Everyone loves the look of a lush, green lawn – but keeping it that way requires regular maintenance. Unfortunately, when you’re dealing with machines, even the most diligent handyman can experience hiccups from time to time. If your trusty lawn mower isn’t starting, don’t fret! There are several simple fixes you can try to get it up and running again in no time.
In this article, we’ll take a look at nine of the most common issues that cause your lawn mower to refuse to start, and provide easy-to-follow instructions on how to solve them. From spark plugs that won’t ignite to air filters that need replacing, we’ve got you covered.
We know how frustrating it can be when your trusty mower won’t start as you prepare for a weekend of yard work. So grab your tools and let’s get started – with our help, you’ll have your lawn looking like a golf course in no time!
Check The Spark Plug
When a lawn mower won’t start, it can be incredibly frustrating. Take the case of Mark, who bought a new lawn mower only to find that it wouldn’t start. He tried everything he could think of but nothing worked. He eventually realized the problem was with the spark plug.
Checking the spark plug is one of the first things you should do if your lawn mower won’t start. Begin by disconnecting the spark plug wire and examining its condition; if it’s cracked or frayed, replace it immediately. You should also check for any deposits on the electrode and clean them off with a wire brush if needed. Finally, make sure there’s enough gap between the electrodes — if not, use a gap gauge to adjust it accordingly.
Once you’ve completed all these steps, reattach the spark plug wire and try starting your lawn mower again. If it still won’t start, then you may need to check other components like gasoline or air filters before getting help from an expert technician. With proper maintenance and regular checks on key parts like the spark plug, you’ll have better luck avoiding such problems in future — and keep your lawn mower running smoothly all season long!
Check The Gasoline
Rumbling to life can be tricky business, especially when it comes to lawn mowers. The gasoline is the fuel that powers the mower and can often be the cause of a stubborn engine.
When your lawn mower isn’t starting, you’ll want to inspect the gasoline first. It’s possible for dirt and debris to build up in the tank over time, which means there may not be enough clean gas available for your mower to run properly. If this is the case, drain out any old gas and fill it with fresh fuel. Plus, make sure the shut-off valve is open so there’s no interruption in supply.
If the fuel tank is clean and there’s still no success getting your lawn mower running, then it might be time to take a look at other components like the air filter or spark plug. In any case, it’s important to be proactive and take steps to ensure that all parts are functioning correctly before firing up your machine again.
Inspect The Air Filter
Keeping your lawn mower running like a well-oiled machine is vital for keeping your lawn looking its best. But when your mower won’t start, it can be a real frustration. One of the key items to check if you’re having this problem is the air filter. It’s often overlooked, but it plays an important role in getting your mower going again.
To tackle this issue, take off the air filter cover and inspect what’s inside. If you find that it’s clogged with dirt and debris, then cleaning or replacing it could be the fix you need. Pull out any blockages carefully with a screwdriver or tweezers, then use some compressed air to blow away any remaining dust or debris.
Now that you’ve put in some elbow grease to get the air filter back in shape, it’s time to get your mower running again by putting everything back together. Once the cover is secure, try firing up your engine again — if all goes according to plan, you should hear that satisfying sound of success!
TIP: Regular maintenance goes a long way towards preventing these problems from happening in the first place! Make sure to clean or change the air filter regularly as part of your regular care routine for optimal performance.
Change The Oil
It’s important to remember that changing the oil in your lawn mower is a necessary part of regular maintenance, but it doesn’t always solve the problem when your lawn mower won’t start. That said, if you’re having trouble with starting your machine, it’s worth a try.
To do this right, you’ll need to use the proper tools and materials. Start by getting an oil-funnel and new SAE30 oil (or whatever type your manufacturer recommends). Then, tilt your lawn mower so the spark plug is facing up and drain out the old oil. Once that’s done, replace the dipstick and fill up with fresh oil until it reaches the “full” line indicated on the dipstick.
After that, just put everything back together like normal and give it another go. If this doesn’t work then don’t worry – there could be other things going wrong with your mower. Keep troubleshooting until you find a solution! Cleaning the carburetor may be next on our list to get your lawn mower running again…
Clean The Carburetor
Now that you’ve changed the oil, it’s time to move on to cleaning the carburetor. This is an important step for when your lawn mower won’t start, so don’t skip it! It’s a fairly simple process and can be done in just a few steps. First, you’ll need to take off the air filter housing to access the carburetor. Make sure you have a screwdriver handy and be careful not to damage any parts while removing them. Once all of the screws are out, set aside the housing and use a rag or brush to remove dirt and debris from around the carburetor. Next, you’ll need to clean inside and outside of the carburetor itself. To do this safely and effectively, you’ll want to use some carburetor cleaner and a soft brush or cloth. Spray both inside and outside of the carburetor with cleaner until it’s completely clean, but be sure not to get any liquid near electrical components or wiring! Finally, reassemble the air filter housing by putting back each screw in its place before moving on. TIP: Be thorough when cleaning your carburetor as any leftover dirt or grime can prevent your lawn mower from starting up properly. Cleaning your carburetor regularly will ensure it runs smoothly for years to come!
