QA

Question: Why My Lawn Mower Wont Start

What do you do when your lawn mower won’t start?

If you run into problems getting your lawnmower ready for spring, try the following: Use fresh gas. Old gasoline can cause starting difficulties. Check the spark plug. Use the choke. Prime the mower. Check the air filter. Check the cables. Check for water in the fuel tank. Clear the starter cord of blockages.

Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running?

A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower won’t stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug. However, you may need a lawn mower specialist to get you back to trimming your grass.

Why is it so hard to start my lawn mower?

The fuel filter might be clogged. A clogged fuel filter is most commonly caused by leaving old fuel in the lawn mower. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the fuel filter and make the engine hard to start.

How do you start a lawn mower when its cold?

How to Start a Cold Lawn Mower Brush the tip of the spark plug with the wire brush to remove any carbon and oil debris. Spray the tip with starter fluid. Press the primer button near the air filter cover three times with you thumb. Take your thumb off and allow the primer button to raise back out. Start your lawn mower.

Can a dirty air filter cause a lawn mower not to start?

Your lawn mower’s air filter guards the carburetor and engine from debris like grass clippings and dirt. When the air filter becomes clogged or too dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting.

Why does my lawn mower only run for a few seconds then dies?

If your lawn mower starts, runs briefly, then dies these are the four most common reasons that’s happening: Dirty carburetor / clogged carburetor bowl. Old gasoline that has gone bad. Dirty or defective spark plugs.

Why does my lawn mower only run on full choke?

If your lawn mower only runs with the choke on, check the carburetor. The carburetor brings air and fuel together and mixes them in the perfect ratio for combustion before they enter the engine. There are several passages in the carburetor that allow fuel to enter the air stream depending how the throttle is set.

How do I know if my lawn mower carburetor is bad?

Here are four telltale signs that your carburetor needs attention. It just won’t start. If your engine turns over or cranks, but doesn’t start, it could be due to a dirty carburetor. It’s running lean. An engine “runs lean” when the balance of fuel and air gets thrown off. It’s running rich. It’s flooded.

How do you start a choke lawn mower?

Open the choke all the way if you notice that it has been closed. If it has been open, the carburetor may be flooded. Close the choke, and pull the starting cord a few times. When you get the engine to sputter, open the choke, and try starting the mower.

Where is the choke on a lawn mower?

There’s a variety of lawn mowers, but for an internal combustion engine, the choke valve is usually located on the body of the engine or a lever on the handle. Most choke valves are butterfly valves mounted in the manifold up from the carburetor jet.

Is it worth it to repair a lawn mower?

Because they have a much higher price point—in the thousands of dollars—repairs costing several hundred dollars are often worth it. But if your riding mower’s engine is shot, then it might pay to get a new riding lawn mower rather than sinking any more money into the old one.

Why has my electric lawn mower stopped working?

Being unable to get your electric lawnmower started is often not a problem with the lawnmower, but is usually caused by a fault with the extension lead being used. To test this try turning the lawnmower on without using the extension lead. If this doesn’t work try using an alternative plug socket and checking the fuse.

How can I make my lawn mower pull easier to start?

You can, alternatively, stengthen the muscles that are involved by taking the spark plug out of your lawnmower. This will reduce the resistance of the engine and allow you to pull the cord as a kind of exercise that will strengthen your muscles, and especially, your muscle memory.

How do you prime a lawn mower without a primer bulb?

In order to start your mower without a primer, squirt starter fluid directly into the carburetor via the air intake. Simply remove the air filter cover, take out the air filter, and squirt starting fluid into the air intake nozzle. Quickly replace the air filter, and start your mower. It should start straight away.

Will a bad spark plug cause a lawn mower not to start?

A dirty or fouled spark plug can cause your lawn mower to not start. It can also work itself loose, causing issues. If the spark plug appears to be seated correctly but the engine doesn’t start, a new one may be in order. For a few dollars, this easy fix can get your small engine working again.