Bland's Lawn & Garden

I took my push mower in for a spring service: Blade Sharpening, oil change, spark plug, air filter, etc. The technician called to tell me that he had trouble starting the mower and that my engine was surging, caused by debris in my fuel tank and I needed to replace the carburetor. I was a bit shocked, considering I started it before taking it in and after sitting in my garage for months, it started on the second pull. The repairs and servicing cost almost as much as a new mower, so I told them I would pick it up. They graciously offered to "junk" it for me, but I declined.

I picked it up on Saturday and took the carburetor apart myself. It was perfectly clean. I found no debris, no varnish, and no blocked jets. I drained the fuel tank using the fuel supply line and looked inside the tank to find that there was no debris in the tank. I put it back together and the surge was still there. the surge went away after I changed the air filter.

I called on Monday to ask Bland's to refund the $40 deposit that I paid. They would not give an inch. They explained away the clean carburetor saying the technician took the bowl off and cleaned it out. They had no explanation for the clean gas tank. They stood by their diagnosis and refused to refund my money. Steer Clear of Bland's. A novice armed with you tube can do better work himself.