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why does my lawn mower start but not stay running

by Deborah Kub Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Why Your Lawn Mower Won’t Stay Running?

  • Shortage of Gas. Did you run out of gas? ...
  • Clogging with Debris. 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 ...
  • Dirty Fuel Lines. ...
  • Blocked Air Filter. ...
  • Dirty Spark Plug. ...
  • Dull Blades. ...
  • Tall Grasses. ...
  • Shortage of Oil. ...

The carburetor might be clogged and dirty.
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.
Apr 6, 2022

Full Answer

How to fix a lawn mower that won't start?

lawn mower starts but stops after a few seconds. Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. The carburetor might be clogged.

Why is my lawn mower not starting?

Sep 16, 2021 · A dirty carburetor is the most common reason a lawn mower won’t continue running. Carburetors regulate the air and fuel mixture that creates internal combustion and powers the engine. If the component is dirty, your lawnmower will display the following symptoms: Struggles to start Spits out black smoke Consumes more fuel than usual Runs rugged

How do you start a lawn mower?

Nov 06, 2021 · Why does my lawn mower start but not stay operating? Your Mower Will Not Start: Various other feasible reasons consist of: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Ignition System in Your Mower: Inspect it out, wipe particles, re-connect and …

How to fix your lawn mower?

May 28, 2021 · 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.

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Why does my lawn mower only run for a few seconds then dies?

You Need to Replace Old Fuel If the gas in your lawn mower has been there for a while, evaporation can change the consistency of the liquid. The gasoline won't move smoothly through the machine, creating a restricted gas flow and leading to an engine that runs for a few seconds and then dies.

Why does my lawn mower run for a few minutes then stops?

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 fix a lawn mower that starts then dies?

0:244:31Lawn Mower starts and then dies, turned out to be an easy cheap fixYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook move the carburetor around and try to figure out which bolts are loose. The bolts that hold theMoreLook move the carburetor around and try to figure out which bolts are loose. The bolts that hold the carburetor on are still tight.

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 cleaner, which comes in a simple spray can and will make it easy to clean the inside and outside of the carb.

Why does my lawnmower start and then cut out?

A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall.

Why does my lawn mower shut off while mowing?

Being Overworked One of the most common reasons that a lawn mower might stall while it is cutting grass is that it is being overworked. This is a mechanism that is intentionally incorporated into the mower to prevent the motor from being blown.Mar 28, 2020

How do you unclog a lawn mower carburetor?

2:215:14How to Clean the Carburetor on a Lawn Mower - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you want to make sure that's clean and the way you can do that is just simply get a piece ofMoreSo you want to make sure that's clean and the way you can do that is just simply get a piece of small wire. And see you and you poke it in and out of that hole make sure that it's clean.

How do you clean a lawn mower carburetor?

Detailed Guide on How to Clean Lawn Mower CarburetorRemove the Outer Casing and Air Filter. ... Removing the Carburetor. ... Unbolt the carburetor's bowl and clean the nut. ... Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor. ... Replace the gasket. ... Check its settings. ... Reassemble and reattach.

Why does my lawn mower only run with the choke on?

Working on the fuel and air supply end of things, if your lawn mower only runs with the choke on, there is probably a fuel delivery or carburetor problem. The main carburetor issues that cause this are air leaks, and clogging. Bad fuel or fuel with too high of an alcohol content can also require excessive choke use.

What are the symptoms of a dirty carburetor?

10 Bad Carburetor Symptoms & Replacement CostReduced Engine Performance.Overheating or Backfiring Engine.Black Smoke.Hard Starting.Rough Idle.Poor Acceleration.Hesitation Under Load.Carburetor Flooded With Fuel.More items...

Can you clean a lawn mower carburetor with wd40?

WD-40 Specialist® Carb/Throttle Body & Parts Cleaner with attachable precision straw is the only all-in-one carburetor cleaner spray you will need to clean your carburetor, throttle body, and unpainted metal parts. What makes this cleaner unique is the dual-action cleaning system.

How do I know if my lawn mower carburetor is bad?

Dirty Carburetor SymptomsThe lawn mower engine has trouble starting.The engine starts but stalls while you're cutting the lawn.The engine runs rough during mowing.Black smoke is seen coming out of the muffler.There is a noticeable increase in fuel consumption during normal lawn mower use.May 13, 2020

How to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running

Follow the steps below to find the root cause of your sputtering lawnmower.

Frequently Asked Questions

The short answer is yes. However, leaving the carburetor on the engine won’t thoroughly clear restrictions. Some sources recommend turning the engine on as you spray carb cleaner through the element. This tactic is dangerous and does not guarantee cleanliness.

When to Call a Pro

If the above suggestions don’t keep your mower running, consider calling the pros. Your machine might have a damaged element that is difficult to identify and restore alone.

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.

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 Does My Lawn Mower Only Run For a Few Seconds Then Dies?

If your lawnmower starts and then dies after a few moments, there are a few reasons for this happening. Reasons are common, and they comprise a dirty carburetor, a faulty spark plug, lack of gas to the engine, or a clogged air filter.

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.

Air and Spark

We’ve seen how an old air filter can cause a dirty air filter. If your air filter is clogged, the engine won’t get enough air to burn.

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.

Why does my lawn mower stop running?

Also, if there is too much grass and other debris clogging the blades of the mower, it can also cause it to stop running.

Why does my lawn mower lose power?

Some of the issues can be quite minor, such as the battery being drained or a bit of plastic being stuck somewhere , while others can be serious issues with the lawn mower carburetor or some part of the power equipment.

