Rotavator won't start

JohnB47

Habbakuk wrote: »

Does anybody know if the B4-LM and the NGK B6H and interchangeable?

I've poked around on the internet and came by this site:

http://www.sparkplug-crossreference.com/

Both plugs you quote seem to be NGK and if you select NGK in the top dropdown, then enter the spark plug identity (as either B6H or B4LM) you'll see a description of each and a compatibility listing. I can't see how the B6H and B4LM could be compatible, after all they're both made by NGK.

See what you think - and remember to enter the second one as B4LM, not B4-LM. I would go for the one quoted in the manual.

JohnB47

GlynD wrote: »

That's a superb trick. I'd forgotten about it but you're absolutely right - it works a treat, even in sub zero temperatures. I think we've all been there in the 70's and 80's. The old "I had a car like that once" syndrome. :cool:

Yes, been there, done that.

Those were the days when you could still do a bit of DIY on a car. I can't even see where the spark plugs are on my Yaris - the mechanic who services it said "they're under that big black cover there, tucked in the back".

greyteam1959

Get a tin of Easy Start & give a squirt.......
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_221705_langId_-1_categoryId_255221

Stooby2

That's not going to help if the fuel in carb is stale. Until fresh fuel is pulled through it's not going to start. It's a major problem with motorbikes that have been laid up for a few months - fuel in the tank is fine, but the stuff in the carbs is rank - and it can take several minutes of cranking to get rid of that fuel. Thankfully most motorbike carbs have a drain screw on the bottom. The bowl on the rotavator might be smaller, but it'll take a day of arm pulling to get it through.

A top tip, when you use the rotavator (or anything with a petrol engine) for the last time, is to turn the fuel tap off with the engine running and just let it cut out, prior to storing it.

cyclonebri1

Well I was going to say fresh fuel, but you seem to have that covered.

Now what I would say is this. You may have too rich an oil/fuel mix. I use 50 to1.

You could empty the tank and carb, put neat fuel in, ie no oil. Then see if it starts, it is much easier to ignite neat fuel than 2 stroke mix.

If it does start then stop it immediately, clean out and refill with the correct ratio mix, (recheck against what the manf say, they sometimes give a range and at this time of year a thinner mix my be acceptable.

As a cover to what I've suggested do not allow it to run for anytime without oil in the mix.

pipmoss

Whenever my Dad had this problem he used to take out the spark plug and put a "drop" of petrol In the hole. Then a couple of string pulls and he was away. Hope this helps but be very careful where there is fuel about.

greyteam1959

Stooby2 wrote: »

That's not going to help if the fuel in carb is stale. Until fresh fuel is pulled through it's not going to start. It's a major problem with motorbikes that have been laid up for a few months - fuel in the tank is fine, but the stuff in the carbs is rank - and it can take several minutes of cranking to get rid of that fuel. Thankfully most motorbike carbs have a drain screw on the bottom. The bowl on the rotavator might be smaller, but it'll take a day of arm pulling to get it through.

A top tip, when you use the rotavator (or anything with a petrol engine) for the last time, is to turn the fuel tap off with the engine running and just let it cut out, prior to storing it.

You keep squirting Easystart in the engine will run on that alone !!!

Stooby2

Or it'll backfire and explode all the Easystart in the carb and air intake. Watched an ape from Green Flag do this and set fire to my motorbike.

Aletank

I recently bought a brand new strimmer, added the 25/1 fuel mix, I pulled n pulled but it wouldn't start.
After a lot of messing I contacted the seller who told me that it is infact a 40/1 mix machine !
I drained the fuel etc, added 40/1 mix & it started no problem !
On the fuel mix bottle, there is no much difference between the 25/1 mark & the 40/1 mark.
If it is a 40/1 mix, you could drain like I did or just try adding a bit more petrol to the tank.

cyclonebri1

Aletank wrote: »

I recently bought a brand new strimmer, added the 25/1 fuel mix, I pulled n pulled but it wouldn't start.
After a lot of messing I contacted the seller who told me that it is infact a 40/1 mix machine !
I drained the fuel etc, added 40/1 mix & it started no problem !
On the fuel mix bottle, there is no much difference between the 25/1 mark & the 40/1 mark.
If it is a 40/1 mix, you could drain like I did or just try adding a bit more petrol to the tank.

AS per post #16 ;)