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 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
Why is lawn mower hard to start?
Lawn Mower Hard To Start When Cold – Why?
- The Main Reason Why Lawn Mowers Can Be Hard to Start When It’s Cold. ...
- Check Your Oil Level and Quality Before You Try to Start Your Mower. ...
- The Type of Oil You Use Matters: Some Function Better in Colder Weather. ...
- Other Things to Check If Your Mower is Hard to Start in Cold Weather. ...
- Summary: A Process of Elimination. ...
How do you start a lawn mower?
Repeat the pulling process until the lawnmower starts.
- The first thing that you have to do is to ensure that your lawnmower is equipped enough with gas and oil.
- Once everything is set, locate the starter cord that’s attached to the lawnmower. This can often be found at the back.
- To start it, grab the cord handle and pull it in a quick upward motion. Repeat the pulling process until the lawnmower starts.
Why is it so hard to start my lawn mower?
Your Mower Won't Start: If you have last season's gas in your mower, drain your fuel tank and fill with fresh gas. 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.
Why does my lawnmower take so long to start?
Your lawn mower takes so many pulls to start because the fuel filter is filled with debris, the spark plugs aren't working, the battery is damaged, or there's not enough gas in the tank. A damaged engine can make the mower take more pulls to start because it won't combust the oxygen and fuel.
Why is my lawn mower cranking but not starting?
Dirty Air Filter An air filter that's not letting enough air into the motor can inhibit combustion. Locate the air filter on your mower and remove the plastic cover. If the filter is covered in dirt, grass, or some other contaminant, this may be the reason for your lawn mower turning over but not starting.
Why is my lawn mower hard to start after it warms up?
A small engine, such as a lawnmower engine, generates a lot of heat. If the engine cannot dissipate that heat, it will likely stop running and will not restart. After the engine cools, you may be able to fire it up again, but it probably will bog down and stop after it overheats once more.
How do I make my lawnmower start easier?
0:582:38Rick's Tips; Hard to Start Lawnmower Tips! Noreen's Kitchen - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI found out who took and pushed it down like this three times is to write up and said well we giveMoreI found out who took and pushed it down like this three times is to write up and said well we give that a try. Because you'll see it won't start out first of all anymore. In a second.
How can I make my lawn mower pull easier to start?
To make pulling the cord easier, shift the lawnmower height up to start the machine, then lower it back down to your desired grass height to begin cutting.
Why does my mower barely turn over?
Try replacing the fuel filter; a clogged one will make the mower run sluggishly. Alternatively, check the spark plug. A spark plug that's outlived its usefulness can cause a sluggish start. Pull the spark plug out, clean it off and reinstall it in the mower.
How do I know if my lawn mower spark plug is bad?
The more worn or dirty spark plugs are, the greater the tug on the rewind and more effort is required to produce an adequate spark. If you haven't turned on your engine recently, your mower won't start and/or you have to tug repeatedly on the rewind to start the engine, a damaged spark plug may be the culprit.
How do I clean the carburetor on my lawn mower?
2:095:13How 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 start a lawnmower cold?
Disconnect the spark plug cap and unscrew the spark plug from the front of the lawn mower engine. ... Brush the tip of the spark plug with the wire brush to remove any carbon and oil debris. ... Unscrew the air filter cover on the side of the mower. ... Press the primer button near the air filter cover three times with you thumb.More items...
Why does my lawnmower 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 check a lawn mower coil?
0:177:24How to Test a Lawnmower Coil - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr a twin cylinder let's say an opposed if it's a single cylinder go ahead and unplug your kill wireMoreOr a twin cylinder let's say an opposed if it's a single cylinder go ahead and unplug your kill wire. And then turn your engine over and see if it starts or check for spark.
Why is my lawn mower so slow?
The air filter A dirty air filter or one that has accumulated too much dirt and debris will certainly slow down your lawn more. It can also cut off power supply to the engine and in the process, make your lawn mower weak. With that in mind, avoid using your mower if the air filter is clogged.
