Lawnmower Repair

I have not used my lawnmower in 2 years but decided this year to go back to cutting my own grass. My lawnmower is 8 years old but I think I screwed up by letting gas sit in the tank (and rest of the engine). It starts after priming but then dies out. I can keep it running if I keep pressing the primer but if I don't, it dies after about 3-5 seconds. I've cleaned the carb and bowl assembly twice to no avail so it's time to turn it over to a pro.

Anybody have recommendations for lawnmower repair shops? I could bring it to Sears but wanted to see if there is a more local, smaller shop.

Thanks in advance.

 

have you tried cleaning out the carb with a little carb cleaner, the needle and seat is probably all gummed up from sitting so long without starting. A little carb or brake cleaner will fix that.

 

rharse,

Sterling mower off of Church next to the alpine ski shop fits the bill. I have not used it for service but do buy parts there. They charge $75-90 for a typical spring tune-up.

 

You probably want to get the oil changed, too. A simple tune up might get you going again. That is, if you really want to...

 

Bingo again wahoogeek. Sterling Mower is the way to go.

 

Where is a local place to take used lawnmower oil?

 

Loudoun county always has collection days for Hazmat materials.

 

Goodyear in Ashburn Farm (Ole Shoppers Shopping Center) takes all oil. Just drop it off at the garage doors if they are closed, or if they are there they will take it from you.

 

local wetlands area, just make sure no one is watching!mg:

 

I thought so, too, but it turns out they don't take used motor oil.

 

Thread hijack warning! I have a half dozen batteries that need to be recycled. Two hand drill batteries, and severa APC units. Any ideas were to take them?

 

Because used motor oil can be taken to the loudoun county landfill everyday -- across from the recycling bins there is a place to dispose of used oil.

(the special household hazard collections are for items that are not normally accepted at the landfill).

 

I thought the new trash service would recycle used motor oil but I don't have any idea how that works...

 

I've never been to the landfill... I guess I'll send my hubby there. He'll be so excited!

 

Drop it off at the Ashburn Goodyear, it's easy and on your way to the landfill.

 

Call Tractors Plus http://www.tractorsplus.biz

They come out and service it right in your driveway. I usually get a tuneup once a year (new oil, spark plugs, etc.) Cost about $70. They have been great.

 

Pretty much all oil change places (Jiffy Lube/gas stations) and some auto parts stores take used oil of all types. The only real variable is whether or not they take oil filters and/or antifreeze. The link to the VA DEQ website that lists all of the sites across the state and what they take is below. Not a bad idea to call before you go to confirm, but I know from personal experience that there is a collection bin at the rear of the Sterling Advance Auto. It is a bit easier than some methods because you can use a collector/oil pan and skip putting the old oil back into bottles.

http://www.deq.state.va.us/recycle/usedoil.html

 

Patriot Disposal, Broadland’s new trash/recycling service, picks up used motor oil as part of its weekly curbside recycling program.