8 Common Lawn Mower Carburetor Problems (Fixes Included). Carburetor on push mower

Common Lawn Mower Carburetor Problems (Fixes Included)

A bad carburetor on your lawn mower can cause a variety of problems, from decreased performance to complete engine failure.

If your lawn mower’s carburetor is having problems, you’re likely to notice a decrease in its performance. Symptoms of a faulty carburetor can include difficulty starting, reduced engine power, an uneven or unstable engine idle, a rough running engine, and black smoke coming from the exhaust.

This article will describe the most frequent carburetor issues and how to detect and repair them.

What Does a Carburetor Do?

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The purpose of a lawn mower carburetor is to mix air and gasoline in the proper proportions for the engine to combust. The carburetor is usually located near the engine and is connected to the intake manifold.

The carburetor is responsible for controlling the flow of air and gasoline into the engine, resulting in a smooth and efficient engine operation.

Lawn Mower Carburetor Problems and The Solutions

If you’ve worked with lawn mower engines for a while, you’ll find that their symptoms are identical.

It can be hard to pinpoint the issue. So, let’s check the symptoms to determine if your lawn mower carburetor is bad.

Problem-1: Difficulty Starting the Engine

If your lawn mower has a carburetor issue, the first thing you should do is check for any clogs or blockages in the carburetor.

If the carburetor is blocked, it can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, making it difficult to start.

The Fix

Check the air filter, spark plug, and fuel lines for debris. If you locate these, clean or replace them. After clearing blockages, prime the carburetor to start the engine.

Starting the engine requires fueling the carburetor. If everything else fails, take the lawn mower to a professional for carburetor repair or replacement.

Problem-2: Engine Doesn’t Idle

Idle and choke issues may cause the engine to stall and idle poorly. These parts start the engine and let it idle. The lawn mower will idle incorrectly if this mixture ratio is inaccurate.

The Fix

To try and fix the problem, you can try cleaning the carburetor. Once the carburetor is clean, reinstall it and try starting the lawn mower again. If the problem still persists, you may need to replace the carburetor.

Problem.3: Black Smoke Coming From The Exhaust

Smoke coming from the exhaust of a lawn mower could be a sign of a carburetor problem. The most common cause of black smoke is a blocked air filter or a carburetor that is not properly adjusted.

If the carburetor is not adjusted properly, it will cause the engine to run too rich, which will also result in black smoke.

The Fix

Clean the carburetor. It is best to take the lawn mower to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Problem-4: Lower than Usual Engine Power

If your lawn mower has a carburetor, the most common cause of low engine power is a dirty or clogged carburetor. A dirty or clogged carburetor can cause the engine to run rough or not at all.

The Fix

If your lawn mower is having a problem with low power, the first step is to make sure the carburetor is clean and properly adjusted.

If the engine still runs rough or does not have enough power, you may need to replace the carburetor.

Problem-5: Unusual Engine Noise

Unusual engine noise from a lawn mower carburetor could be caused by a few different things. The most common cause is a dirty or clogged carburetor.

A dirty carburetor can prevent proper fuel and air mixing, which can lead to a rough idle and unusual engine noise.

The Fix

Before attempting to diagnose and fix the problem, it is important to make sure the engine is turned off, the spark plug is removed, and the carburetor is clear of debris.

Problem-6: Fuel Leaks from The Carburetor

Leaking fuel from the carburetor of a lawn mower is usually caused by a damaged or worn-out fuel bowl gasket.

The gasket is located between the carburetor and the fuel bowl, and if it is not properly sealed, it can cause fuel to leak out.

The Fix

Replacing the gasket is usually an easy fix and can be done with the help of a repair manual.

If you suspect a fuel leak from the carburetor, it is important to diagnose and repair the issue as soon as possible. This can help prevent further damage to the lawn mower engine, as well as potential fire hazards.

Problem-7: Vibrations Coming from The Engine

If you are experiencing vibrations coming from your lawn mower engine, it is likely due to an issue with the carburetor.

The carburetor is responsible for mixing the fuel and air in the proper amounts to ensure the engine runs smoothly. If the carburetor is not adjusted or maintained properly, it can cause imbalances which can lead to vibrations.

The Fix

You can try to adjust the carburetor yourself, but it is highly recommended that you take your mower to a qualified technician to have the carburetor adjusted or serviced.

The technician will be able to properly diagnose and repair any issues with the carburetor.

Problem-8: Engine Runs Too Fast or Too Slow

If your lawn mower engine is running too fast or too slow, it could be an issue with the carburetor. The carburetor can become clogged with dirt, debris, or old fuel, causing the engine to run too slowly or too quickly.

The Fix

You can try cleaning the carburetor with a carburetor cleaner to see if that helps. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the carburetor or have a professional do it for you.

How To Clean Lawn Mower Carburetor?

Carburetor maintenance keeps costs down. Dirt, oil, and gasoline deposits cause most carburetor issues. So, cleaning your carburetor is crucial. The steps are given below:

Step 1: Locate Carburetor

The carburetor is normally located on the side or top of the engine, near the air filter.

Step 2: Drain Fuel

Remove the fuel line from the carburetor and drain any remaining fuel from the carburetor.

Step 3: Remove air filter

Remove the air filter and any other coverings to expose the carburetor.