Why is my lawn mower running sluggish?
The dusty conditions can plug the air filter causing the lawn mower to run rough and sluggish when the engine can't get sufficient air. Solution: Remove your air filter and check its condition. Clean a dirty air filter and replace it when it is extremely dirty, covered in oil or not in good condition.
Where should the throttle be to start a lawn mower?
Some lawnmowers have a throttle that you have to put in the starting position. This handle can often be found halfway between the housing and the handle. Then pull the engine brake lever at the top of the handle towards you.
Why does my lawn mower sound weak?
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.
Why is my gas lawn mower hard to start?
If you have a gas-powered lawnmower, one of the most common problems you might face is that it is hard to start. This is especially the case when the weather is cold . If you are finding you Lawn mower hard to start when cold, here are the steps you should take to identify the problem and then hopefully resolve it.
Why won't my lawn mower start?
Another reason why a mower won’t start is that the spark plug is not fitted correctly, is dirty or is just old. Check to see that it is correctly in place, and if it is dirty, give it a clean. Changing spark plugs every year is not expensive and can help avoid these kinds of problems.
How to start stubborn mower?
Applying some starter fluid to the tip of the spark plug may also help with starting stubborn mowers. Also check the wires are all connected correctly.
Why is oil thicker in cold weather?
For this reason, it may be the case that oil that works fine in the warmer summer months will not be able to do the same job in colder conditions.
What happens if you run out of gas?
If you run out of gas, this may be sucked into the gas lines and prevent the engine from starting. Check the gas lines are clear of debris to eliminate this possibility.
Why is my valve not working properly when cold?
Valve problems. If you have eliminated everything else, you may have a problem with your valve. Heat causes metals to change size and shape, and a valve that works well when heated may not work properly when cold, making the engine difficult to start.
Can you age gas?
Gas doesn’t age well, and if you have left fuel in the tank for a long period or over winter, you will probably have problems starting it again. If this is the case, empty the tank and refill it with fresh fuel to see if this solves the problem.
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 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 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!
Why won't my lawn mower start?
Most of the time when a lawn mower won't start the cause is a problem with the gas or the lawn mower carburetor.
What brand of lawn mower won't start?
Whether you’ve got a Toro la wn mower, a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower, or one of the other popular brands, the last thing you want once winter finally lifts and spring has sprung is a lawn mower that won’t start.
How to tell if a lawn mower carburetor is goner?
Examine the inside of the lawn mower carburetor. If you see chalky/powdery white corrosion like this, the carb is a goner.
What to do if your lawn mower starts rough?
If it starts but runs rough. If you got the engine to start by cleaning the main jet, but it runs rough or the idle speed surges, you have two choices—rebuild or replace the lawn mower carburetor. For rebuilding instructions, see “How to repair small engines.”.
How to clean a clogged carburetor?
Remove the carburetor bowl nut. Insert the carburetor cleaner straw directly into the main jet passage and squeeze the trigger on the can several times until the spray shoots into the venturi of the carburetor. That'll confirm the passage is open. A clogged main jet is a pretty common problem. You can try cleaning it with spray carburetor cleaner (Photo 4). Then try starting. If the engine still isn't getting gas, replace the carburetor.
What parts of a lawn mower are difficult to start?
If your lawn mower is difficult to start, check the following parts: the spark plug, primer bulb, and carburetor. Our symptom guide can help you better identify what is causing this problem and the best way to fix it accurately. This is a general guide for your repair; for more detailed information on your model, refer to the owner’s manual.
Why is my carburetor hard to start?
Most carburetor hard-to-start issues are the result of dirt, varnish, or other debris blocking the tiny fuel passages in the carburetor. Many of these passages, especially the ones in the idle circuit, are smaller than the diameter of a pin. It doesn’t take much dirt to completely clog them.
