What's wrong with my push mower?
Question:It is hard to start and stutters when running, then eventually dies. It has begun putting out way too much exhaust, and after the engine dies there is still smoke curling out from the exhaust filter or whatever it is.
Answers:
Your mower needs a tune-up just like a car does. Spark plug, sharpen blades, oil change, bad gas =tune-up. If it's been sitting with gas in it and the spark plug attached all winter long or since you stopped using it (in the fall?) you now need a tune-up. If you can afford it have it done professionally, you won't regret it.
If you have pushed your active mower over hard surfaces like rocks, the curve, or the sidewalk the end result of that is also the problem you describe. Carburetor could B cracked.
Tank of bad gas maybe; throw a little dry gas in. Check oil. Replace spark plug that may be overused/fouled
There is a cotter pin that could be sheered off. Have you hit anything recently. It is easy and not costly to replace.
Along with the previous 2 answers It could also be a plugged air filter and as a result the engine would run too rich - not enough air intake for the fuel to combust well.
There is a filter of either foam or filter media that filters the air as it is drawn into the carbs... try to run it for a second or 2 without this and see if that fixes the problem. You may want to clean/replace the spark plug as well.
Sounds like you should have the carburetor cleaned and a kit put. Its simple to do. Also clean out the old gas and put fresh in. Replace all filters and spark plug. These are all easy and cheap things to do. Good luck!
Take it to a small engine shop for a tune-up. Basic tune-up can be done for around $30. Should solve the problems you are describing.
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