ATCO MOWERS

[bosschester]

I've just bought an "antique" Atco mower, which runs well, but it's a pig to start. Any bright ideas?

[boxtops]

First Aid courses aren't cheap, if you can get a discounted rate it must be because another organisation (e.g. a charity you're working for) is part-funding it.

[MichaelZZ]

(I may be missing something but I don't see the relevance of Boxie's answer.)

I'm assuming that it's a manual / recoil start rather than electric. Does the mechanism engage when you pull the cord and then fire up?
Reasons for difficulty in starting may be a sticking choke, old petrol or muck in the carburettor. You say that it runs well. Does it idle properly? If you can get it nicely warmed up, it'll probably be worth adjusting the carburettor settiings. Assuming you've got the manual, this isn't particularly difficult.

[TheWinner]

I think its obvious Boxie has posted on the wrong thread, unless bosschester is trying to start it using cpr or a defibrillator.

[percypineapple]

i think boxtops is warning you not to stick your fingers somewhere, or you may get the St johns round to bandage you up, but i would suggest that you clean the plug, gap it to the correct setting, and. from past experience, flood the carburetter. in the past, with the same make mower, i had to remove the plug, pour some petrol in the plug hole, re-fit the plug, and she went first go.

[TheWinner]

I think boxtops meant to answer this one.
http://www.theanswerb.../Question1147475.html

[boxtops]

LOL, well spotted - oops ;)

[bosschester]

tHANKS PP. Started up straightaway this time.

[Dodger666]

My brother has a similar problem starting his 30 year old Kawasaki motor cycle. However, in Australia, where he lives, they have a product called "Start you bastard" that you spray in the air intake. It works a treat. In the UK we market a similar product with a much more conservative name of "Cold Start.