How does a fuel filter work on a lawn mower?
The fuel filter on your lawnmower removes any dirt or debris in the fuel before it can make its way into the carburetor. Many of the fuel passages in the carburetor are very tiny and any debris can quickly plug them. There are two common types of fuel filters used by lawnmower manufacturers: in-tank and in-line. In-tank filters are located inside of the fuel tank. Many of these filters fit inside the end of the fuel line and then the fuel line is attached to the fuel tank, pushing the filter into the tank. Some in-tank filters are permanently attached inside the tank. In-line fuel filters attach in the middle of the fuel line. The fuel lines press onto either side of the filter and are secured by a couple of hose clamps. As the fuel filter becomes plugged with debris, less fuel will be able to flow to the...
Why do lawn mowers use primer bulbs?
Some lawnmower engines use a primer bulb to assist with starting the engine cold. The primer bulb is pressed about three times before starting the engine. When the bulb is pressed it pumps air into the bowl on the carburetor. This pressurizes the bowl, which pushes fuel through the main jet, through the emulsion tube, and into the carburetor’s venturi where it can enter the engine. This extra fuel makes the engine easier to start when it is cold. The most common problem with primer bulbs is cracks forming in the bulb itself. As the bulb ages, the material it is made from will begin to harden, which will lead to the cracks. Once the cracks form, the air will leak out of the cracks rather than being pumped into the carburetor bowl. Occasionally, the primer base can be cracked or damaged and the hose leading from the primer bulb...
What happens if a plug is black?
If the plug is coated in a heavy, black carbon or tar, the engine is running rich and the plug may be fouled. If it has a white coating on the electrodes the engine may be running lean. A lean-running engine can quickly damage other engine parts such as the cylinder and piston, leading to costly repairs.
What is the main jet on a lawn mower?
At the base of the emulsion tube is the main jet. The main jet regulates the amount of fuel entering the engine when the throttle is wide open. After fuel passes through the main jet it enters the emulsion tube, where air mixes with the fuel,... If your lawnmower won’t start, one of the first parts you should inspect is the carburetor.
How to diagnose a hard start carburetor?
An easy way to diagnose a carburetor hard-starting issue is to spray a small amount of carburetor cleaner or starting fluid into the carburetor throat and then try to start the engine. If the engine fires and then dies a couple of seconds later you will know that you are dealing with a fuel delivery issue.
Why is my lawn mower so hard to start?
There’s one main reason why a lawn mower can be harder to start when the weather is colder – the oil. As the temperatures drop, oil flow is poorer than usual and that makes life tough for your mower’s engine.
Why is it so hard to start a gas mower?
Your gas mower needs enough air to burn the fuel and a clogged filter can prevent that.
How often should I replace a spark plug on a lawn mower?
The spark plug is super important, but I think a lot of folks don’t realize that it needs to be maintained just like other parts of your mower. At least once per year you should remove it, check it and clean/replace it if necessary. It’s possible you could have flooded the engine at some point (here’s how to start a flooded lawn mower by the way) or that the spark plug just needs replacing as you’ve been using the same one for so long.
How does dirty oil affect a mower?
Another thing to be vigilant of when you’re doing this is whether your oil looks dirty. Dirty engine oil is going to affect your mower just the same as too little oil; it’s going to be harder to start. If you notice the oil is dirty, remove it and add some fresh oil.
What to do if your lawnmower is black?
If it looks black and there’s a build-up of carbon, take a wire brush and give it a thorough cleaning. If that doesn’t work or it’s obvious that it’s broken when you inspect it, you need to buy a new one and install it. If this was the problem, your mower will be up and running again in no time!
Do oil changes stay thin?
These oils remain thin even in lower temperatures, which means they’ll flow into the engine right away when you start it up, thus ensuring the engine runs smoothly.