What happens if your air filter is dirty?

If the air filter is dirty or clogged, sufficient air cannot pass through to the carburetor, which diminishes the power of the engine. Most lawn mower filters are cleanable; all you need to do is just make it as clean as required.

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.

Why is the repair process a trial and error process?

The repair process can be a trial and error process because you have to go through all the possibilities until you have figured out the main cause of the issue.

What causes a lawn mower to die?

The Lawn mower starts then dies? The most common reason a lawn mower starts and then dies, is because the carburetor is dirty. Other possible causes include: 1 Stale/Dirty Gas 2 Faulty Choke 3 Gas Filter Blocked 4 Gas Tank Blocked 5 Gas Line Blocked

Why won't my mower stay running?

Mower Won't Stay Running. The reason it starts and dies is because the engine gets a shot of gas from the choke operation (or primer bulb) - that's enough to get it running, but the blockage in the carburetor starves it of additional gas and then the engine stalls. Cleaning the carburetor and fresh gas will usually solve the problem, ...

What are the symptoms of a lawn mower that runs rough?

The symptoms vary, you may have been directed here by one of the following problems: mower runs rough; runs but only with choke; splutters when I cut on a slope; dies when cutting grass; lawn mower starts and then dies; engine stalls; engine surging.

How long does gas last in a lawn mower?

Using a gas stabilizer will keep the gas in your mower and your gas can fresh for up to two years.

Does ethanol affect lawn mowers?

The ethanol attracts small amounts of moisture from the atmosphere, this isn't a problem when the mower is being used regularly. Unsurprisingly the complaint is most common in the spring, when over the winter months the gas has evaporated and left a gummy type deposit.

What is the purpose of a carburetor in a lawn mower?

The function of the carburetor is to mix air and gas together. Although lawn mower small engines are simple, the carburetors are quite precise bits of kit. They're designed to mix the air and gas to a ratio of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel, commonly known as AFR (Air Fuel Ratio). This ratio offers optimum performance.

Do you need to clean the fuel bowl on a lawn mower?

The bowl will collect dirt and moisture and will need to be cleaned. In some cases you may only need to clean the fuel bowl and fuel feed bolt. Not all mowers have the fuel feed bolt.

Why won't my lawn mower start?

If your lawn mower won’t start then this could due to a lot of causes. It could be from a dirty carburetor, a malfunctioning spark plug, insufficient flow of gas to the engine or a clogged air filter. But if your lawn mower starts then dies, the causes could also be the same. The most common cause of why a lawn mower starts then dies can be due ...

Why does my lawn mower die?

The most common cause of why a lawn mower starts then dies can be due to a carburetor problem. If you lack the proper maintenance for your lawn mower, the carburetor is most likely to have issues.

How to make sure your carburetor is working?

To make sure you’ll have a working carburetor, clean it with carburetor cleaner Because most of the time a build up of dirt and grime in your carb will cause your mower to start and stop . (It is a very easy fix try this first)

Why does gas leave residue in my lawn mower?

Gas, when left out for a very long period of time in your mower’s tank could form residue due to the evaporation of its volatile component and leaving particles that will form into residues.

Why is my car not working with a loose carburetor?

Loose carburetor#N#A loose carburetor will not let your engine function well because there will be an insufficient flow and atomization of gas due to unstable attachment of the carburetor.

Why is my spark plug dirty?

This can be due to the carbon build-up inside the socket of the spark plug which can weaken the spark make sure your spark plug is not degraded and burnt out . If you have a relatively new spark plug already installed, you just need to clean it up and wipe out the carbon deposits and oil.

What is the function of a carburetor?

The function of the carburetor is to mix gas and air to make it more combustible for the pistons to burn. Small and compact, the carburetors do precise work by mixing just the right proportion of oxygen and gas which we call AFR (Air Fuel Ratio).

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13 hours ago lawn mower starts but stops after a few seconds. Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. The carburetor might be clogged.

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13 hours ago Sep 16, 2021 · A dirty carburetor is the most common reason a lawn mower won’t continue running. Carburetors regulate the air and fuel mixture that creates internal combustion and powers the engine. If the component is dirty, your lawnmower will display the following symptoms: Struggles to start Spits out black smoke Consumes more fuel than usual Runs rugged

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12 hours ago Nov 06, 2021 · Why does my lawn mower start but not stay operating? Your Mower Will Not Start: Various other feasible reasons consist of: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Ignition System in Your Mower: Inspect it out, wipe particles, re-connect and …

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6 hours ago May 28, 2021 · 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.

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30 hours ago Your Mower Won't Start: Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. Click to see full answer.

6.How to Fix a Lawn Mower That Won’t Stay Running

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31 hours ago A dirty air filter is another reason your lawn mower might not continue running. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, sufficient air cannot pass through to the carburetor, which diminishes the power of the engine. Most lawn mower filters are cleanable; all you need to do is just make it as clean as required. Dirty Spark Plug

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12 hours ago There may be lots of reasons a lawnmower won’t start, but you are lucky, your mower is telling you clearly what the problem is. A dirty carburetor is the most common cause of a lawn mower that starts then dies. Other possible causes include: Stale/Dirty Gas Faulty Choke Gas Filter Blocked Gas Tank Blocked Gas Line Blocked

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19 hours ago There are a number of possible causes why a lawn mower starts then dies. It could be a failure with the spark plug, lack of gas flow to the engine, a clogged air filter and the most common is a dirty carburetor. Actually, most of the problems that stall the engine while it is just starting come from the carburetor.

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