Betsy,
I know you have tried several things, so you might not object to a few more ideas.

First, try removing the air filter from your mower, and see how that works. If the
problem goes away, you have a clogged or dirty air filter, so replace it.

Second, replace the gas in your mower's tank with fresh stuff. If the gas has been
sitting there for many weeks (hopefully not from last season), it has probably gone
bad. In the future, use a product called 'stabil' in your gas to keep it from going stale.

Thirdly, did you completely run the gas out of you mower last season. If any gas
remained behind, it would probably turn to shellac, and plug up you carboretor. In
that case, you will need to have it cleaned by a mechanic.

You basically need only three things to start an engine. Fuel, spark, and the correct air
mixture. I have covered some of the overlooked problems. Be aware
that using 'starting fluid' on a regular basis can deteriorate your engine and carboretor. It
attacks all the plastic parts and does other damage, as well.

Hope this helps,

Sherwin D.

Betsy wrote:

My lawnmower has been on the fritz all summer. It started cutting out when
it was running. I took it to the local neighborhood guy (he has a
landscaping business & fixes mowers on the side) and he "tuned it up" and
etc. and it ran fine. For awhile.

Then the pull rope broke. I replaced it. It ran fine.

Then a couple weeks later it became difficult to start. As in 15-20 pulls
and a shoulder almost out of joint trying. And when it was turned off it
wouldn't start again.

I took it back. He said it was the starter, and replaced it. Cost $80 for
that and a wheel lock which was broken.

I took it home. I couldn't start it. I took it back. He said it was
fine--he could start it on the third pull. Sometimes the first.

Meantime I'd borrowed my neighbor's mower which was indeed possible for me
to start on the first pull. In fact, I often didn't even have to pull the
rope out all the way.

I still can't start mine and am at my wits end. I think he doesn't know how
to fix it, and doesn't see the problem. He says "its old" and like old
things & people is now more difficult to start. I can't agree.

Oh, and by the way, he let me try to start his lawn mower. I had no
trouble. The rope gives a lot of resistance, but you can feel it engaging
the motor. I don't get that kind of feedback from mine.

Yet he insists there is nothing wrong with mine.

Does anybody have any ideas before I take it to another repair shop and have
to pay another $80? I am pretty strong, but unwilling to destroy my arm
yanking on this crank.