Clean The Muffler
There’s nothing quite like starting up your mower and getting to work on the lawn. It’s like a symphony, with the engine humming and the blades spinning. But when it won’t start, it can feel like you’re trying to get a sleeping bear out of hibernation!
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that may be able to help you get your mower running. Here’s what you should check in order to fix a lawn mower that won’t start:
- Check the spark plug
- Clean the carburetor
- Clean the muffler
The muffler is an important part of the engine, and it can quickly get clogged up with grass clippings or other debris. If your lawn mower isn’t starting, try taking off the muffler cover and giving it a good clean with some compressed air or soap and water. This should help clear away any blockages and may just be enough to get your lawn mower running again. Taking care of this simple task can save you from having to make more complicated repairs down the line.
Next up is adjusting the throttle cable, which is another essential step for getting your lawn mower going again…
Adjust The Throttle Cable
Tinkering with a lawn mower can be like navigating a minefield, but if you know what you’re doing it can be a simple fix. Adjusting the throttle cable is just another step in the process of getting your lawn mower running again. It’s like giving your lawn mower the kickstart it needs to get going; without it, you won’t be able to move forward.
First thing’s first: locate the throttle cable and detach it from the bracket that holds it in place. Then adjust the tension of the cable by turning the screw counterclockwise until it’s loose enough for you to pull on and tighten up when necessary. If you don’t have an adjustable wrench, use pliers to turn the screw instead.
Once you’ve adjusted and secured the tension, check that everything is working properly. Give your lawn mower a few pulls and make sure that when you let go of the handle, it returns back to its original position – if not, then try adjusting again until it does.
TIP: Make sure that all other components are in good condition before attempting to adjust any part of your lawn mower – this will save time and energy down the line!
Test The Ignition Coil
Now we’re onto testing the ignition coil. This is an important step to get your mower running. Older mowers usually have a single ignition coil and newer ones have a pair of coils. Here’s what you need to do for both:
- Disconnect the spark plug boot from the spark plug
- Remove the wire nut or screws that connect the ignition coil to the engine
- Use an ohm meter to test for resistance across terminals on the coil
- If resistance is not reading correctly, then replace the coil
Testing your lawn mower’s ignition coil can be a tricky job, so make sure you’re prepared with all of the right tools before you start. Be sure to check your user manual and follow their instructions carefully as it may differ depending on your type and model of lawn mower. If you don’t have access to an ohm meter, take it to a repair shop and they’ll be able to check it for you.
Once you’ve tested the ignition coil, it’s time to move onto checking the fuel line for cracks or signs of damage or obstruction.
Check The Fuel Line
You’re in the home stretch when it comes to finding out why your lawn mower won’t start. To get it going again, you need to check the fuel line. It’s a piece of cake when you have the know-how – let’s take a closer look! First off, let’s go over what you’ll need for this job:
- A pair of work gloves
- A screwdriver
- A can of carburetor cleaner
Right then, now that we’ve got our ducks in a row, let’s get started; it shouldn’t take too long! If there’s one thing that’ll stop your lawn mower dead in its tracks, it’s a clogged fuel line. So make sure to inspect the entire length of the fuel line for any blockages or build-up before you move on to anything else. You can do this by using your screwdriver to remove both ends of the fuel line and giving them a proper clean with some carburetor cleaner – just be sure to wear those gloves! Once everything is nice and sparkly clean, put everything back together again and make sure all the fittings are secure. That should do it – with any luck, your lawn mower will roar into life in no time!
Clean The Blades
Maintaining the blades of a lawnmower is an essential step in ensuring it runs smoothly. This tenth step in our guide to fixing a mower that won’t start requires some gentle cleaning.
For this task, you’ll need some mild detergent and a brush. While wearing protective gloves, mix the detergent with warm water before applying it to the blades. Then, use the brush to scrub away any dirt, grass clippings, or other debris that may have gotten stuck on them during your last mowing session. After all traces of grime and dust have been removed, rinse off the blades with fresh water and allow them to dry completely before inspecting them for any signs of rust or damage.
This simple maintenance will help keep your lawn mower running at its best for longer – so don’t skip this important step! With clean blades and all other possible issues resolved, you can now move on to inspecting their condition.
