[Fixed] Lawn Mower Won’t Start Problem – Troubleshooting Guide

Lawn mowers are essential machines to take care of your lawn. Sometimes your lawn mower may simply give up on you and refuse to start. You may get worried and frustrated over such things, but you don’t need to take it to a mechanic urgently. The good news is that by checking simple and ordinary things, you can get rid of the starting problems.

In this troubleshooting guide, we will help you deal with common problems related to starting your lawn mowers

Troubleshooting Guide

Gas Problems – Some of the times, lawn mower may not start due to gas problems. It can be due to no gas or stale gas in your tank. The best way to check is to confirm that you have fresh gas in the fuel tank. If you do not use your lawn mower frequently, the best way to get rid of stale gas issues is to use a fuel stabilizer along with gas. Stabilizers help in preserving gas and stop evaporation.  Don’t worry; they don’t impact the working of lawn mower’s engine.

Clogged Carburetor – Another common reason that your lawn mower won’t start is a clogged carburetor. Your lawn mower’s carburetor may get blocked due to dust accumulation, stale gas, or it may just go bad. The best way to deal with this is to service your carburetor. By removing the carburetor from the frame, opening it and washing it with gas and cleaning it with a clean cloth, and then putting it back can help you get rid of carburetor problems.

Fuel Pipes and Fuel Filter Problems – Fuel pump and fuel pipes can also be a reason for a stuck up lawn mower. Fuel pipes can get blocked due to air bubbles, stale gas, and hurdles in the flow of fuel. You can get rid of this by checking the fuel pipes, if there are any constrictions in any of the pipes, wear and tear, change it. The fuel pump can get clogged due to sediment build up over time and due to stale gas. The best way to get rid of it is to remove the fuel pump, empty it, and wash it with clean gas. Once it is all washed up and cleared, attach it back, you will notice that starting problems due to fuel pump will go away.

Spark Plug Problems – Starting issues can be due to spark plug problems. Maybe you have left the spark plug unwired, or the connection is loose, or the spark plug is dirty. Make sure the spark plug is properly tightened, and the cable is connected without any issues. If the spark plug is dirty, replace it with a new one for proper and flawless starting.

Air Filter Issues – A dirty and blocked air filter is just like a blockage in the respiratory tract of the lawn mower’s engine. Make a habit of checking your lawn mower’s air filter every couple of weeks, so it stays clean and free from dust. A simple removal, cleanup, and installing it back is enough when you clean it regularly. This process will not only help in resolving starting problems, but it is also helpful in keeping the lawn mower in perfect condition.

Battery Issues –Batteries can be a cause of tension when it comes to starting your battery operated lawn mower. Make sure the battery is charged, the connections are correctly tightened, and there is no corrosion on the terminals of the battery and plugs

Priming Issues –If there is a primer on your lawn mower; make sure that it is primed.

Choke the Engine –If your engine has a choke on it, use it for a quick start.

Starter Solenoid Troubles – Starter solenoid problems can also cause your lawn mower to become stationary. If you hear clicking sounds while igniting your lawn mower, you need to replace the starter solenoid for a smooth startup.

Broken Flywheel Key – The flywheel is a small metal key which engages with the flywheel and fits into the crankshaft. The lawn mower may stop while working suddenly when this key is broken and won’t start again. If all the things mentioned above are fine, then you can check the flywheel key and replace it. You will have to remove the flywheel from the engine and then inspect the flywheel key for damages.

Ignition Coil Issues – The engine may not start due to a broken or damaged ignition coil. If the basics mentioned above are not having any issues, your ignition coil may not be in perfect condition. The best solution to this problem is to repair the ignition coil if it has not been repaired before, replace it with a new one.

Recoil Spring and Starter and Recoil Pulley Problems – Lawn mowers, which have a pull starter system, may not start due to a broken recoil spring. Recoil spring recoils the rope in the pulley, if it is broken, the rope will not recoil, and it will prevent the engine from starting up. The recoil assembly is used to turn the engine on. Dealing with the recoil assembly, starter, and pulley can be complicated sometimes. If you are going to replace the whole parts, then it is easy. For repair, you will need the service of professionals.

Lawn Mower Won’t Stay Running after Starting

If your lawn mower starts well and then dies after a moment or a couple of minutes. The culprit in this situation is most probably a blocked carburetor. Before servicing or getting a new carburetor, make sure you have checked all the above problems and made sure that there is nothing wrong with the other parts of the lawn mower.

Tools and Material Needed for Above Solutions

You do not need any special tools to perform all the tasks listed above. If you the tool kit of your lawn mower, keep it with you, otherwise you can use your car’s tool kit for operating on your lawn mower. You will need the following things to deal with all the solutions listed above:

• Tool-kit
• Gasoline, 1-liter
• Protective gear
• Clean cloth for wiping
• Adjustable wrench
• Rags
• Carburetor cleaner

Some tips to avoid Lawn Mower problems: Taking care of Lawn Mowers

Following tips will help you enhance the life of your lawn mower and prevent startup problems

• Drain the gasoline at the end of season
• Keep the oil levels at the optimum level
• Keep the air filter clean
• Change spark plugs and oil at recommended mileage and usage
• Keep the machine dust-free.

Final Words