Step 4: Disconnect linkages

Disconnect the linkages that connect the throttle and choke to the carburetor.

Step 5: Remove carburetor

Remove the screws or bolts that hold the carburetor in place and then remove the carburetor.

Step 6: Clean carburetor

Use a carburetor cleaner and a brush to clean the carburetor. Be sure to pay close attention to all the small passages and jets.

Step 7: Reassemble

Reassemble the carburetor and linkages and reconnect the fuel line.

Step 8: Test

Start the engine and test the idle and throttle response. If the engine runs smoothly, the carburetor is clean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Does My Lawnmower Carb Get Dirty?

Dirty lawnmower carburetors cause poor starting, stalling, and engine performance. When a carburetor doesn’t stay clean, check the air and fuel systems since it combines air and fuel in fixed amounts before sending it to the cylinder.

Can lawnmowers use carburetor cleaner?

This may usually be done without removing the carburetor from the engine. Buy commercial lawnmower carburetor cleaner. Opens a spray-can window that makes carb cleaning easy.

Is cleaning the carburetor enough?

A carburetor repair kit can replace the float, float needle, gaskets, and diaphragms in addition to cleaning it. Replace the carburetor if it still performs poorly.

How to change a lawn mower carburetor?

A carburetor is the core element that keeps your Lawnmower running strong and perform better. The lawnmower carburetor ensures that the proper mixture of fuel and air will enter the engine cylinder for combustion. When ignited by the spark plug, the fuel and air mixture will combust, forcing the engine piston downward, which rotates the crankshaft causing the lawnmower blade to spin and the lawnmower wheels or riding mower wheels to turn.

The most censorious component for the functionality of a Lawnmower is the carburetor. If the carburetor is clogged with dirt, it has water damage, debris, gummed-up gasoline, rough engine running, running rich, stalling, and many other problems. Replace a damaged or restricted riding lawn mower carburetor with a manufacturer-approved replacement part.

If the carburetor is not beyond repair, you can rebuild it instead of replacing it.

How to change a lawn mower carburetor?

For your Lawnmower’s smooth working, follow these steps to replace a carburetor yourself without calling in a professional.

• Step 1. Unhook the wire within the spark plug.
• Step 2. Bring out the air filter housing.
• Step 3. Drain the fuel tank.
• Step 4. Remove the blower housing.
• Step 5. Remove the carburetor.
• Step 6. Install the new carburetor.
• Step 7. Restored the blower housing.
• Step 8. Attach the fuel lines to the tank.
• Step 9. Reinstall the air filter casing.
• Step 10. Affix the spark plug wire.

Steps To Follow:

The steps mentioned above will undoubtedly help you get familiar with mechanical components and save your time and cash. Do not worry, as we promised; we would discuss every step individually.

Step 1. Unhook the wire within the spark plug:

Firstly, you have to disengage the primary spark plug wire. Probably the most important safety precaution that you can take when doing your repairs or maintenance on a lawnmower is to disconnect the spark plug wire before you do anything else.

Merely follow these simple for the segregation of ignition wire. Disconnect the spark plug. Then, remove the rubber “boot” that connects the spark plug to the wire. In the end, make sure to turn it, so the back of the boot is facing the spark plug. Another prime concern is that you must be working in a well-ventilated area to prevent any property and self-damage.

Step 2. Bring out the air filter housing:

Secondly, you have to detach the air filter casing. Then, unbolt the screws and pull the air filter cover off. After that, take out the air filter. At that moment, unfasten the screws from the base of an air filter. Lastly, release the breather tube, and then last but not least, pull off the air filter base.

Step 3. Drain the fuel tank:

Next, you have to drain the gas tank. First, place a shop rag or piece of cloth under the fuel tank to catch the dribbled out fuel. Then, place a fuel-safe container under the gas line connected to the fuel tank. Farthest away, release the spring clamp and separate the fuel line from the gas tank. This is how you drain the gasoline into the container. For cleanliness during your work, it is better to wipe up any fuel drizzles promptly.

Step 4. Remove the blower housing:

Then, disengage the outer blower casing. The following steps will help you to disengage the casing. At first, you have to dispatch the starter rope from the main handle of the mower. Afterward, unfasten the screws from the outer blower casing, and the next step is to take off the engine’s blower housing.

Step 5. Remove the carburetor:

It is recommended that you record a video during this procedure or take some photos of the assembly after every step to be easy for you to install the new one on the same procedure.

Firstly, separate the carburetor mounting bracket arms to release the carburetor. Carefully disassemble the screws and jets. Now, disconnect the carburetor from the carburetor adapter. Then, grasp the carburetor above the bracket and disconnect the main lines that govern the carburetor’s functioning. At that point, remove the choke linkage rods, remove the carburetor, and then release the fuel line with a spring clamp. Last in order, pull the fuel line off the carburetor.

Step 6. Install the new carburetor:

Initially, push the O-ring into the outlet port of the new carburetor. Then, install the retainer on top of the O-ring. Now, Connect the fuel line to the new carburetor and secure it with the spring clamp. You have to hold the carburetor over the mounting brackets, connect the governor, and choke linkage rods. Later, push the carburetor into the bracket arms and fully push the outlet port onto the carburetor adapter. In the end, push the air cleaner gasket into the channel on the carburetor inlet.

