What are some reasons why lawn mowers will not start?
Why Your Riding Mower Won’t Start
- Gas tank is empty
- Wrong or old gas in the tank
- Vent is plugged in your gas cap
- Broke or dirty spark plug
- Air filter is plugged
- Faulty fuel pump
- Plugged fuel filter
- Clogged fuel lines
- Carburetor is dirty or has broken components
- Bad battery or loose connections
Why is my Craftsman lawn mower not starting?
There are several other possibilities, including:
- Dirty battery connections
- Loose battery connections
- Solenoid fault
- Binding starter motor
- Excessive valve lash
- Hydro-locked engine
- Faulty ignition switch
- Faulty starter
- Engine seizure
How to troubleshoot your mower not starting?
- Pull up the mower's hood to access the ignition switch.
- Remove its cable harness.
- Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot.
- Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage.
- Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. ...
Why does my lawn mower start and stop right away?
- Dirty carburetor / clogged carburetor bowl
- Old gasoline that has gone bad
- Dirty or defective spark plugs
- Too much oil in your resevoir
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.
How do you fix a lawn mower that won't stay running?
0:166:26How To Fix Lawn Mower That Wont Stay Running! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMy back or look for tools or anything like that. So the kit that I use to rebuild the carburetor.MoreMy back or look for tools or anything like that. So the kit that I use to rebuild the carburetor. And air filter and all cost less than ten dollars off of Amazon.
Why does my lawnmower keeps cutting off?
If you find that your lawnmower keeps dying, or keeps stalling while cutting grass, then inspect the spark plugs. Look for signs of damage or wear. Something as simple as a cracked porcelain insulator can mean an electrode has been damaged or burned away.
Why does my lawn mower run for 10 minutes then dies?
As the fuel level drops, a vacuum begins to form in the fuel tank because air can get in to fill the space the consumed fuel occupied. After about 10 or 15 minutes, the vacuum will become strong enough that fuel will stop flowing to the carburetor and the lawnmower will die.
How do you clean a carburetor on a lawn mower without removing it?
Use Carburetor Cleaner Fortunately, you can generally do this without even taking the carburetor out of the engine. Start by purchasing some commercial lawnmower carburetor cleanerOpens a new window, which comes in a simple spray can and will make it easy to clean the inside and outside of the carb.
Can a bad spark plug cause a mower to stall?
A bad spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like it's struggling. The engine might even stall out completely while you are mowing. You may also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it dies.
Why is my lawn mower starting then dying?
If you've got a lawn mower that runs for 30 minutes then dies, the most common culprits are: a faulty spark plug or ignition coil, blocked fuel delivery, and air supply problems. A variety of parts are involved here, but the first things you'll want to check out are the spark plug, carburetor, and fuel cap.
How do I clean the carburetor on my lawn mower?
2:345:13How to Clean the Carburetor on a Lawn Mower - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's really it's imperative that that hole is clean. So you'll run the wire through there. You canMoreIt's really it's imperative that that hole is clean. So you'll run the wire through there. You can also run the wire through this hole in the middle. You want to go down the middle.
Why does my lawn mower stop running after 5 minutes?
Spark Plug Issues Damaged or worn spark plugs typically make starting a mower difficult, or make it run rough. Some spark plug problems can show up after the mower runs for several minutes. Remove the plug and inspect it.
Why does my lawn mower stop running when it gets hot?
A lawn mower that quits when hot is caused by a plugged air filter, a clogged mower deck, an incorrect engine oil level, a bad spark plug, a faulty ignition coil, old fuel or a plugged fuel cap. Before you begin working on your lawn mower, follow the safety instructions in your owner's manual to prevent injury.
Why does my lawn mower dies when I engage the blades?
An improperly routed belt can cause the engine to die when the blades are engaged. To check belt routing, lower the deck to its lowest setting and remove the belt guard by the drive pulley. Next, lift the belt over the pulley and remove the pins that support the deck at the rear.
How long do spark plugs last in lawn mowers?
25 hoursThe standard life of a lawn mower spark plug is 25 hours. It doesn't matter how well you take care of your lawn mower, spark plugs wear out after about a season's use.
Why won't my lawn mower stay running?
One inconvenient reason a lawn mower won’t stay running is a problem with the carburetor, which mixes the air and fuel for internal combustion. The carburetor bowl may be clogged, or the inlet and outlet ports are slimy from fuel residue. Remove them and spray them with an aerosolized carburetor cleaner (not water). You can try disconnecting the fuel lines and spraying them out with cleaner to remove any sitting sludge as well. Replacing the fuel filter is also recommended if the carburetor is showing signs of contamination. If the lawn mower has a gas cap vent, open it to clear any visible clogs. If none of these steps solve the problem, it’s worth having the carburetor replaced by a pro.
Why do lawn mowers have chokes?
Most lawn mowers have a choke to modify the fuel-to-air mixture, which keeps the engine running until it’s warmed up. Unless you’ve had cool weather for a while, the choke should be off to prevent overloading the motor with the wrong mixture of fuel. If the choke is left on for too long, excess fuel flows into the combustion chamber, ...
