Performing routine maintenance on your lawn mower helps to prevent issues and also extends the life of your other lawn equipment. However, even with lots of TLC, the typical wear and tear from hours of mowing the grass raises the odds of encountering a problem from time to time. This is true even if the mower is well maintained.
If your lawn mower won’t start, it can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few common causes and fixes that you can try to get your mower running again.
Why doesn’t the lawnmower start?
First thing you should do is stop and acquire some gasoline. The use of stale gas is another potential source of beginning difficulties. It’s possible to do harm to lawnmowers by using gas from the previous season, so before you start using it, make sure the tank is empty and fill it with fresh gas. There are additional possible explanations, such as the following:
- Lacking, soiled, or otherwise imperfect Spark Establish a connection between the Lawn Mower and the Power Cord: Examine it, remove any debris that may be present, reconnect it, and make sure any loose screws are tightened.
- It is necessary to either clean or replace the air filter as soon as possible.
- Tap the side of the carburetor if you find that the engine is not receiving gas. In the event that this does not rectify the issue, it is possible that the gasoline filter will need to be replaced.
Lawn mower starter cable is hard to pull
Most of the time, the problem lies with the engine flywheel brake, which is the bar that, when depressed, causes the handle to release and turn off the motor. Before any pulling, make sure the bar is lowered to the handle.
It’s also possible for this to happen if the blade of your mower is dragging in the grass or if it’s clogged with grass clippings. Remove the mower from the grass and place it on some hard ground instead. Before giving it another tug, you should first stop the mower, unhook the wire from the spark plug, clear the area beneath the mower of any debris, and then return it to a position that is safe for mowing.
Check-up List
- Check the Fuel: The first thing to do is to check the fuel. Make sure that the fuel tank is full and that the fuel is fresh. If the fuel is old, it may have gone bad and needs to be replaced.
- Check the Spark Plug: The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. If the spark plug is dirty or worn out, it won’t be able to ignite the fuel and the mower won’t start. Clean or replace the spark plug as needed.
- Check the Air Filter: The air filter is responsible for keeping dirt and debris out of the engine. If the air filter is clogged, it won’t be able to get enough air and the mower won’t start. Clean or replace the air filter as needed.
- Check the Battery: If the mower has an electric starter, the battery may be dead. Try charging the battery or replacing it if necessary.
- Check the Ignition Switch: The ignition switch is responsible for sending power to the spark plug. If the switch is faulty, it won’t be able to send power to the spark plug and the mower won’t start. Check the switch and replace it if necessary.
- Check the Carburetor: The carburetor is responsible for mixing the fuel and air in the engine. If the carburetor is dirty or clogged, it won’t be able to mix the fuel and air properly and the mower won’t start. Clean or replace the carburetor as needed.
- Check the Fuel Line: The fuel line is responsible for delivering fuel from the tank to the engine. If the fuel line is clogged or damaged, it won’t be able to deliver fuel and the mower won’t start. Check the fuel line and replace it if necessary.
- Check the Fuel Filter: The fuel filter is responsible for keeping dirt and debris out of the fuel system. If the fuel filter is clogged, it won’t be able to filter the fuel properly and the mower won’t start. Clean or replace the fuel filter as needed.
- Check the Blades: If the blades are dull or damaged, they won’t be able to cut the grass properly and the mower won’t start. Sharpen or replace the blades as needed.
- Check the Oil: The oil is responsible for lubricating the engine. If the oil is low or dirty, it won’t be able to lubricate the engine properly and the mower won’t start. Check the oil level and change the oil if necessary.
By following these steps, you should be able to get your lawn mower running again. If you’re still having trouble, it may be time to call a professional for help.
See also: Fixing a Lawn Mower: Common Problems & Solutions
Detailed explanation of some causes of problems with starting your mower
While some of the problems with starting the lawnmower are fairly straightforward (like checking for fuel, blade integrity, etc.), we felt it necessary to explain some points in more detail.
Possible Causes of Spark Plug Issues in Lawn Mowers
It’s not difficult to identify some of the common problems contributing to spark plug failure in lawn mowers. The most frequent issue is an accumulation of dirt and debris on the spark plug. There is also the possibility of a spark plug that is degraded due to extended use. In some cases, the spark plug itself might be defective, preventing it from firing correctly.
Fixing Spark Plug Troubles
If your lawn mower won’t turn on, the first action should be to inspect the spark plug. If it’s dirty, you can either clean it with a wire brush or simply replace it. If it is worn out, a new spark plug is needed. If it’s faulty, you’ll have to get a new one.
Before you start using the new spark plug, it’s important to make sure it is properly installed. Check the gap between the electrodes and make sure the spark plug is properly tightened.
Good to know: Lawn Mower Repair Services in the US
Problems with Ignition Switch in Lawn Mower
Having trouble starting your lawn mower? You may be dealing with ignition switch issues. This tiny device is responsible for sending electrical current to the spark plug, which ignites the fuel in the engine. If the switch is malfunctioning, the engine won’t fire up. Let’s look at some common causes of ignition switch issues and how to fix them.
Faulty Wiring
Oftentimes, ignition switch problems stem from faulty wiring. Over time, the wiring can come loose or corrode, causing the switch to break down. To rectify this, check the wiring and ensure it’s firmly connected. If it’s corroded, replace it.
Dirty or Worn Out Switch
Dirt and grime can accumulate on the switch, leading to it not working correctly. To fix this, use a cloth and rubbing alcohol to clean the switch. If it’s damaged, replace it.
Faulty Spark Plug
The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. If it’s faulty, the engine won’t start up. To fix this, inspect the spark plug and make sure it’s in good condition. If it’s run down, replace it.
See also: Why Does My Mower Backfiring?
How to Check the Carburetor in a Lawn Mower
If you’re having trouble starting your lawn mower, the problem could be with the carburetor. Checking the carburetor is a relatively simple process that can help you identify and fix the issue. Here’s how to check the carburetor in a lawn mower.
Step 1: Prepare the Mower
Before you begin, make sure the mower is in a safe and secure area. Disconnect the spark plug wire and move the mower away from any combustible materials.
Step 2: Remove the Carburetor
Locate the carburetor and remove it from the mower. Be sure to take note of the order of the parts and how they fit together.
Step 3: Inspect the Carburetor
Once you have the carburetor removed, inspect it for any signs of damage or debris. If you find any, clean the carburetor with a carburetor cleaner and a soft cloth.
Step 4: Check the Fuel Lines
Next, check the fuel lines for any signs of wear or damage. If you find any, replace the fuel lines.
Step 5: Reassemble the Carburetor
Once you’ve inspected and cleaned the carburetor, reassemble it and reconnect it to the mower.
Step 6: Test the Mower
Finally, reconnect the spark plug wire and start the mower. If the mower starts, the issue was likely with the carburetor. If it doesn’t start, you may need to look at other components of the mower.
By following these steps, you can easily check the carburetor in a lawn mower and identify any issues that may be causing it to not start. With a little bit of time and effort, you can get your mower running again in no time.
Final word
We hope we’ve helped you sort out your lawn mower problem. Now it will be easier for you to find the reason why it won’t start and, accordingly, it will be quicker and more cost-effective to fix it.