Step 7. Restore the blower housing:

Reconnect the blower housing by following the steps below:

• Step 1: Set the blower housing on the top of the engine and line up the mounting holes.
• Step 2: The blower housing mounting bolts and screws must fit tightly to maintain the balance of the whole assembly.
• Step 3: Re-join the starter rope to the handle of the mower.

Step 8. Attach the fuel lines to the tank:

Push the fuel line onto the tank fitting and secure it with the spring clamp. It would be best to be cautious in connecting the fuel lines so that no fuel leakage occurs.

Step 9. Reinstall the air filter casing:

The following steps will help you to reconnect the casing of the air filter.

Position the air filter base on the front of the carburetor and reconnect the breather tube. Secure the air filter base with the mounting screws. Reinstall the air filter. Position the air filter cover on the front of the base and snap it into place, engaging the locking tab.

Step 10. Affix the spark plug wire:

Push the spark plug wire back onto the spark plug. The whole assembly is back in its original position. Now it’s time to run your mower to check whether the system functions up to the mark.

Frequently asked questions:

How do I know if my lawnmower carburetor is terrible?

Some symptoms are showing that your carburetor is full of dirt, dust, and debris.

• The lawnmower engine has trouble starting.
• The engine starts but stalls while you are 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 everyday lawn mower use.

Can you clean a carburetor without taking it apart?

You can clean the outside of the carburetor without disassembling it, but the critical stuff to clean is on the inside, and for that, it must be disassembled not all the parts but the outer casing at least. Buy a good quality carb cleaner that is an aerosol spray. Clean all of the passages thoroughly with it. This is how, without removing the carburetor, you can clean your dirty, dusty and carburetor with old grass and debris.

Is it better to rebuild a carburetor or buy a new one?

In my opinion, it is better to rebuild a carburetor rather than replacing it. The internal parts like spark plugs, choke linkages, fuel lines, and head gaskets maybe weakened and crumble, which in return cause multiple problems. Besides, the gas that sits in the fuel bowl can deteriorate and start to vanish parts inside the carburetor. So it is recommended to replace only the defective parts timely. Some replacement carburetors cost 400 to 600.

Final Remarks

A carburetor ensures that the air-fuel mixture in the appropriate proportion is supplied to the engine that ignites in the cylinder to drive the piston. Like all other devices and machinery, timely care and maintenance of mowers can prevent any major or critical issues. The tuning and cleaning of vital parts are recommended timely. In severe cases, defective parts must be replaced well in time to prevent the abruption in the mower system. Proper maintenance and preventive measures enhance the life of the components, their functionality, help our machine work properly, prevent corrosion, and save costly replacements. Its care decides whether our Lawnmower will provide service for years or fizzles early. If you find that your current Lawnmower’s repairing and maintenance will be expensive, you should better invest more and get yourself a new lawnmower.

How To Locate and Clean The Carburetor On A Lawn Mower? | A Beginners Guide

Like a car engine, the carburetor on a lawn mower helps the engine run. It ensures that a proper mix of gas and air enters the engine cylinder to allow for proper combustion, increasing overall fuel efficiency. In addition to overtime wear and tear, the carburetor of a lawn mower is also prone to damage from the lawn debris that can clog up the air filters, thus limiting the carburetor and lawn mower’s function. In this article, find out where is the carburetor on a lawn mower.

Keeping the carburetor of your lawn mower clean, well-maintained and in good shape is very important. It is a great way to save yourself some money, increase the lifetime of your mower and avoid unnecessary headaches and hassles down the road.

However, mower engines are quite compact, and most people often find it very difficult to locate various engine components, especially the carburetor.

Generally, the carburetor of a lawn mower is located behind the air filters, and it is often blocked from the view. So, you can start by looking for a square-shaped or circular filter housing. This filter housing usually contains a foam or paper filter. In addition to that, you can also locate the carburetor by tracing the fuel pipeline coming from the gas tank of your mower.

That said, lawn mowers come in a range of shapes and sizes. Depending on the lawn mower you have and its manufacturer, the location of the carburetor can vary.

So, you will need to understand a lot more about mower carburetors before you can precisely locate them, and we are here to help. So, let’s get started!

Lawn Mower Carburetor 101

Before we get into locating and fixing the carburetor of a lawn mower, it is important to understand what a carburetor is, how it works, what it looks like and why taking care of a lawn mower carburetor is essential.

What Is A Lawn Mower Carburetor?

The carburetor is an essential part of a gasoline-powered lawn mower’s engine. It regulates the flow of fuel from the gasoline tank and air from the environment in a correct combination. However, unlike the carburetor system used in a vehicle, the carburetor of a lawn mower is generally placed in a horizontal position.

In addition to that, the carburetor of a lawn mower also does not have any throttle butterflies. The carburetor is the lungs of a lawn mower, and it is a complex device with multiple connections. These connections typically include air lines, fuel lines and exhaust lines.

What Does A Carburetor Do In A Lawn Mower?

You might already know that any gasoline-powered engine burns fuel to generate power. However, what you might not know is that the fuel must be mixed in a correct ratio with air to yield maximum energy and fuel efficiency.