Why does my carburetor have sticky residue?
Fuel that has sat in the motor for a while can evaporate and leave a sticky residue. The inlet and outlet ports leading to the carburetor could be clogged, as well as the fuel filter. In cold, wet winter seasons, condensation can collect inside the tank, which doesn’t mix with the fuel.
Where is the spark plug on a lawn mower?
Spark plugs are usually located on the front of a push lawn mower and connected to a black cable. Remove it with a socket wrench and clean with a wire brush and some brake cleaner.
Why do motors need air filters?
Motors have air filters to collect and trap dust and debris that could clog the machine’s inner workings. Over time, they become clogged and need to be replaced. If an air filter isn’t working correctly, the motor can’t get enough air to prevent overheating. Inspect the air filter for carbon deposits or oil, and replace it if it’s contaminated. Paper filters always need immediate replacement if they’re contaminated, but a dusty foam filter could benefit from being washed and dried at least once before replacement. It’s recommended to replace the air filter after every 25 hours of use.
Why Does My Lawn Mower Start But Not Stay Running?
Your mower won’t start and keep running can be from something as simple as old gas in your tank. If you haven’t used your mower since the previous season and you have last season’s gas in your mower tank, then drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh gas.
Why do mowers stop and start?
To ensure all parts work on your carburetor, cleaning the carburetor with a carburetor cleaner is the first step since the build-up of gunk is a reason for your mower to start and stop.
Why Does My Lawn Mower Only Run For a Few Seconds Then Dies?
Reasons are common, and they comprise a dirty carburetor, a faulty spark plug, lack of gas to the engine, or a clogged air filter .
How Do You Fix Lawn Mower That Starts Then Dies?
A loose carb won’t let your engine function as it will create insufficient flow and atomization of gas. Check your carburetor is secure before proceeding.
What happens if you put a dirty spark plug in?
Dirty spark plugs lead to inferior combustion. It is possible to take an emery board or fine grit paper to clean dirty plug electrodes.
Why do gas caps have holes?
Some gas caps have holes in them to help stabilize air pressure.
Where does gasoline flow when starting an engine?
As you start your engine, gasoline will flow from your gas tank into the carburetor bowl. When it reaches here, there is a float to control the flowing of gas.
Bad or Old Fuel in Your Lawn Mower
Running bad fuel or fuel that has been sitting around for a long time can have negative effects on your mower. Fuel becomes less stable and attracts moisture from the air. This can cause corrosion in the fuel system.
Fuel Restriction in Fuel Components
This gummy solution left behind, when the moisture evaporates in the fuel system, can plug your fuel components. Your lawn mower doesn’t stay running when the fuel line or fuel filter becomes plugged creating a fuel restriction.
Dirty Carburetor
The carburetor regulates the amount of fuel that is mixed with air to form a combustion in the cylinder. When a carburetor is dirty from old fuel, the small parts that allow it to function can become plugged or stuck. Your lawn mower will not be able to get sufficient fuel. It will begin running sluggish or won’t stay running.
Plugged Air Filter
With all the dirt and grass clippings that get thrown into the air when mowing, the air filter can become plugged. It’s important to regularly check and clean the filter. When your engine isn’t able to get the clean air it requires, it will fail to stay running.
Choke Set in the Wrong Position
If your mower has a choke lever, it might be set in the wrong position. The choke restricts air flow to allow a higher concentration of fuel into the combustion chamber when starting a cold engine. When the choke isn’t adjusted correctly after the mower warms up, the mower will stop running because it isn’t getting sufficient air flow.
Dirty Spark Plug
A dirty or damaged spark plug can cause your mower to run rough or quit running. A dirty spark plug is one that has carbon or oil buildup on the tip. A damaged one is when the porcelain is cracked or the electrodes are burnt.
Bad Ignition Coil
The ignition coil can be the cause your lawn mower won’t keep running. The windings on the ignition coil can separate and short out when the lawn mower gets hot. This will result in the spark plug not being able to create spark because it is unable to get the voltage it needs. Check for a break in the continuity using an ohm meter.
Why does my lawn mower stop after starting?
Often, dirt and grime tend to build up in the carburetor that causes the mower to stop immediately after starting.
Why does my lawn mower stop?
Sometimes the cause of your lawn mower starting then stopping after a few seconds is too much oil in its reservoir.
What happens when gas is left in a lawn mower tank?
When gas is left for a long time in the lawn mower’s tank, it forms residue after evaporation of the volatile component.
Why does my engine not work when the carburetor is loose?
Note that when the carburetor is loose, the engine does not function accordingly due to insufficient gas flow.
When is it time to replace a spark plug?
In case you find that the spark plug is degraded, then it is time to replace it.
Do you overfill your mower oil?
Do not overfill the engine oil, and keep the gasoline and oil clean for good functioning of your mower.
Why won't my lawn mower stop?
