Northstar Garden - Page 7 - Recent Questions, Troubleshooting & Support

First things to check is are air filter and exhaust. If there is signs of oil then the unit has been tipped and you will probably need to strip the cylinder head to sort it. Also check engine and pump oil levels and start the machine if you are allowed to. If it starts after a few pulls then you have a good chance of it being ok. White exhaust smoke is bad if constant as it is oil burning. Blue smoke isn't quite so bad as it indicates (probably) rich fuel/air mixture. Puff of white smoke that doesn't stay constant is also a sign that the machine may have been tipped at some time and it is just the oil residue burning of the cylinder head.

There should be a drain plug (bolt) at the bottom of the pump to drain the oil. Undo bolt and drain the oil. Replace bolt and fill pump with new oil. Look for a sightglass on the side of the pump. Fill so the oil level is in the centre of sightglass.

Sounds like it could be your unloader. make sure you always have the water on while your motor is running.

Your problem is going to be with the brass fitting with the spring that you have discribed. This fitting is called an unloader valve, this valve is designed to by-pass the pressure that the pump has built up so you don't damage the pump when you release the trigger. There should be a nut on the end of this valve try turning it in some if this doesn't work try turning it out. It is usually set at the factory but sometimes they either don't get set or they are bad. You also could try to remove and clean. re-install with a light coat of white lithium grease. Hope this helps, let me know how you make out.

You will need to remove the carburetor and clean. Be sure to clean the high speed jet. This jet is the bolt that holds the fuel bowl on. Remove and clean the small holes in the sides of bolt. You will need a small piece of wire or bread tie just remove the outer covering and run this through the holes. Some have a hole in the bottom and smaller hole in the threads towards the top. Clean with carburetor cleaner and blow with compressed air. Try cleaning the jet first and if this doesn't work then clean and rebuild entire carb. Hope this helps.

Hi, the carby needs to be disassembled and all jets blown out. Regards Phil.

Being petrol driven, it may have a mercury kill switch which puts a ground on the ignition circuit stopping the engine if you move it. Perhaps for safety in case you overturn the unit somehow.

Have a look at these tips for getting lawnmowers to start. The troubleshooting procedure is the same for all small petrol engines.

http://www.fixya.com/support/r9118692-lawnmower_not_starting

Bad Ju-Ju. this can mean that water is leaking past the plungers. try removing all the oil and replacing it then see if and how much water is in there.