Lawnboy problem

[Matt018]

Since a lawn mower is a tool i figured id post here. I'm working on a 2 cycle lawn boy that only starts with starting fluid, But it starts and runs with starting fluid. I have tried going through and cleaning the carb twice and there has been no change. The only idea i have left is that maybe the primer isn't operating correctly? The primer is mounted by the handle so there's a long line that could get damaged or cracked somehow. It's just before i throw parts at the machine i want to make sure i know what the problem is.

Also if it helps its a model 8215p

 

[stratman977]

First thing is you'd be much better shooting gas mix into the carb than using starting fluid. Starting fluid doesn't provide much lube for the engine.

I'm assuming it doesn't stay running once the starting fluid burns off. If this is the case the primer is not the problem, you are not getting fuel to flow through the carb. It could be the needle and seat, or the float. Also check to see if the air vane moves freely and returns back to the resting position. It could a weak spring or the clicker wheel just needs tightened. That model doesn't come up on the lawnboy website so I don't know exactly what carb you have.

Also I have put the float in upside down before and that makes them not want to run either.

Also check to see if your lower seal is bad, if your crankshaft is wet you need to replace it.

 

[Matt018]

No it does run after using starting fluid. You just need to use it to get the mower running.

 

[stratman977]

Ok then its the primer. Usually the push button dry rotts. Its like a $3 at the parts counter.

If you take the air cleaner off and push the primer you can see it squirt gas out of a ****** poking out of the air passage. If you dont see gas you have an air leak. You could pull the hose off and see if its air tight. That primer hose fits pretty tight so I don't know if a regular fuel line will work. Gas doesn't actually flow through the primer its just air.

 

[bindernut]

Primer on the handle, probably a chrome handle, with a white grip. It doesn't come up because it's an OLD model, probably mid to late 80s at the newest. Try checking on partstree.com.

 

[Matt018]

Primer on the handle, probably a chrome handle, with a white grip. It doesn't come up because it's an OLD model, probably mid to late 80s at the newest. Try checking on partstree.com.

You are correct, Chrome steel handle and white grip, It's from the mid 80's, although the primer was flexible and in good shape, the hose also was in good condition, Any way to check for leaks on the hose?

 

[cleek]

Even if it is the primer, consider adding SeaFoam to the oil/gas mix. It was developed for 2-stroke marine engines and maintains lubricity.

 

[gotmud13613]

if it's not the primer, it sounds like the diaphragm in the carb, it could be dried up and stiff or has a small hole in it.

 

[otis66]

Every sping when it's time to cut the grass I go to my local lawan equipment dealer and buy a tune up kit. The kit includes a new primer bulb along with gaskets and O rings for the carb etc...At the end of the lawan season I empty the gas tank and prep the lawn mower for the winter storage. I then buy a kit for my snow blower.

 

[Elroy]

This might sound like it coming from a ***** but Elroy would flip the mower over and pull the muffler cover off and make sure the exhaust ports in the side of the cylinder are not filled with carbon.

Try it before you call Elroy a *****

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Do what Elroy said and if that don't work order a carburetor kit and rebuild the carburetor. I'm sure the carburetor kit will take care of the problem.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

According to partstree.com, the model 8215P never existed:

PartsTree

 

[bobcatdan]

Even if it is not your problem, pull the muffler off and clean the exhaust port. That is the only thing that goes wrong on a lawn boy. I trimmed the grass this weekend at my grandparents with their white one from the bicentennial.

 

[j.c.whitney]

Lawn Boy 2T Once every few years I'll pop for a new air filter element, never have rebuilt the Carburetor though. I love the smell of 2 stroke smoke!

 

[Elroy]

Do what Elroy said and if that don't work order a carburetor kit and rebuild the carburetor. I'm sure the carburetor kit will take care of the problem.

There's nothing wrong with the carb. Do what Elroy said and be done with it.

The pluged exhaust port is preventing any air/fuel from flowing through the cylinder. The ether lights off because it's so volatile and allows the engine to start.

