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how do i stop my lawn mower from surging

by Prof. Claudia Schneider V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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6 Methods on How to Fix Surging Lawn Mower:

  • 1. Clean Air Filter: If your lawnmower has an air filter, you can clean or replace it as needed. ...
  • 2. Check Spark Plug: If the spark plug is dirty or damaged, it can affect how well your mower starts and runs. ...
  • 3. Change the Oil: ...
  • 4. Add Fuel Stabilizer: ...
  • 5. Replace Fuel Filter: ...
  • 6. Check and Tighten Bolts: ...

Check and clean the vent. Surging is also caused by water that got into the fuel. A mower left in a heavy rain or condensation on a hot summer day can choke the engine. Empty the gas tank, properly dispose of the old fuel and try a fresh batch of gasoline.

Full Answer

Why does my lawn mower have a surge?

What happens if my lawnmower is idle?

What does it mean when your lawn mower engine is dirty?

What is a lawn mower carburetor?

How long does a gas stabilizer last on a lawn mower?

What happens if you don't clean your carburetor?

Why is my grass bare?

See 2 more

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What would cause a lawn mower engine to surge?

Why is My Lawn Mower Surging? (The Short Answer) Surging results from the engine having an unbalanced fuel-to-air mixture ratio. The most likely fault you'll run into will be a problem with the carburetor resulting in the fuel-air mixture erratically running lean or rich.

What causes a lawn mower to rev up and down?

Airflow Issues. A lawnmower that hunts and surges may be experiencing something as simple as an airflow issue. If the air that the engine requires to run is blocked, especially sporadically, it can cause the engine to slow down. When the blockage moves or clears, the engine may suddenly rev up in response.

How do I fix my Briggs and Stratton engine surging?

3:545:46How To Fix Briggs & Stratton Surging Engine | Nikki Carburetor CleaningYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBack into the carburetor right there turn it all the way in and then turn it out one and a halfMoreBack into the carburetor right there turn it all the way in and then turn it out one and a half turns. This is the basic setting that should get you good results for tuning your carburetor.

How do you fix a surging governor?

Often surging caused by the governor can be fixed by simply adjusting the governor spring. It usually only takes a small adjustment to correct the surging. If the spring has stretched out it will need to be replaced.

What causes a carburetor to surge?

These engines are fitted with a metal fuel tank and carburetor combination. The gasket sandwiched between the tank and carburetor distorts over time and allows a vacuum leak. What is this? The vacuum leak causes the surging, replacing the gaskets and cleaning the carburetor/tank will leave it like new, I promise.

What causes an engine to hunt and surge?

Engine hunting and surging at idle is usually caused by a fuel delivery, air leak, or governor system problem. Cleaning/overhauling the carburettor, adjustment of the governor, and/or changing the air filer may be required.

Can spark plugs cause surging?

Surging and Lagging Another good indication that your spark plugs are dirty or worn is if your vehicle experiences surges of speed, resulting in a jerking acceleration. These surges occur because your spark plugs are not igniting the fuel in your engine at the proper rate, resulting in an uneven speed.

Why does my engine surge at idle?

If an engine is not getting enough fuel (this is called “running lean”), due to fuel pressure (regulated by the fuel pump and regulator), restricted fuel injectors, a vacuum leak or really anything that throws off the fuel mixture going in to the engine, this can cause the surge.

Why is my lawn mower not running smoothly?

A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of a poorly running lawn mower, since it starves the engine of the oxygen needed for combustion. Fuel Filter: Check the fuel filter on the mower to make sure it's clean, and replace it if needed.

How do I adjust the governor on my lawn mower?

6:169:42HOW TO SET AND ADJUST THE GOVERNOR ON ANY SMALL ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to adjust it. And put just a little bit of tension on your adjusting screw. You want toMoreYou want to adjust it. And put just a little bit of tension on your adjusting screw. You want to adjust it to where the carburetor is wide open throttle.

How do you adjust the governor spring on a lawn mower?

1:042:34Adjusting the Governor Spring on a Briggs and Stratton Mower - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this case I wanted to speed the engine up so I bent the tab. Forward. Now that we've completedMoreIn this case I wanted to speed the engine up so I bent the tab. Forward. Now that we've completed the adjustment time to put the cover back on make sure to fit it in properly.

How do you adjust the governor on a Briggs and Stratton engine?

0:224:31Governor adjustment Briggs & Stratton small engine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour throttle in the fully open position and the way you know it's fully opened on your throttle isMoreYour throttle in the fully open position and the way you know it's fully opened on your throttle is you keep this right here is your idler screw. Right there that small screw on your throttle.

Why does my engine rev up and down when in park?