This is where the carburetor comes in; the carburetor of a lawn mower determines how long the engine has been running, the speed at which the mower is moving, the type of train that you are crossing and then adjust the balance of fuel and air accordingly.

If the carburetor of a lawn mower is not working correctly, the engine of the mower can still run; however, the fuel efficiency and engine power will be significantly reduced.

How Does A Lawn Mower Carburetor Work?

The carburetor of a lawn mower has two chambers. One chamber is known as the carburetor’s bowl, which stores fuel that will be injected into the second chamber, known as the combustion chamber.

As you might have already guessed by now, fuel mixes with air and burns in the combustion chamber.

A float pin in the carburetor’s bowl regulates the amount of fuel that enters the combustion chamber. In the combustion chamber, a spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture, which produces thrust that, in turn, pushes the piston of the mower’s engine.

The piston then rotates the crankshaft, and this is how the blades on a mower spin.

What Does A Carburetor On A Lawn Mower Looks Like?

The carburetor of most lawn mowers looks very similar. Usually, it is a medium-sized metal component with springs and levers.

Carburetor can be rectangular, round or bowl-shaped. If you hold a carburetor in your hand, you will notice that it has two main openings. One opening is for air intake, and the other is for the exit when.

However, not all lawn mower carburetors look similar. For example, carburetors are now available in the market that are made of plastic, and some of the latest lawn mowers are using them.

Also, the fuel bowl on these plastic carburetors is not as pronounced as the conventional gas bowls in the older models of the lawn mowers.

Where Is The Carburetor Located On A Lawn Mower?

The carburetor of a lawn mower is typically hidden from the view. It is typically present inside or behind an air filter which in some cases has a hood on top. over, the location of the carburetor varies depending on the type of lawn mower and its manufacturer.

However, if you know what you are looking for, finding the carburetor of a lawn mower is not difficult. You can locate the carburetor by simply tracing the air filter or the fuel lines. Here’s a complete guide on how to locate the carburetor of a lawn mower:

Park The Lawn Mower

Park the lawn mower in a comfortable, preferably flat spot so that you do not risk accidentally rolling over the lawn mower. Also, ensure that the ignition is turned off and the engine is cool so that you do not risk burning yourself in the process.

Remove The Engine Hood

As already stated, not all lawn mowers will have engine hoods. It is usually the riding lawn mowers that come with an installed engine hood. So, if your lawn does not have a hood, you can skip this step. The hood is used to protect the engine.

You will have to remove the engine hood to reach the mower’s carburetor. The hood is usually attached to the mower’s body by hood latches. Just release the hood latches on both sides, and you will be able to see all parts of the engine.

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Locate The Air Filter

The carburetor of a lawn mower is usually located beneath or behind the air filter. So, you will have to first locate the air filter of your lawn mower, which is often encased in a filter housing.

Depending on the shape of the carburetor, the housing of the air filter can be square or round. The air filter housing is usually located on the side or top of the mower’s engine, and it has slits or holes in it for air intake.

The filter housing is usually attached to the carburetor by screws or fasteners that hold the filter in its place. The filter is usually made up of paper or foam.

The function of the air filter is to prevent dust and lawn debris from entering the carburetor. All in all, finding the filter housing is the key to finding the carburetor of the lawn.

Locate The Gas Tank

Another way of locating the carburetor of a lawn is to trace the gas tank and fuel lines of the mower. For most lawn mowers, locating the gas tank is an easy task.

It is the place where you add gasoline. However, there are some lawn mowers on the market that, just like cars, have the filling cap and gas tank in a different location.

Some lawn mowers also have their gas tank covered. Nonetheless, a gas tank is very easy to locate due to its characteristic shape.

If you can locate the filling cap, you can quickly locate the gas tank by tracing a fuel line to it. From there, it would be straightforward to locate the carburetor of your lawn mower.

The carburetor is usually located next to the fuel tank at some height below it.

Pinpoint The Mower Carburetor

Once you have located both the air filter and the gas tank of your lawn mower, locating the carburetor is easy.

A carburetor is a metal object underneath, beneath, or behind the air filter with springs and levers. These springs and levers regulate the flow of air and fuel into the carburetor for efficient combustion.

If you look closely, you can clearly see that the carburetor has two large holes in it. One of these holes is from where the air enters the combustion chamber of the carburetor.

In the combustion chamber, it is mixed with fuel and then ignited. Due to ignition, the temperature rises, air expands, and it is forcibly ejected through the second hole.

Also, the carburetor of a lawn mower is usually black, lies in the center of the main body and has connections with nearly every essential part of the mower.

However, not all lawn mowers have the same-looking carburetor. The size and shape of the carburetor varies greatly with mower types and mower manufacturers, as described below.

Carburetors On Walk-Behind Mowers

Walk-behind mowers usually come in four different variations. Depending on your needs and requirements, one type might work better for you than the others.

Below we have described the different types of walk-behind mowers and their uses. Following that, we will discuss how you can locate the carburetor of a walk-behind mower.

Electric Walk Mower

As apparent by the name, an electric walk mower runs on electricity. It will not have a carburetor as it runs on an electric motor. Such mowers are suitable for small properties.