Inspect The Blades
Now that you’ve cleaned the blades, it’s time to inspect them. The blades of your lawn mower are essential for a healthy cut and smooth operation, so it’s important to investigate if there may be any issues. Here are a few things to consider when inspecting your blades:
- Check for damage or wear and tear
- Ensure the blade is securely attached to the mower
- Tighten any loose screws or bolts
- Check for rust or corrosion
- Sharpen the blade if necessary
It’s easy to overlook these components when troubleshooting why your lawn mower won’t start, but they can have an impact on its performance. Ensuring that everything is in good condition and properly secured will give you peace of mind that all parts are functioning as intended. With a quick assessment, you’ll be ready to move onto testing the battery…
Test The Battery
One of the most common causes of a lawn mower not starting is a dead battery. Before you go and buy a new one, it’s worth testing your existing battery to make sure that this is the issue. You’ll need to use a voltmeter for this task, so grab one from your local hardware store if you don’t already have one.
To test the battery, first locate the terminals (positive and negative) on the battery. Attach the voltmeter’s probes onto each terminal – start with negative first. If you get a reading of around 12 volts or higher, then the battery is fine. If it reads significantly less than that, then it’s likely time to replace it.
TIP: A good way to check if your battery can still hold its charge is to try charging it up overnight and seeing if that makes any difference at all to how well your mower runs in the morning.
If your battery checks out ok, then it may be worth looking into other potential causes such as dirty spark plugs or blocked fuel lines before you give up and take your lawn mower in for repair.
Sharpen The Blades
Armed with a few simple tools, sharpening your lawn mower blades is a breeze! To get the job done right, let’s go over the simple steps to take.
First off, enlisting the help of an old-school metaphorical handiness can help you get it done – as they say, there’s no replacement for experience! So, if you’re feeling a bit uneasy about taking on this task yourself, make sure to reach out to an experienced lawn care professional or handyman.
Now that we’ve got that taken care of, here are four easy steps to get your blades nice and sharp:
- Remove each blade from the mower carefully;
- Clean off any dirt or debris with a wire brush;
- Use a grinding wheel or file to sharpen each blade; and
- Reattach each blade in its original position on the mower.
Once you’ve finished up with these four steps, your blades should be ready for action! But don’t forget to check them regularly throughout the season in order to keep them in tip top shape – it only takes a few minutes but can have a huge impact on how well your lawn mower operates. Now all that’s left is replacing the fuel filter so let’s move onto that next…
Replace The Fuel Filter
Did you know that nearly one-third of all lawnmower problems are caused by a clogged fuel filter? It’s true, and it’s why it’s important to replace the fuel filter in your mower every season.
Replacing the fuel filter is a simple but vital task for any handyman. The process usually involves unscrewing the old filter, installing a new one, and then reconnecting the fuel line. It doesn’t require any specialized tools or a great deal of effort – just make sure the replacement part matches your model of mower.
Once you’ve replaced the fuel filter, there are some other maintenance tasks you can do to keep your mower running smoothly. Check the spark plug for signs of wear or corrosion and take care to ensure that all other components are properly lubricated and working correctly.
TIP: Always use fresh gasoline when filling up your lawnmower – it’ll help ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible!
Replace The Spark Plug
It’s pretty much inevitable that you’ll run into issues while mowing the lawn. One of the most common problems is when your lawn mower won’t start. So, if you’ve ever found yourself in this position, let’s look at what it takes to replace the spark plug.
Replacing a spark plug can be a simple process, depending on your machine and how familiar you are with small engine repairs. You’ll need to purchase a new spark plug that matches the manufacturer’s specifications, as well as some basic tools, like:
• Socket wrench • Ratchet • Sparkplug socket • Gap gauge • Extension cord • Replacement oil filter (if applicable)
Taking all these steps will ensure you’re replacing your spark plug properly and safely. Be sure to turn off the engine before making any changes or repairs – no matter how minor they may seem! Once all of the necessary tools are gathered and your engine is off, it’ll be time to replace the spark plug itself. Carefully remove the old one and install the new one, then use a gap gauge to check for proper gaps between electrodes. Finally, reassemble everything and test out your machine to make sure everything is running smoothly!
Working on small engines can be intimidating but with some patience, practice, and good instruction it’s possible to diagnose and repair common issues with confidence. By taking on this job yourself you’re likely saving money compared to working with a professional – so don’t be afraid of tackling tough tasks!
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of your lawn mower is essential for ensuring its longevity and performance. With a few simple maintenance steps, you can keep your lawn mower running like new for years to come. Regularly changing the oil and air filter, sharpening the blades, replacing the spark plug and fuel filter, cleaning the carburetor and checking the gasoline are all important steps to take in order to keep your lawn mower in top shape.
Surprisingly, statistics show that more than 95% of people who own lawn mowers don’t regularly perform basic maintenance on their machines. This means that most people are missing out on one of the best ways to ensure their lawn mower runs smoothly: regular maintenance.
If you want to get the most out of your lawn mower and make sure it runs well for years to come, be sure to follow these 9 fixes when your lawn mower won’t start. Taking just a few minutes each season to perform basic maintenance tasks will help keep your machine running like new for many years down the road!