Need Advice Lawn Mower trouble

I tried to use my gasoline-powered lawnmower (Briggs & Stratton 500 series) for the first time this year. There was left over gasoline, and so I added some more (should I have removed the old gasoline first? how do you do that?). Anyway, after several starts, i was able to cut the grass in my front yard. When I tried to start it again (to cut the back yard grass), it would not start, and I think it produced a little smoke (I think, I hope not).
Did I "harm" the lawnmower? Should I try again tomorrow morning?

 

Unless you hit something, it's ok. You may need to clean the air cleaner and carb. Also, check the oil, if you can, change it, but if not make sure it has oil. If you still have trouble tomorrow, PM me

 

Yes, you should remove gasoline from any home machinery if it is going to sit unused for several months. Simply let the mower (weed wacker, pressure washer...) run until it is out of gas. What little remains will evaporate. You should also replace the oil and give the mower a good cleaning. Also be a great time to get your blade sharpened.

 

Or use a fuel stabilizer - just make sure you run the engine a little while so the additive gets to the carburetor.

But it's always best to winterize the mower if you have time...
http://www.diylife.com/2007/10/30/winterize-your-lawnmower/

 

Old gas can be problematic, but it is not advisable to remove gasoline if home machinery is going to sit unused for several months. It is a myth, some thing you should completely remove all fuel from the machine, and then let it sit for extended time. It is far better to keep the fuel in the machine and then when you are ready to use it replace the fuel. The reason is by leaving the fuel in the machine it keeps all gaskets and valves lubricated. If you remove the fuel, it will dry out all the rubber and you'll end up with major issues. Much better to get rid of the bad gas after a long time without use and preserve the gaskets.

 

I've had great luck with Tractors Plus http://tractorsplus.biz

They come out and tune up my mower (I believe oil change, filter, blade sharpening,ect) for around $75. My mower always runs great after they do that.

 

Is the service for a riding mower?

 

No, just a self-propelled mower.

 

My mower is new (Sept 2009) - just used for the small front lawn & back lawn of a SW townhouse. When do you usually have this done? Thanks.

 

I do it about every other year. I change the oil myself on the years I don't have them tune up.

 

Looks like Tractors Plus is out of business - I have used them several times over the past few years and they were great. They would come to your house with a VAN that had a winch and would raise the riding mower so they could get to the blade and sharpen it.

Anyone know of anyone else that provides this type of "at home" service?

 

I'm not surprised that they're out of business. A few years ago I needed the hand clutch repaired (I know) it coincided with one of their trucks breaking down so rather than fix on sight they had to take my mower to the shop and returned it nearly 6 weeks later, even though they stocked the parts. They quoted a 2 week turnaround and when I called them they were unable to locate my mower and then the parts were no longer in stock and they had to order a new assembly. I should have hauled it to that place in Leesburg or taken it to Sears.

 

Anyone know of anyone else that provides this type of "at home" service?