Self-Propelled Mower

When you have a large lawn or a big area to mow, self-propelled mowers come in handy. Self-propelled mowers come in two variations: 1) Front-wheel drive and 2) Rear wheel drive. Front-wheel drive lawn mowers are suitable for lawns that are even or flat.

Whereas rear-wheel drive lawn mowers are suitable for lawns with a slope or a lawn located on a sidehill. Nonetheless, both lawn mowers are great for mowing large areas.

How To Locate The Carburetor On A Walk-Behind Lawn Mower?

For most walk-behind lawn mowers, you will find the carburetor on one side of the main body. It is located near the base of the lawn mower. Once again, tracing the air filter and fuel lines is the key to locating the carburetor of a lawn mower.

However, if you are having trouble finding the carburetor of your walk-behind lawn mower, we suggest that you look for the round or square filter housing. It is usually located on the side in walk-behind mowers, though sometimes it might be on the top.

The manufacturers usually make it easy to locate and remove the filter housing so that lawn owners can easily swap filters independently. Once you have located the filter housing, you can pop it open to access the lawn mower’s air filter.

There might be a few screws, latches or bolts holding the filter housing above the carburetor in its place. Ensure that you do not lose the screw or bolts when removing the housing.

Carburetors On Riding Mowers

If you have a very large turf or need to mow a very large area such as a sports field turf, walk-behind mowers just do not cut it.

For such situations, you will need a riding lawn mower. It is more powerful than a walk-behind mower, and you can sit on top of the machine while mowing for easy maneuvering and movement.

Like walk-behind lawn mowers, riding lawn mowers also come in multiple variations. We have described different types of riding mowers in the text below.

Make sure that you know which type of riding mower you have so you can refer to the correct part of this article:

Zero Turn Radius Mower

A zero-turn radius mower has a turning radius that is effectively zero. It can literally turn on a dime and is known for its speed and maneuverability.

Lawn Tractor

A lawn tractor mower has its cutting deck located in the middle of the body. They usually have more power than the other types of riding mowers. Therefore, they are very suitable for mowing large expanses of land.

Rear Engine Riding Mower

It is the smallest of all riding mowers. Unlike the lawn tractor, it has its cutting deck located in the front, making moving around much more effortless. However, it is not as powerful as a lawn tractor due to its small size.

How To Locate The Carburetor On A Riding Lawn Mower?

Identifying and locating the carburetor is generally difficult in riding lawn mowers compared to walk-behind lawn mowers.

It is because riding lawn mowers are larger and more complicated. However, just like walk-behind lawn mowers, the carburetor of a riding lawn mower is located near the engine.

So, once again, you will have to locate the filter housing and the fuel lines of your riding lawn mower to reach the carburetor.

To do this, we highly recommend that you use the manual that came along with the mower to avoid any issues.

If you cannot make any sense of the things mentioned in the manual, a quick search on Google or YouTube can find you an article or video that can help you through the process of locating the carburetor on your lawn mower.

If you are still in doubt or do not want to risk opening the lawn mower on your own, you can always hire a professional to look at your lawn mower.

Do I Need To Clean The Carburetor On My Lawn Mower?

Other than regular wear and tear, the carburetor of a lawn mower is also prone to damage from the lawn debris.

Therefore, the carburetor of the lawn mower needs to be kept clean and in good shape. It directly supports the mower engine in its function, and without it, the lawn mower will eventually stop working altogether.

In many cases, when the lawn mower is not working correctly, the issue is nothing more than a clogged or dirty carburetor.

And if you just clean the carburetor of your lawn in such instances, it will start working again. Below is a list of some issues that result as a result of dirty or clogged lawn mower carburetor:

• Engine stalling while you are mowing the grass.
• Black smoke is coming out of the lawn mower’s muffler.
• Difficulty in starting the lawn mower.
• The engine is running turbulently or sputtering during mowing.
• Fuel efficiency decreases over time.
• Mower starting with a jump or shutting down while mowing.
• Engine overheating during the mowing.

If you have any of the issues mentioned above, chances are it is due to a dirty or clogged carburetor. So, you will need to clean it and here is how you can do it:

How To Clean A Carburetor On A Lawn Mower?

The first thing you need to do while cleaning the carburetor of your mower is to remove it from the mower’s main body. And, Please note that the below-mentioned instructions are only meant to be used as a general guideline. Refer to your lawn mower’s manual for the exact process of removing and cleaning the carburetor.

Removing The Carburetor

• Before cleaning the carburetor, it must be entirely removed from the lawn mower.
• Remove the engine cover if it is required.
• Remove the air filter housing and then the filters.
• Turn off the gasoline if possible. If not, make a crimp in the gasoline line.
• Remove the fuel line from the carburetor and be prepared for some spilling.
• If gasoline falls on the mower, clean it with a rag.
• Disconnect the carburetor’s choke and throttle links.
• Remove the carburetor from the mounting nuts with a sliding motion.
• Release the carburetor bowl, if needed, by unthreading the screws.
• This will release the carburetor bowl.
• Finally, remove the float pin to release the fuel float inside the carburetor.