The idle is controlled by the idle air control valve and if it cannot keep the engine idling it will keep trying to rev the engine up to compensate. A vacuum leak, sensor that has failed, or an EGR system malfunction could potentially be the cause of the erratic engine you're experiencing.

Why is my lawn mower revving high?

Why is My Lawn Mower Revving High? (The Short Answer) High RMP stems back to the governor. A build-up of grass, bad springs, poor adjustment, and a damaged governor lever can all lead to high revving.

Why is my lawn mower not running smoothly?

A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of a poorly running lawn mower, since it starves the engine of the oxygen needed for combustion. Fuel Filter: Check the fuel filter on the mower to make sure it's clean, and replace it if needed.

Why is my lawnmower hunting?

This is when the engine revs up and drops back down rapidly on a cycle. It is usually caused by a lean fuel mixture - ie.) not enough fuel in the fuel-air ratio. This is controlled by your carburettor and governor.

Why does my lawn mower keep surging?

If your lawnmower suffers from the symptoms of surging, it may be a result of a dirty or clogged fuel line

How to fix a spark plug on a lawn mower?

If the spark plug is dirty or damaged, it can affect how well your mower starts and runs. Clean the plug using a wire brush and feel to see if it’s hot. If so, there may be an air leak caused by damage or poor connection. Next, look around the base of your lawnmower to find where you can access and tighten or replace the spark plug. If the air leak is small, you may be able to pull it yourself. If not, you’ll need to take it in for service.

Why does my mower's fuel filter keep surging?

If the fuel filter is dirty, it could also cause surging. It should only need to be replaced every few years or so, but you can return it whenever you use a stabilizer in your mower’s gas tank. If a fuel filter is clogged and isn’t being cleaned regularly, it will allow particles into your engine that can damage it and even break it.

Why does my lawnmower oscillate?

The oscillations are usually caused by one cylinder firing before another has fully completed its cycle. All of the information in this blog should have helped you understand how to troubleshoot your lawnmower. If not, let us know, and we’ll be happy to help!

Why is my lawn mower crankcase leaking?

If there is a leak in the crankcase, it could be caused by a worn-out piston ring. Also, if your mower has an oil-drip hole, make sure that it’s clean and free of debris.

What is Surging?

Surging happens when the engine isn’t getting enough fuel or air to run at full speed, but it can still get enough to run at a lower speed. When air and fuel are limited, the engine speed drops, it runs better, and then it accelerates until it hits this limit again.

Air Filter Issues

A dirty filter can keep the engine from drawing in the air it needs to run at full speed, but still provide enough air at lower RPM.

Fuel System Problems

As gas leaves the fuel tank, air is needed to replace it. This air enters through small holes in the gas cap. If those holes are clogged, the pressure inside the tank will drop, keeping the fuel from being drawn through the fuel line.

Vacuum leaks

As the piston moves down during the intake stroke, that space expands, drawing air through the filter and mixing it with fuel from the carburetor or injector before it enters the combustion chamber. However, if there are any leaks, the engine can draw in outside air that hasn’t had fuel added to it, leaning out the mixture.

Governor Issues

Cub Cadet engines use a pneumatic governor to control engine speed. The flywheel has fan blades on it that move air across the engine for cooling. The governor has a small air vane next to the flywheel that changes position based on how much air passes it.

Fix Your Cub Cadet the Right Way with OEM Parts

www.cubparts.com is a certified Cub Cadet dealer so we can supply you with the right parts for your equipment whether you have an old tractor or a new string trimmer. Our site lets you see where parts fit on factory diagrams and list items using factory descriptions so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need.

Why does my lawn mower stop?

Another common problem for your lawn mower is when it starts or even stops because of the air filter or lawn mower carburetor. In fact, these are the most common reasons for your lawn mower to start or stop. The mechanics of the carburetor and the air filter are very simple.

Why does my lawn mower overheat?

This can be caused by leaving the gas tank too full of petrol, or it can also be caused by topping up the tank’s pressure too much while you are driving your mower. When the engine’s tank gets too hot, it will need to get cooled off before it causes the problem. The best way to do that is rest the lawn mower for a while.

Why is my mower surging?

If your mower engine is a Honda or Kohler, surging is commonly caused by a blocked idle jet see Gas starvation towards the end of the page.

What does it mean when a lawn mower engine is surging?

Lawnmower engine surging is a right pain in the Jacksie, it’s an engine that runs erratically, revs up and down by itself uncontrollably. In some cases, it may only happen under certain conditions, for example only after the mower gets hot, or only when the fuel level gets low.

How long does a gas stabilizer last on a B&S mower?

