Hi guys

I have just bought a SB45 17" Engine ID 80102-0224-01 73061801
It would not start when I bought it but the seller told me it was due to stale fuel (come in spinner! ... I know!!) All photos are at the bottom of the page.

Anyway, I paid a courier to deliver it to me ...unbeknown to me, he laid it down for transit frown ...but I suspect that just put the boot into what was already a dead duck.

When it arrived:
- I drained and changed the oil (SAE30) (although could only do air temp change due to failure to start)
- Siphoned out old fuel and replaced with fresh unleaded
- Cleaned air filter as per maintenance instructions
- Gave unit a very light exterior clean up with WD40 lubricant
- Replaced chain case screw (one was missing)
- Did not replace spark plug as existing one looked new
- Trawled your very informative forum for tips
Once I had done the above I tried to start it - to no avail. My Lawn mowing contractor co-incidentally arrived this morning so had him try to start it. No good! He checked the spark - no spark. The attempts to start have also caused leakage from the choke (see photo)
My lawn guy suggested I take it to mower shop to get it fixed but that will turn a cheap mower into an expensive one. I dont have experience with engines - I'm just a lady with a can-do attitude. I did have a SB45 I inherited from my Dad years ago but sadly gave it away when I lived in a unit. It was beautiful and gave not trouble - even with the Kirby engine :-) I replaced the pull start component at one stage and that was very easy. Changed the oil myself but left the rest to the shop. But this is a bit more complicated and if I can do it myself I would like to. From what I have read in your forum the carbi sounds like it might need attention. If one is methodical (and very careful) is it possible for me to do it? What else is contributing to the lack of spark do you think?

I notice the engine mount is cracked and has seen prior rectification work. Im not sure to what extent though. The engine clutch body does not seem to be original. I wonder if the cracked engine mount was responsible for this? I also notice the spark plug and throttle cable have been replaced (it would seem recently) I wonder if these were done just prior to giving up with a "terminal" prognosis. The front roller seems to have a gap in the end caps where it sits. Will this be a problem?

I loved my previous mower and hope I can get this one back to a reliable machine which provides a very good cut and starts first or second go. I really look forward to your sound advice.

Many thanks & best regards
Jen

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