Lawnmower Won’t Start? Do this. Lawn mower not start

Lawnmower Won’t Start? Do this.

Bad gas or a dirty carburetor are the most common reasons for a lawnmower that starts hard or runs rough.

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A lawnmower that won’t start, especially when taken from storage, is almost always due to one problem: bad gas.

Storing a lawnmower in the fall without adding gasoline stabilizer to the fuel tank can cause the fuel to break down and plug the fuel passages. If fixing that problem doesn’t help, there are a few others that can help fix a lawnmower that won’t start, as we explain here.

How to Fix a Lawnmower That Won’t Start

Replace the Bad Gas

Over time (like the six months your lawnmower sat in your garage over the winter), the lighter hydrocarbons in gas can evaporate. This process creates gums and varnish that dirty the carburetor, plug fuel passages and prevent gas from flowing into the combustion chamber.

The carburetor bowl below formed corrosion and deposits during storage, which can easily plug fuel passages and prevent the engine from starting.

Storing equipment without stabilizing the gas can lead to deposits that foul the carburetor or injectors.

Ethanol-containing gas can absorb water from the atmosphere, which can lead to phase separation, which occurs when ethanol and gas separate, much like oil and water. Ethanol that has absorbed enough moisture and has sat long enough can foul the fuel system and prevent the engine from starting.

No matter how many times you yank the pull cord and pollute the air with your advanced vocabulary, the lawnmower won’t start if it’s trying to run on bad gas.

In extreme cases, evaporation of lighter hydrocarbons can change the gasoline’s composition enough to prevent it from igniting. The gas may be fueling the engine, but it doesn’t matter if it won’t ignite.

Bad Gas in Your Lawnmower? Here’s How to Fix It

If you neglected to add gasoline stabilizer to the fuel prior to storage, empty the tank and replace with fresh gas. If the tank is nearly empty, simply topping off with fresh gas is often enough to get it started.

On some mowers, you can easily remove and empty the fuel tank. Sometimes that’s more trouble than it’s worth. In these cases, use a fluid extraction pump or even a turkey baster to remove the bad gas. You don’t need to remove all of it; but try to get as much out as possible.

Clean the Carburetor

You’ve replaced the fuel, but your lawnmower still won’t start.

Next, try cleaning the carburetor. Remove the air filter and spray carburetor cleaner into the intake. Let it sit for several minutes to help loosen and dissolve varnish and gums.

Remove the air filter and spray carburetor cleaner into the intake. Let it sit a few minutes to loosen deposits.

On some carburetors, you can easily remove the float bowl. If equipped, first remove the small drain plug and drain the gas from the bowl. Remove the float bowl cover and spray the float and narrow fuel passages with carburetor cleaner.

This kind of “quick-and-dirty” carburetor cleaning is usually all it takes to get the gas flowing again and your lawnmower back to cutting grass.

If not, consider removing the carburetor from the engine, disassembling it and giving it a good cleaning. Be forewarned, however: taking apart a carburetor can lead to nothing but frustration for the uninitiated. Take pictures with your phone to aid in reassembly. Note the positions of any linkages or the settings of any mixture screws, if equipped. If you’re at all reluctant, visit the servicing dealer instead.

Consider replacing the carburetor altogether. It’s a fairly simple process on most smaller mowers and it’s often less expensive than taking it to the dealer.

Direct compressed air from the inside of the air filter out to remove debris that may be reducing airflow and preventing the lawnmower from starting.

Clean/Replace the Air Filter

With the air filter removed, now’s the perfect time to clean it.

Tap rigid filters on a workbench or the palm of your hand to dislodge grass clippings, leaves and other debris. Direct compressed air from the inside of the filter out to avoid lodging debris deeper into the media.

Use soap and water to wash foam filters. If it’s been a few years, simply replace the filter; they’re inexpensive and mark the only line of defense against wear-causing debris entering your engine and wearing the cylinder and piston rings.

An incorrectly gapped spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. Set the gap to the specification given in the owner’s manual.

Check the Spark Plug

A dirty or bad spark plug may also be to blame. Remove the plug and inspect condition. A spark plug in a properly running four-stroke engine should last for years and never appear oily or burned. If so, replace it.