Using a gas stabilizer will keep the gas in your mower and your gas can fresh for up to two years. Carburetor gasket - If you're fixing the B&S Classic engine, then you'll need this gasket set.

Why does my lawn mower surge?

So what causes the lawnmower engines to surge? The most common reason for a surging lawn mower engine is a blockage in the fuel supply , but there are other possibilities:

Why does my carburetor run erratic?

As you know, gas starvation causes an inconsistent flow of fuel which in turn causes erratic running. And, you also know a vacuum leak will cause erratic running, but is a much less common cause, however, some carburetors are prone to vacuum leaks.

Where do you stamp Briggs and Stratton model numbers?

Most engine manufactures will stamp the model numbers in an accessible area. Briggs & Stratton stamp their numbers on the metal engine cover. If after replacing the carburetor gaskets the engine still surges, you'll need to go a little further and replace the manifold intake and gasket.

How to clean an auto choke?

If you have an Auto choke – Remove the air filter cover and filter – place a clean rag over the intake while the engine is running.

Why does my lawn mower have a surge?

The number one cause of mower engine surge is using gasoline that is old or contaminated – perhaps by water condensation, usually as a result of leaving gas in the mower over the winter. Many homeowners forget or choose not to drain the gas from their mower’s tank at the end of each season.

What happens if my lawnmower is idle?

If the lawnmower does happen to start – it will not run properly with old or diluted gas in the tank. If your lawnmower surges up and down – you can repair it as follows:

What does it mean when your lawn mower engine is dirty?

As noted previously, mower engines require air (oxygen) mixed with fuel, then spark, to ignite the mixture and run the lawnmower engine. If your air filter is dirty – it’s like forcing your lawnmower engine to “suck air through a straw” – and nothing runs efficiently under those conditions.

What is a lawn mower carburetor?

The lawnmower carburetor is designed to operate with a controlled amount of air intake. If you have leaks in your air intake – the carburetor and therefore the engine – will not run smoothly. Try these 5 steps to inspect your lawnmower for vacuum leaks:

How long does a gas stabilizer last on a lawn mower?

Next, run the mower engine for 2 minutes to circulate mixed gas through the engine. The fuel stabilizer will keep gas stable for up to 24 months.

What happens if you don't clean your carburetor?

If the carburetor is not cleaned, this stall and firing cycle will repeat itself, again and again, causing the engine to die then surge. You can try these 5 steps to clean a dirty lawn mower carburetor:

Why is my grass bare?

Bare patches in your grass lawn can be the result of many causes. The most prevalent being pet urine and bug infestation, both of which can be fixed in a jiffy. Check out our article and learn how to plant grass seed in bare spots.

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1.Videos of How Do I Stop My Lawn Mower From Surging

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26 hours ago Solutions If Your Lawn Mower is Surging Removing Bad Gasoline. If you have tested your gasoline and realized that you have bad gas, then you’ll need to know the... Cleaning the Fuel Cap Vent. …

2.How to stop your lawnmower from surging, or not …

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPHsNZKvGHI

30 hours ago  · See link at bottom of description to order a replacement carburetor if you need itHere I show you what I usually have to do to get my lawnmower to stop surgi...

3.How to Fix a Surging Lawn Mower - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azOiJzTatCc

27 hours ago  · It's intolerable! That racing up and down, surging, hunting...so frustrating! In this video I'll explain to you the reason a lawn mower surges like that, and...

4.How to Fix Surging Lawn Mower | 6 Secret Methods …

Url:https://diyquickly.com/how-to-fix-surging-lawn-mower/

34 hours ago Surging should stop when you run your lawn mower engine if air filter was the problem. 3. Bad spark plug. Spark plugs may get dirty or sooty and as a result fail to produce and deliver the …

5.How to Stop your Mower’s Engine from Surging - Shank's …

Url:http://ccblog.shankslawn.com/how-to-stop-your-mowers-engine-from-surging

16 hours ago  · 6 Methods on How to Fix Surging Lawn Mower: 1. Clean Air Filter: If your lawnmower has an air filter, you can clean or replace it as needed. However, if it’s dirty,... 2. …

6.How to Fix Lawn Mower Surging? Best Troubleshooting …

Url:https://lawnmowerfixer.com/how-to-fix-lawn-mower-surging-best-troubleshooting-tips/

13 hours ago  · If you have a crack in your gasket, it may be allowing air to escape and causing the engine to run rough. Replace the gasket if it is cracked (or damaged). This will solve the …

7.Lawn Mower Engine Surging – Check this easy fix first!

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9 hours ago  · Start by tightening all the bolts around the carburetor: these can work loose after being subjected to engine vibration, letting the carburetor separate from the head. If the engine …

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