Struggling to start your lawn mower can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re ready to tackle your lawn care tasks.
Before you consider a professional repair, it’s worth exploring some common issues that can often be resolved with simple fixes.
Here’s an expanded look at six typical reasons your lawn mower might not be starting.
1. Empty Tank
It’s a basic check that’s often overlooked: is there gas in the tank? Running out of fuel is a common oversight that can easily be remedied.
Before you start troubleshooting for more complex issues, ensure that your mower has enough gas. Refilling the tank might just be the quick fix you need to get back to your lawn care routine. Remember, using the correct fuel type is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your mower.
2. Old Gas in the Tank
Gasoline isn’t designed to last forever. Over time, it can deteriorate, especially if your mower has been idle through the winter months. Old gas can become thick and gummy, leading to clogs in your mower’s fuel system. If you suspect the gas in your tank is stale, draining it and adding fresh fuel could solve the problem. To prevent this issue, make it a habit to empty the tank at the end of the mowing season or use a fuel stabilizer to extend the gas’s shelf life.
3. Bad Spark Plug
The spark plug is a small but mighty component that’s essential for starting your mower. A dirty or worn-out spark plug can impede your mower’s ability to start. Inspect the spark plug for soot, damage, or wear. If it looks blackened or corroded, it’s time for a replacement. Changing the spark plug is a straightforward task that can significantly impact your mower’s performance.
4. Dirt in the Fuel Filter
Your mower’s fuel filter is designed to catch impurities, ensuring clean fuel flows to the engine. However, over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt and debris. This blockage can restrict fuel flow, preventing your mower from starting. Check the fuel filter for any signs of clogging or damage. Cleaning or replacing a dirty fuel filter is a simple maintenance task that can help your mower start more reliably.
5. Dirty Air Filter
A clean air filter is essential for your mower’s engine to run efficiently. The air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine, but when it becomes clogged, it can restrict airflow. This restriction can choke the engine, making it hard to start. Remove the air filter and inspect it for dirt or damage. Cleaning or replacing a dirty air filter is an easy way to improve your mower’s performance and ensure it starts when you need it to.
6. Check the Flywheel Brake
The flywheel brake is a safety feature that stops the engine when you release the handle. If this brake is engaged, your mower won’t start. Ensure that the control bar on the handle is fully depressed when you’re trying to start the mower. This action disengages the flywheel brake, allowing the engine to start. If the brake is not fully disengaged, it can prevent the mower from starting, so always check this feature before troubleshooting other potential issues.
Pro Tip
To make sure your lawn mower starts up easily, especially after it’s been sitting unused for a while, there are some simple steps you can take. One important tip is to use a fuel stabilizer. This is really helpful for keeping your lawn mower in good shape. If you know you won’t be using your mower for some time, adding a stabilizer to the gas tank can prevent the fuel from going bad and causing clogs. Just pour the recommended amount of stabilizer into the tank before you fill it up with gas.
In Conclusion
Fixing a lawn mower that won’t start usually means checking simple things like making sure there’s enough gas, the gas isn’t old, the spark plug is in good shape, and the filters for air and fuel aren’t dirty. By looking into these common issues, you can often get your mower running again on your own. Keeping up with regular checks and maintenance can stop these problems from happening in the first place, making your lawn mower last longer and work better.
