Spark Plug

• In order for your mower to start it needs a spark, and that is where the spark plug comes in. The spark plug on your mower looks almost identical to a car spark plug, and you will normally see it sticking out of the engine with a cap on it and a wire attached to the cap. When the mower is cooled down, remove the cap and use a wire brush to clean it out. Then replace the cap and make sure you feel it click into place. If that does not help then you may need to replace your spark plug. Be sure you get the exact plug for your model mower as they can vary. Purchase a spark plug tool to remove and install the plug properly.
  
  

Gas

• Some push mowers require you to press a rubber-covered button three or five times before you start the mower. This is called priming the engine, and what you are doing is spraying gas into the engine to help get it started. If you press the button too many times you can flood the engine, which will keep the engine from starting. In the case of a flooded engine all you need to do is wait five minutes and then try starting it again. Be sure you read the instructions on how to properly prime the engine before pressing the button.
  
  

Throttle

• A slipping throttle cable is a common reason for a mower not starting, and can sometimes go undetected. When you push down the lever to the "start" position you will notice that a coated cable moves with the lever. That cable is attached to a small valve known as the throttle. If you follow the cable you will see where it attaches to the throttle. While you are watching the throttle, push the lever down to the "start" position. If the throttle does not move, then the cable is slipping. Somewhere near the lever you will see a screw on the cable. To fix this problem you will need to tighten that screw.