Why won't my mower start?from eeflee.com
If your throttle is not adjusted correctly it can cause the engine to not start. Sometime it may have operator problems also. Your mower may have an auto or manual choke. The choke is there to enrich the fuel engine that is why when the engine is hot it doesn’t start smoothly.
How to Fix All These Issues?from eeflee.com
Now lest see how to solve these problem by yourself, firstly we will look into problems that are easy to solve then we will go into deep and complicated stuff.
Why does my lawn mower have a cooling fin?from denresidence.com
The lawnmower engine may look small but it generates a tremendous amount of heat when in operation. To dissipate such extreme heat, it has cooling fins. But the problem is when you mow the lawn the grass clippings and other debris may clog the fins. Since the clogged fins can’t dissipate enough heat, the engine gets overheated and stop.
What happens if you don't tighten the bolts on your mower?from denresidence.com
This will make the engine of your mower shut off as well. Let me explain how.
How to open choke plate on throttle?from eeflee.com
Firstly remove the air filter hosing completely and when you turn on the throttle the choke plate should be open.
How to start a cool engine?from eeflee.com
The correct way to start a cool engine is to have you choke plate slightly covering/ closed. When the choke lever is being operated the choke plate must be completely closed.
How to tell if mower is compression poor?from denresidence.com
If the mower’s starter rope seems to move easier than it used to be, it indicates the compression is poor along with too large valve clearance. The compression issue is very common for mowers from Briggs and Stratton.
Why won't my car start when the starter is pulled?
When the starter rope is pulled and released, the recoil spring recoils the starter rope onto a pulley. If the recoil spring is broken, the rope won’t be able to recoil onto the pulley. As a result, the engine won’t start. Many recoil springs can be replaced individually, but it may be easier to replace the whole recoil starter assembly.
Why won't my engine start if the starter pulley is broken?
The recoil starter pulley winds up the starter rope when the rope is not in use. If the recoil pulley is broken or stuck, it won't be able to rewind the starter rope. As a result, the engine won't start. If the recoil starter pulley is broken, replace it.
What happens if the rewind spring is broken?
If the rewind spring is broken, the rope won’t be able to recoil onto the pulley. As a result, the engine won’t start. If the rewind spring is broken, replace it. Many rewind springs can be replaced individually, but it may be easier to replace the whole recoil starter assembly.
How to tell if a spark plug is defective?
To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking . If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced. Required Part. Lawn Mower Spark Plug.
Why is my hedge trimmer clogged?
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 make the engine hard to start. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
What to do if your carburetor is clogged?
If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor. Required Part. Lawn Mower Carburetor Repair Kit. Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product.
Why is my lawn mower fuel filter clogged?
A clogged fuel filter is most commonly caused by leaving old fuel in the lawn mower. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the fuel filter and make the engine hard to start. If old fuel was left in the lawn mower, ...
Why won't my car start?
If the engine will turn over easily and hiccups, won't rev or make power, or just won't start, then you may be looking at a fuel supply problem.
How long does it take to fix a compression blocked starter?
Fixed a compression blocked starter in 10 minutes. Great article, thanks for submitting.
What is the compression release on a lawn tractor?
Most of the overhead valve engines have a compression release feature that allows for the starter to not have to work hard to crank the engine. It's a slight raising, or bump, on the lobe of the camshaft.
Where is the model number on a Briggs engine?
Robert is that the First part of the Family number or the Model number? If that's a Briggs engine, the model number is stamped into the valve cover or on the sheet metal.
Can you back a Briggs coil?
On a stock engine, gaining that little advance improves performance. On most Briggs engines you can't back the coil up far enough to keep it from firing, but the spark may be late enough to cause hard starting and make it run a little weak. The position of the flywheel on the crankshaft is the primary timing.
Is Your Briggs and Stratton Hard to Start?
Does the engine struggle to turn over, and it seems as though the starter must be bad or the battery dead? Is it time to pay big bucks for lawnmower repair? How will you get that lawn tractor to the repair shop?