Flip the dam thing over, clean out the ports. The ***** assures Elroy it will run just fine.

 

[stratman977]

Primer on the handle, probably a chrome handle, with a white grip. It doesn't come up because it's an OLD model, probably mid to late 80s at the newest. Try checking on partstree.com.

Lawnboy.com has the parts breakdown for most if not all of the models. I was able to look up parts from a 1974 model I had.


If you pull the primer line off the carb and prime it there should be air coming out of the line if not you have a crack somewhere. if you do have air something in the carb is clogged. All the primer does is force air into the bowl which causes gas to squirt up out the top.

If i remember right, the primer bulb just slips over a plastic disc which has a little plastic nut on the back side. It could be cracked or the nut loose.

If it starts with a shot of gas in the air cleaner I would focus more on the primer system cause essentially thats exactly what the primer does.

 

[stratman977]

Oh yeah and by all means clean the muffler out. It is probably crusty like everyone suggests. The trick is to bake those in the oven and the carbon will just flake right off. Your wife might make a steak out of your rear end though if you do that in the house. I used my propane grill before and wrapped the thing in foil before and that worked. It does stink to high heaven.

 

[Matt018]

Alright Elroy, thats for the idea, I'll try it in the morning, and report back, I am sure th carb is working fine because it runs mint after i get it going.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

I wanted to look at the drawing, but PartsTree says you got the wrong model number.

 

[jvitez]

https://support.lawnboy.com/portal/server.pt/community/product_center/217

Has parts diagrams and lists for way old LB's. I have a model 5277 and 10424. The 5277 had exactly the same problem. I replaced the primer button: completely fixed.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

https://support.lawnboy.com/portal/server.pt/community/product_center/217

8215P doesn't work on that portal either.

 

[TDLMOMOWERS]

If your Lawnboy mower has a plastic Carb, DO NOT use Carb. cleaner to clean it. Use Engine Degreaser instead. Carb. Cleaner will melt the plastic if allowed to stay on the carb, for a long time. When cleaning a carb. make sure that you blow out all passages and ports with compressed air and keep every thing really clean.

 

[Scout Driver]

There's nothing wrong with the carb. Do what Elroy said and be done with it.

The pluged exhaust port is preventing any air/fuel from flowing through the cylinder. The ether lights off because it's so volatile and allows the engine to start.

Flip the dam thing over, clean out the ports. The ***** assures Elroy it will run just fine.

Elroy is more than likely right. The operator's manual recommends cleaning the port at the end of every mowing season.

I've found that my LawnBoy likes a small shot of SeaFoam on occasion too. These little engines are excellent performers, but they must be kept clean.

Scott

 

[Kevin54]

Clean the exhaust ports and make sure you have the right fuel/oil mixture. If you have the wrong mixture it will be hard starting and will also help to plug the ports. I've seen many a person use Lawnboy oil until they run out, then grab a bottle of 2 cycle oil at the gas station and mix it. Lawnboy oil and a bottle of generic 2 cycle oil is formulated differently. Read what the ratios are.

 

[Matt018]

If you type 8125p lawnboy into google images the first picture of a mower is what i'm working on.

 

[Hiball]

My Grandfather used to have a 2cyl Lawn Boy Mower, I decided to suprise him one day and Mow around the House (Lots of trees/Pain with Rider) It ran real good for about 15 minutes, And then died... and i had a Hard time pulling the Rope. LOL.. I decided to wait till Gramps got home and when he pulled in the Driveway he steadily walked over and asked what the Problem was, I explained the sitsuation and he simply smiled. When he walked over and pulled the rope it started, This was were i got my first 2cyl Lesson in Life. We dumped the gas out, Filled it with the Proper Mixture and that mower worked for another 3-4 years. Does Lawnboy even make a 2cyl Mower anymore? Sorry to hijack your thread OP, Your Thread simply brought back some Memories of my Childhood. Good luck getting your Mower running.

 

[seagravedriver]

Any chance you are running gas with ethanol? My 2 stroke equip runs much better with ethanol free gas. Easier starting for one thing.