Once you have taken out the carburetor from the main body of your lawn mower, you can move towards cleaning it. Here’s how to do it:

Cleaning The Carburetor

• In order to completely take out the carburetor of your lawn mower, you will probably have to unscrew the nuts and bolts all around it.
• Once you have done that, you will need to remove the gaskets, diaphragm and the metering plate attached to the carburetor.
• To properly clean the carburetor, ensure that the carburetor intake and outlet ports are fully exposed. Then, use a carburetor cleaner spray to clean it thoroughly.
• If there is a carburetor bowl, make sure that you clean it as well.
• If there are any signs of rust on the carburetor, use sandpaper to clean the rust.
• Following that, allow the carburetor to dry in the open air.
• Once the carburetor is dry, put all the parts together and ensure that everything is in its proper place and you have not missed anything.
• Put the carburetor bowl in its place, if needed and use a sliding motion once again to reinstall the carburetor in its original place.
• Tighten up the bolts and nuts holding the carburetor in its place.
• Reattach fuel lines as well as carburetor throttle links and choke.
• Also, clean the air filter and its housing and reinstall it in its place.
• If there is an engine hood, place it back in its place and you are done. Congrats!

How Do You Fix A Lawn Mower Carburetor?

Sometimes the issue with a faulty lawn mower is not a dirty carburetor but a carburetor that needs to be fixed.

So, if your lawn mower is not working even after cleaning the carburetor, there is an issue with the carburetor or any other part of the engine.

If you are sure that the problem is with the carburetor, you have three options to fix it.

• The first option you have is to get a carburetor repair kit. These kits are readily available, and they are inexpensive. For example, you can easily find a mower carburetor repair kit for about 20 or 30 US dollars on amazon.
• If you think that the carburetor on your lawn mower is beyond repair, do not worry. Carburetor replacements are readily available online and in hardware stores. A typical carburetor replacement can cost anywhere between 50 and 100.
• If you do not want to go through the hassle of fixing the carburetor on your own, you can take it to a professional, and they can fix it for you. The cost will vary depending on the work done and labor cost in your area.

Conclusion | Lawn Mower Carburetor

A lawn mower is a necessary piece of equipment when it comes to lawn care. However, what most people do not understand is that you have to properly take care of your lawn mower to keep it going and increase its life.

And keeping the carburetor of your mower clean and in good shape is vital to lawn mower maintenance.

That is why you should at least clean the carburetor on your mower two to three times a year; however, depending on the use, you might need to clean it more often.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

If the lawn mower has trouble starting or starts with a jump, overheats or stops working during the mowing, releases black smoke or increases fuel consumption, there is a big chance that the carburetor on your mower needs to be cleaned or fixed.

Can you use wd40 to clean a carburetor on a mower?

Yes, you can if you do not have the carburetor cleaner spray. However, we highly recommend that you use a specific carburetor cleaner spray.

What causes a lawn mower to start and then die?

If you are facing a situation in which your lawn mower starts and then quickly dies, there is a high chance that its carburetor needs cleaning or some sort of repairs.

Where do you spray carburetor cleaner on a lawn mower?

You need to spray the carburetor cleaner right in the middle of the carburetor. We suggest that you do it in pulses which is a much more effective approach to removing the debris.

How often should a carburetor be cleaned?

In general, you should at least clean the carburetor of your lawn mower at least two to three times a year. However, depending on the use, this frequency might need to increase.

Oil In Lawn Mower Carburetor – What To Do?

Were you doing maintenance on your lawnmower and found oil in the carburetor? Now, you want to know what caused it and what to do about it? You’ve come to the right place, for we have researched this question, and we have the answer for you.

There are several possible reasons how oil made its way into the carburetor of your lawnmower:

• Tilted the lawnmower the wrong way
• Too much oil was added
• Oil accidentally poured into the carburetor

We have ourselves a short but complicated list there. But worry not, we will talk about each of the different causes in detail in the succeeding sections, including the possible solution to each. Read on!

What Happens If You Tip The Lawn Mower The Wrong Way?

The engine of your lawnmower is similar to the engine in a classic car. It has an air filter and a carburetor to get its engine going.

Unfortunately, there will be times when you need to tilt your lawnmower to access the blades at the bottom. If you tilt your lawnmower the wrong way, you’ll have a new problem after you fix one.

You need to tilt your lawnmower with the air filter and the carburetor pointing upwards. If you tilt it the wrong way, oil and fuel will flow through the cylinder and piston and make their way into the carburetor—thanks to the effect of gravity. If you tilt your lawnmower long enough, the oil can even make its way to the air filter and to the spark plug.

You will need to replace the air filter if it has oil. There is no way to clean off the oil from the air filter.

Changing The Air Filter

Just like your car engine, your lawnmower needs a steady flow of air to function. The air filter is responsible for keeping dirt and particles out of the engine.

Oil on your air filter will limit the flow of air through it. If the engine doesn’t get the right amount of air that it needs, it will not be able to sustain combustion and either die out after starting or will not start at all.

Thus, it is important to replace the air filter once it has been contaminated with oil. Make sure to thoroughly clean the air filter case and dry it before putting in the new air filter. Any leftover oil in the air filter case will make it to the new air filter and contaminate it.

Cleaning The Spark Plug

The spark plug in your lawnmower is what supplies your lawnmower with the spark that it needs to maintain combustion.

