kcliss

Heh. I'll admit to making that mistake at least once, but this time the key is securely pushed in to the slot. Even tried the alternate key, just to be sure. Thanks, though.

I have a new plug, changed a couple of days ago, when I was starting this diagnostic process. I don't think, when I pulled it last night, that it smelled of gasoline, but I'll double-check when I get home.

On the up-side, the projected foot of snow hasn't materialized, which gives me some time to sort this out, and I've been told by a Sears phone rep that it's still under warranty. I have to take it to them, but it's not too far away. Hope they aren't swamped with other work.

Fresh fuel added, no leakage, but no success, either. I'm not positive, but I think I did run the machine for a few minutes after adding the stabilizer in the spring.

Clint, which part is the heater box? In looking at my parts diagram, there are a few layers of covers to get to the carb. Is it the muffler shroud or shield?

I've not yet been able to start it this season. It ran last year until about March or so. I added stabilizer to the tank and it sat in the garage until now. Without taking the entire machine apart, I can access the carb only from the bottom. When I unscrewed the metal bowl, gas poured out, and kept pouring until about I had about a quart. So if there was a problem with the gas, I'll soon know, as it seems to be getting to the carburetor okay. The cable to the spark plug attached with a secure "thwup", so I think the connection's good. I held the end of the cable while attempting to start it, too, and felt small shocks, so I think (think) power is getting to the plug. Everything I've looked at (and I think it was the float I was seeing, from the bottom) looks clean. The only exception being what I can see when I remove the spark plug. The surface directly below the opening is clear, but it seems like there's some gunk around the edges. Is there something I can spray in there to clean it up, if it is indeed dirty? I'm about to put it back together and try it again. Thanks for your help.

A winter weather advisory is posted for Chicago, and my new-last-year Craftsman single-stage won't start. I added gas stabilizer at the end of last season, and I've changed the spark plug. I have carb cleaner and starting fluid, but I'm unsure as to where to apply either.

Can either product be squirted into the spark plug chamber? The starting fluid instructions say to spray it into the air intake, but I'm not positive of its location, and I don't want to permanently muck something up.

Many forums suggest a carb problem, but I'm unsure as to how to remove it. Again, I don't want to make things any worse.

I'm mechanically inclined enough that I can follow instructions, but have never worked on a small engine before.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The machine is under warranty, but I'm told I need to bring it to the service center that is miles away, and I doubt it would be fixed while I wait.