Most lawn mowers have a garbage bag and once this gets filled up with too much debris, it can cause your lawn mower to stop while you are in the middle of mowing. To remedy this, empty the garbage bag and clean it properly; this should help if that is the reason your lawn mower won’t keep running. Also, regular cleaning and maintenance of the underside of your lawn mower deck may also prevent it from becoming clogged with debris.
Why does my lawn mower stop working?
This happens when you run out of fuel and the fuel tank has residual debris. The debris automatically enters the fuel lines causing the lawn mower to stop working halfway through. Fixing this is quite simple; just make sure you thoroughly clean the fuel lines.
What to do before using a lawn mower?
Before every use, make sure the air filter, fuel filter, and the spark plug are all in good shape. Doing so will help reduce the chances of your lawn mower having these issues and can save you from a few headaches and annoyances along the way.
What is the most inexpensive maintenance task to carry out on a lawn mower?
Getting a new spark plug is one of the most inexpensive maintenance tasks to carry out on your lawn mower.
How to fix a spark plug that stops running?
This is an easy fix; just clean the spark plug while making sure it is properly attached. If it is a case of it being old or worn out, simply replace it with a new one.
Why is it important to fix a lawn mower?
It is important to have a quick look at it because like most electronics when left for a long time, little issues can turn into something much more serious. Causing something small to turn into something that requires more costly repairs. So fixing your lawn mower before the issue escalates into something more serious is the right thing to do.
What happens if you have a small engine on a lawn mower?
Finally, if you have a mower with a small engine that doesn’t pull a lot of RPMs, it might struggle to cut the grass properly and could get chocked.
Bad or Old Fuel in a Craftsman Lawn Mower
Running bad fuel or fuel that has been sitting around for a long time can have negative effects on your mower. Fuel becomes less stable and attracts moisture from the air. This can cause corrosion in the fuel system.
Fuel Restriction in a Craftsman Fuel Components
Clogs can develop in the fuel components that can restrict fuel flow. Without sufficient fuel, your Craftsman mower will die. Old fuel, dirt and debris in the fuel system can result in the following:
Dirty Carburetor on a Craftsman Lawn Mower
The carburetor regulates the amount of fuel that is mixed with air to form a combustion in the cylinder. When a carburetor is dirty from old fuel, the small parts that allow it to function can become plugged or stuck. Your lawn mower will not be able to get sufficient fuel. It will begin running sluggish or won’t stay running.
Plugged Air Filter in a Craftsman Lawn Mower
With all the dirt and grass clippings that get thrown into the air when mowing, the air filter can become plugged. It’s important to regularly check and clean the filter. When your engine isn’t able to get the clean air it requires, it will fail to stay running.
Choke Set in the Wrong Position on a Craftsman Lawn Mower
If your mower has a choke lever, it might be set in the wrong position. The choke restricts air flow to allow a higher concentration of fuel into the combustion chamber when starting a cold engine. Once the engine is warm, the choke must be adjusted to allow air to mix with fuel to continue to run.
Dirty Spark Plug in a Craftsman Lawn Mower
A dirty or damaged spark plug can cause your mower to run rough or quit running. A dirty spark plug is one that has carbon or oil buildup on the tip. A damaged one is when the porcelain is cracked or the electrodes are burnt.
Bad Ignition Coil in a Craftsman Lawn Mower
The ignition coil can be the cause your Craftsman lawn mower won’t stay running. The windings on the ignition coil can separate and short out when the lawn mower gets hot.
Why won't my lawn mower start?
An obvious—and often overlooked—reason your mower may not be starting is if the gas tank is empty, or contains gas that is either old or contaminated with excess moisture and dirt. If your gas is more than a month old, use an oil siphon pump to drain it from the tank.
Why is my lawn mower starting stuck?
If the starter rope seems stuck or is difficult to pull, then it’s probably due to a clogged deck. With the mower safely turned off, tip it over onto its side and examine the underbelly. If there are large clumps of cut grass caught between the blade and deck, use a trowel to scrape these clippings free. When the deck is clean again, set the mower back on its feet and start her up.
Why is my lawn mower stubborn?
Is your lawn mower still being stubborn? The culprit may be the spark plug, which, as the name indicates, is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If it’s loosened, disconnected, or coated in water or carbon residue, the spark plug may be the cause of your machine’s malfunction.
Why do I need a deck on my lawn mower?
The mower’s deck prevents grass clippings from showering into the air like confetti, but it also creates a place for them to collect. Grass clippings can clog the mower deck, especially while mowing a wet lawn, preventing the blade from turning.
How to fix a spark plug that is not tight?
If you see buildup, spray brake cleaner onto the plug, and let it soak for several minutes before wiping it with a clean cloth. Reinstall the spark plug, first by hand, and then with a socket wrench for a final tightening. If the problem persists, consider replacing the spark plug.
Where is the spark plug on a lawn mower?
Locate the spark plug, often found on the front of the mower. If it is connected, remove the plug wire beneath the plug cap and unscrew the plug with a socket wrench to reveal the electrode and insulator.
Can a broken lawn mower be used to mow?
Assuming that one of these five fixes helped your mower run, a broken lawn mower is no longer an excuse to not mow. Go back out there and get your grass in shape for summer!