Unfortunately, oil on your spark plug will prevent it from performing this function. Fortunately, it is possible to clean the spark plug. Follow these simple steps to clean your spark plug:

• Use pliers to hold the spark plug. This will prevent getting your hands burned.
• Use a blowtorch to burn off the oil deposits from your spark plug. Make sure to expose only the threaded part of the spark plug to the flames.
• After you burn off the oil and fuel from your spark plug, use a spray-on spark plug cleaner to get rid of the dirt and carbon deposits that remain. Leave it to dry naturally.
• Use 220-grit sandpaper or higher to gently clean the small metal rod sticking out of the spark plug.
• Clean the threads with a wire brush.
• Reinstall the spark plug.

Hosa D5S-6 CAIG DeoxIT Spray Contact Cleaner is available on Amazon. Check it out through this link.

Cleaning The Carburetor

Use a carburetor cleaner to remove any leftover oil that can be blocking the carburetor. Reinstall the carburetor and try to start your lawnmower.

If your lawn mower will not start, disconnect the carburetor and bring it to a repair shop. They can do a more thorough cleaning of your carburetor.

Gumout Carb and Choke Cleaner are available on Amazon. Check it out through this link.

What will happen if I pour too much oil into my lawnmower?

Lawnmower manufacturers recommend specific oil levels for the different models of their lawnmower. It is never a good idea to go beyond these levels—too much and too little is never good for your lawnmower.

Too much oil in your engine can cause the excess to overflow to the air filter, the sparkplug, and the carburetor. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Too much oil in your lawnmower can lead to several other problems.

How to remove excess oil from a lawnmower?

You need to get the oil level of your lawnmower down as soon as possible if there is too much oil in it. Here are the steps that you can follow to get the oil within the correct level:

• Remove the spark plug wire. This is to make sure that there will be no accidental spark that could light up the oil while you’re working on your lawnmower.
• Look for the oil drain plug or the valve port. Not all lawnmowers have one, but if your lawnmower has one, it can be found near the side of the engine close to the dipstick.
• If your lawnmower has a drain plug, remove it quickly and then replace it once more. This quick removal will remove oil from your lawnmower little by little.
• Check the oil level after you drain some of the oil. If the oil level is not yet within acceptable levels, repeat the steps that you did earlier to remove more oil. Keep repeating the steps you used until you get the oil level to within acceptable levels.

If your lawnmower doesn’t have a drain plug, you can briefly remove the oil filter and put it back once more to drain some oil.

Push mowers might not have a drain plug or an oil filter. If your lawn mower doesn’t have either one of these, you can drain the excess oil from the fill hole. You can pick any one of the methods below to remove the excess oil from your lawnmower.

• Get a clean tube and insert it into the fill hole. Connect the opposite side of the tube to a handpump. Use the handpump to drain a little oil through the fill hole.
• Use a long turkey baster to get some oil out from your lawnmower through the fill hole. Never use the turkey baster again for food.
• Tilt the lawnmower a little to spill some of the oil into a container. Make sure to tilt your lawnmower the right way.

How to remove oil from the carburetor?

Another reason that there is oil in the carburetor is that someone accidentally placed oil in the carburetor hole instead of the oil fill hole. This is a problem that can be solved by draining the carburetor of the oil that was placed there by mistake. Here are the simple steps that you can follow to remove the oil from the carburetor:

• Get a drain pan ready to catch the excess oil from the carburetor.
• Tilt your lawnmower with the air filter and carburetor pointing upward. Drain as much oil as you can. Alternatively, you can use a clean hose and a handpump to drain all the excess oil inside the carburetor.
• Push the primer 10 to 15 times. This mixes some of the fuel with the remaining oil in the carburetor. If your lawnmower doesn’t have a primer, you can remove the air filter and then spray some starter fluid into the hole where the air filter was connected before.
• Pull the starter cord five to ten times to mix everything inside the lawnmower engine.
• If the lawnmower doesn’t start, spray some starter fluid in the carburetor.
• Pull the starter cord once more to try and start the lawnmower.
• Once your lawnmower starts, the exhaust gases will be smokey. This is the oil that was added to the carburetor. Let the lawnmower run for a few minutes. This gives it time to burn the excess oil in the carburetor.
• Turn off your lawnmower and remove the spark plug. Check the spark plug for dirt—especially oil that could have accidentally made it to the spark plug. Follow the steps above for cleaning the sparkplug if it has oil on it.

Conclusion

There are a few reasons why oil gets into the carburetor of your lawnmower. It is important to clean the carburetor of oil, including the air filter and the sparkplug, before using your lawnmower normally.

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Where is the carburetor on a lawn mower?

Learn where is the carburetor on a lawn mower so you can maintain the performance of your mowing machine.

Time for some mower maintenance? If your machine hasn’t been running reliably, you might need to figure out where is the carburetor on a lawn mower to see if it needs cleaning. A dirty carburetor can cause a variety of problems – like issues starting the mower or the engine stalling when in use. So, if cutting the grass has become even more of a chore thanks to a faulty lawn mower, checking the carburetor is a good place to start.

Learning how to maintain and repair your garden equipment is a great way to save money, as you won’t have to buy replacements as often. The best lawn mowers can last many years with regular maintenance, which also helps reduce the number of machines that go to waste when they could be repaired. Whether you use the best riding lawn mowers or a walk-behind mower to look after your lawn, this guide explains how to find, clean, and safely maintain the carburetor so your machine always runs like a dream.

