It’s probably been about 3 weeks since I mowed our lawn. Not for lack of trying mind you. I started a couple weeks ago when the mower completely flaked out on me, culminating in an inability to pull the starter cord. Unfortunately, not being a motor guy, it was beyond my abilities to heal, so I brought the mower to a repair shop.
That was a week-and-a-half ago.
Yesterday, I got the call and went to pick it up. The grass is probably 7 or eight inches long now. The recent weather has been absolutely perfect grass growing weather- 70’s with cool nights and soaking rains. We’re getting another soaking rain right now. Small woodland creatures can hide in my yard now without being noticed. Point being, I’ve been looking forward to getting the mowing done for a change and was relieved to finally have the mower back.
When I got it out of the car, I decided to experience the satisfaction of a smoothly running machine. I reached down for the starter cord handle and started to pull.
And was met with way too much resistance.
Startled, I released it and stupidly looked at the mower. Perhaps they had put some kind of safety thing on the mower. I lifted it up to check the blade, and then heard the guzzling noise. I peered around to the muffler area and gas was dripping out of the muffler. I set the mower back to rights and tried giving the starter cord another pull. Nothing. Couldn’t pull it.
So this morning, I returned the mower to the repair shop where I got the platitudinous “Sorry ’bout that.” When the clerk offered me the claim ticket, I told him “I’m not so sure I’ll want to claim it.” He laughed. I left.
Wiser.