OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Victa Lawn Mower Frames Commando VS160 wont start when warm

Hi,
I have a Victa Commando VS160 which has really had this problem from new. It wont start when cold unless I unscrew the plug and then simply put it back in without doing anything to it. I then cannot stop it because if I do I must wait till it cools before continuing.? The air filter is clean.

Any thoughts?

We need more information as well as pictures to be able to help you.

1. How long ago did you buy petrol?

2. Have you replaced the plug?

3. What fuel mix are you using?

This is just a start so we can help.

Hi Bruce,

Petrol is about a month old.

This batch is pre mix but I mix 200ml to 5 Lires of petrol.

Plug is about 6 months old.

Thanks,

Rod.

Rod,

The fuel will only last six to eight weeks from purchase.

The oil mix is correct.

Replace the plug as it could be faulty.

Bruce,

I have changed the air filter and plug.


Mower started beautifully first pull but this is normal.

Ran it for 5 minutes, turned it off and it would't restart.

Took out warm plug and put in cold old plug and started ok. Ran it for 5 minutes, turned off and no restart.

Put in another old cold plug and it started ok. Warmed for 5 minutes but no restart.

I am very confused and frustrated. The spark however appears to be an orange to yellow colour and not blue, however this may just be my eyes playing tricks during a bright day.

It appears that it will not start once the plug has become hot.

What do you advise for the next step?

Rod.

Ok if you have an orange spark then it is either the coil or the module and usually it is the module.

As we don't have the model number it could have a separate module or it is built in to the coil.

It also could be a bad earth on the module if it is loose.

Hope that this is of some help. Let us know how you go.

Bruce,

Judging by the original brochure I think it is model no. CKS201. Engine is VS160 2 stroke.

Is this enough info for you to determine if the module is seperate or not.

Just rechecked spark under fading light and it is a blue or violet color, not orange as stated before.What do you think now?

Thanks,

Rod.

P.S

Can you allow me access to the manuals section, I have paid my subscription but am denied access.

If spark is ok, another thing to check on this model (quite common) is incorrect float level (if it was doing it since new). You need to know what you are doing around the primer cap to adjust this, may be an idea to look up the manuals area

MST,

Appreciate your feedback.

In your experience does this explain why it only starts with a cold plug?

Thanks again,

Rod.

Rod,

I want you to check the fuel flow to the carby as the fuel filter on the fuel tap might be blocked which could cause the problem.

Bruce,

Fuel filter appears ok.

Rod.

Rod,

The question was about the fuel flow not the fuel filter.

Bruce,

Fuel comes out in what seems to be a steady flow.

Cheers,

Rod.

Rod,

Have you removed the screw in the center of the white plastic primer. If not I would suggest you take it out and clean it as it is the main jet.

Also look where it screws in to see if you have a crack in the shaft.

Bruce,

Followed your last recommendation but symptoms are still the same.

The mower starts first pull and will let you mow forever, but if you turn it off you will never restart it until it cools down.

What do you think I can try next?

Rod.

simple question, what is your procedure for hot starting?

Hey MST,
Simple answer;
Run around the block twice!!
Hehe
Kindest Regards, Darryl

lol Darryl!

Hi what about the head gasket or oring around the recoil as it helps with sealing the crank case or is the engine scored hope this helps let us know and ill try and help thanks regards mowmaster.

I agree with mowmaster as it could be an issue with the starter 'O' ring as they had some engines with a deeper grove. Also if it is a cylinder that they had made in CHINA they really did bad jobs boring the cylinders out. I have seen some that I could not understand how they went.

To check the cylinder all you need to do is remove the muffler and have a look for scoring and while you are looking I would clean out any carbon from the port.