I've got a 5 horse Tecumseh push mower that I've had since 1989. Two years ago I rebuilt the engine and it's been running great since, until today. I had been cutting for 3 hours when it began to slow a little bit and was sounding like there was an exhaust leak or a head gasket going out. Then it quit and wouldn't restart. It would act like it was getting spark and kick once or twice, but refused to start.
I checked the fuel, it had plenty, checked the spark, a little weak but there. Pulled the carb and went through it, still no start. Checked the shear key, it had a little slop, the flywheel would move back and forth just about 1/4 inch, (this was after I took it loose to check the key and hadn't tightened the nut again).
Changed the key and put a different flywheel on it, Pulled the head and checked the gasket and valves, all good.
Put it all back together, now it acts like it might start, fires about 4-5 times and dies, but just will not start.
WHAT THE HECK AM I MISSING HERE?
I'm confused! I had to give up and walk away tonight or I would have thrown a lit match in the tank!
Please, HELP!
I checked the fuel, it had plenty, checked the spark, a little weak but there. Pulled the carb and went through it, still no start. Checked the shear key, it had a little slop, the flywheel would move back and forth just about 1/4 inch, (this was after I took it loose to check the key and hadn't tightened the nut again).
Changed the key and put a different flywheel on it, Pulled the head and checked the gasket and valves, all good.
Put it all back together, now it acts like it might start, fires about 4-5 times and dies, but just will not start.
WHAT THE HECK AM I MISSING HERE?
I'm confused! I had to give up and walk away tonight or I would have thrown a lit match in the tank!
Please, HELP!