What's the problem????

[Timmay]

Hey all, I really didnt know where to post this but this seems as good of place as any. 

I really do not know what the problem is.  I am not experience in it very much..or none at all.  I remember dealing with it in Jr High, but that has been wow? 20+ years ago. 

I had about all I could take with it today.  My Lawnmower!  It has one of those automatic idles on it.  So you do not have the option of slow or fast.  Oh this is the pushmower type I should add.  It just seems as it is not getting enough gas and it kinda reves up and down constantly like it is going to die on me or something.  YES it has a full tank of gas.  So anyone have any hints or idea's?
Sorry not a mechanic here...wish I was.  I can change oil, tires, brakes, windshield wippers and stuff liek that..but get into internal engine stuff...well not good at that at all.

[Alexander215]

Sounds like the problem is most likely a dirty/clogged air filter, if it has one and clean the carburetor with an air compressor followed a blast of some WD-40.
Whats the model of your mower?

[slyck85]

my push mower is similar......like shdwwlk suggested check for a clogged air filter first.  If that doesn't fix it, these types of mowers have a throttle lever near the carb that has 1 or more springs (underneath the air filter on my mower) attached that control engine speed.  If those springs get messed up it can also cause "idle hunting" like your describing.

[aleutiancowboy]

Check out what they said it is a good start. Also if it is old there is a short fuel line on the side that could be clogged or have a small leak. It's just a rubber hose and they get cricks in them easily so they don't allow enough fuel to get in.

[Timmay]

Thanks guys..i have checked the air filter and it was a little dirty, so I bought a new one.  It still was acting the same.  I will try the other steps as well...tomorrow!

[tomgallagher]

I vote for a dirty or partially clogged fuel line.

[Alexander215]

Thanks guys..i have checked the air filter and it was a little dirty, so I bought a new one.  It still was acting the same.  I will try the other steps as well...tomorrow!

Taking apart the carb to clean isn't hard brother, just remember how to put it back together

[hammerdrill376]

Go to your local auto parts store and pick up a can of SeaFoam. There are instructions on it for useing on small engines. I used it on my 98 F 150 and it did a great job of correcting a bad miss in the engine. It can be used in  autos small engines. Look up their website for more information.

[andrew]

Certainly try all of the solutions mentioned by the bros, so far.  But, if none of those fix it, another thing to try is opening the gas cap when it starts to rev really low.  If your gas cap is not properly vented (clogged or otherwise), that symptom can occur.    If opening the gas cap makes it rev higher, buy a new $4 gas cap.   

[Alexander215]

Certainly try all of the solutions mentioned by the bros, so far.  But, if none of those fix it, another thing to try is opening the gas cap when it starts to rev really low.  If your gas cap is not properly vented (clogged or otherwise), that symptom can occur.    If opening the gas cap makes it rev higher, buy a new $4 gas cap.   

Never even heard of that, will remember for the future, cool tip bro