and start it using the charger. This will help to find the electrical side of it. As far as the reving and dieing, im guessing carb. The fuel is likely gunked up in the lines and or carb. Youll have to take it off and soak it in injecter cleaner. I would also double check the fuel line. Those things dry out bad and crack. If it is getting air in the fuel line it is going to have some problems and depending on the setup may not even get gas into the cylinder. You can buy that type of fuel line for around $2 - $5. Replace it. Its not worth messing with. Lastly, make sure the air filter and exhaust is clean. There is always the possiblity that a dirt dobber made a next in the exhaust.If it cant breathe it wont run. If it ran at all it wont take much to get it mowing (likely anyway). My first direction as stated above would be to hook up a battery charger and try to get it started again. If its still dragging while trying to start you have an electrical issue between the battery and the engine. I would check the Solenoid at that point. They are cheap and there is a good chance it needs replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawg Posted April 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 Ok, it will start with the charger hooked up. I'm probably going to change the solenoid anyway. What would drain the battery within 15 minutes? Got oil and oil filter today, will change that out in the a.m. Then possibly on to the carb. Thanks for your advice Jeramie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted April 30, 2011 Report Share Posted April 30, 2011 Is it a brand new battery you put in it? Maybe it didn't have a very good charge off the shelf. A lot of them do not get charged and just have a little charge in them from the reaction of the plates. I'd give it a good slow trickle charge for 6 hours or so on 2 amps. I agree that the carb is all full of gunk from sitting probably, pull it apart and spray everything out inside real good with some carb cleaner or brake cleaner, make sure the float moves up and down with ease. Once everything is cleaned out she should run like a top! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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