Where is the carburetor on a lawn mower?

The carburetor is an essential component of a gas-powered lawn mower engine. In simple terms, it ensures that the correct balance of fuel and air enters the engine cylinder, where it will be ignited by the spark plug, combust, and make the engine work.

On a push or walk-behind mower, the carburetor is usually located on the side or top of the engine, just behind the air filter and above the base of the mower. You’re looking for a silver and black component, made mostly of metal. It’s likely it will be hidden by the air filter, which the carburetor is connected to. To find the air filter, look for a square or round plastic filter cover. This opens to allow access to the air filter, which sits in a plastic housing. You’ll need to remove the filter, then unbolt the housing to reveal the carburetor.

On a riding mower, the carburetor is generally found on the side or top of the engine. Like on a push mower, it will typically be behind the air filter, so you’ll have to remove the air filter and filter housing to access the carburetor, which is connected by a fuel line to the gas tank.

If in doubt, one of the best ways to find where is the carburetor on a lawn mower is to check the owner’s manual, as the location of the carburetor can vary depending on the model or manufacturer.

What is the importance of a carburetor on a lawn mower?

The carburetor is an essential component of any lawn mower engine, as Tom Monson, CEO of Monson Lawn Landscaping, explains: “The carburetor on a lawn mower mixes air and fuel in the proper ratio for the engine to run efficiently and effectively.” As you mow your lawn, the carburetor adjusts the combination of fuel and air depending on how long the engine has been running, your speed, and the type of terrain. This ensures that you get the best performance out of your mower.

How to Fix Your Lawn Mower Carburetor. Tips For When It floods

A clean carburetor that’s in good condition will keep your lawn mower running reliably and efficiently, which is why carburetor maintenance is an essential part of taking care of your mower. The most important thing is to keep the carburetor clean, because even if the engine is running, a dirty carburetor can still cause problems.

Signs of an issue with the carburetor

Because the carburetor on a lawn mower is usually hidden behind the air filter, you might not notice if it’s dirty. However, if you experience any of the following when cutting your grass, it could be a sign that the carburetor needs a clean;

Problems starting the engine. You may have to pull the starter rope multiple times to get the engine running on your push mower, or turn the ignition more than once on your riding mower.

Engine stalling. Once the mower is running, you might find that the engine stalls, either immediately after starting or while you are mowing the lawn.

Spluttering and shaking. A dirty carburetor might cause the engine to sputter or shake while it’s running, making it more difficult to maneuver the machine.

Increased fuel consumption. Despite mowing the lawn as you usually do, you might notice that your mower is using more fuel. This is a common sign that the engine isn’t running as efficiently, which could indicate an issue with the carburetor.

How to clean and maintain the carburetor

To get the best out of your lawn mower, you should clean the carburetor once a year. Once you’ve figured out where is the carburetor on a lawn mower like the one you have, you can remove the carburetor ready for cleaning. Follow these steps to do it yourself at home, keeping the owner’s manual for your mower nearby for reference;

Clean the outside of the engine first to remove any dirt that could contaminate your newly-cleaned carburetor. Make sure you have a clear, clean work area where you won’t lose any small parts.

Open or remove the air filter cover, then remove the air filter and the filter housing.

Turn off the fuel valve

Where possible, turn off the fuel valve. Alternatively, crimp the fuel line using a clamp or crimping tool to prevent fuel leaking while you work. Some fuel will still spill out, so keep a cloth or rag handy.

Unfasten the carburetor

Remove the carburetor by unfastening the bolts that hold it to the engine and disconnecting the throttle and choke linkage cables.

Pay attention to the details

Make a note of where cables and bolts are positioned so you can replace them later. Keep any fasteners or small parts safe.

Remove the careburetor

Remove the carburetor from the mounting studs, noting its position so you don’t reinstall it the wrong way up.

Carefully disassemble the carburetor, using a carburetor cleaner spray or WD-40 to clean as you go. Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter, recommends using a cleaner designed for small engines. “These are formulated to remove dirt, debris, and built-up varnish and gum deposits from the carburetor without damaging any delicate parts”.

Remove any signs of rust using sandpaper.

Allow the carburetor to dry, before putting it back together.

Reattach the carburetor

Replace the carburetor on the mounting studs, reconnect the linkage cables, and reinstall the air filter, cover, and housing.

Safety tips for maintaining the carburetor

Keep these tips in mind to safely maintain the carburetor on your lawn mower;

Although it’s possible to remove and clean a carburetor yourself, it’s a dirty, fiddly job that you might want to leave to the professionals. Your local small engine repair shop should be able to help.

If you do decide to clean your own carburetor, always wear gloves and cover your work area to protect it from damage or debris, including fuel spillages.

After cleaning your carburetor, you might find that your mower still doesn’t work reliably, which may mean that the carburetor or another part needs replacing. Again, it’s possible to fit a new carburetor yourself, but you may want to get some advice from a repair shop first.

If you’re up for trying a DIY lawn mower repair, replacing the entire carburetor is usually simpler and more cost-effective than replacing individual gaskets or small parts.