Use a spark-plug tester to check for spark. If you don’t have one, clip the spark-plug boot onto the plug, hold the plug against the metal cylinder head and slowly pull the starter cord. You should see a strong, blue spark. It helps to test the plug in a darkened garage. Replace the plug if you don’t see a spark or it appears weak.

While you’re at it, check the spark-plug gap and set it to the factory specifications noted in the lawnmower owner’s manual.

If you know the plug is good, but you still don’t have spark, the coil likely has failed and requires replacement.

Did You Hit a Rock or Other Obstacle?

We’ve all killed a lawnmower engine after hitting a rock or big tree root.

If your lawnmower won’t start in this scenario, you probably sheared the flywheel key. It’s a tiny piece of metal that aligns the flywheel correctly to set the proper engine timing. Hitting an immovable obstacle can immediately stop the mower blade (and crankshaft) while the flywheel keeps spinning, shearing the key.

In this case, the engine timing is off and the mower won’t start until you pull the flywheel and replace the key. It’s an easy enough job IF you have a set of gear pullers lying around the garage. If not, rent a set from a parts store (or buy one…there’s never a bad reason to buy a new tool) or visit the dealer.

My Lawnmower Starts But Runs Poorly

If you finally get the lawnmower started, but it runs like a three-legged dog, try cleaning the carburetor with AMSOIL Power Foam. It’s a potent cleaning agent designed to remove performance-robbing carbon, varnish and other gunk from carburetors and engines.

Add Gasoline Stabilizer to Avoid Most of These Problems

Which sounds better? Completing all these steps each year when your lawnmower won’t start? Or pouring a little gasoline stabilizer into your fuel tank?

Simply using a good gasoline stabilizer can help avoid most of the problems with a lawnmower that won’t start.

AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer, for example, keeps fuel fresh up to 12 months. It helps prevent the lighter hydrocarbons from evaporating to reduce gum and varnish and keep the fuel flowing. It also contains corrosion inhibitors for additional protection.

I have a five-gallon gas can in my garage from which I fuel two lawnmowers, two chainsaws, two snowblowers, a string trimmer, an ATV and the occasional brush fire. I treat the fuel with Gasoline Stabilizer every time I fill it so I never have to worry about the gas going bad and causing problems.

You can also use AMSOIL Quickshot. It’s designed primarily to clean carburetors and combustion chambers while addressing problems with ethanol. But it also provides short-term gasoline stabilization of up to six months.

Use a Good Motor Oil for Your Lawnmower

Although motor oil has no bearing on whether your lawnmower starts or not (unless you don’t use oil at all and seize the engine), it pays to use a high-quality motor oil in your lawnmower.

This is especially true for professionals or homeowners running expensive zero-turn or riding mowers.

Lawnmower engines are tougher on oil than most people realize. They’re usually air-cooled, which means they run hotter than liquid-cooled automotive engines.

They often run for hours in hot, dirty, wet conditions. Many don’t have an oil filter, further stressing the oil.

In these conditions, motor oils formulated for standard service can break down, leading to harmful deposits and reduced wear protection.

For maximum performance and life, use a motor oil in your lawnmower designed to deliver commercial-grade protection, like AMSOIL Synthetic Small-Engine Oil.

Its long-life formulation has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to safely exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) drain intervals in the toughest conditions. It provides an extra measure of protection when equipment goes longer between oil changes than is recommended by the OEM.

My Lawnmower Won’t Start — Troubleshooting Guide

Don’t freak out if your lawnmower won’t start. And certainly don’t buy a new one before you know exactly what’s wrong. There might be something very simple going on — something that you can fix on your own.

We’ve put together a brief troubleshooting guide for lawnmowers that won’t start. Whether you use a traditional hand-pushed mower or a riding model, work through the list before even thinking about a replacement.

My Lawnmower Won’t Start After Winter

If you use a fuel-powered lawnmower, you may have trouble getting it started after a long and cold winter. The problem may be related to the spark plug. Or a blockage in the fuel line may be starving the engine of gasoline. If you run into problems getting your lawnmower ready for spring, try the following:

• Use fresh gas. Old gasoline can cause starting difficulties. Also, make sure there’s enough gas in the tank, and that the vent in the tank isn’t blocked.
• Check the spark plug. Make sure the spark lead is properly attached to the plug. If there’s noticeable damage or corrosion, replace the entire spark plug.
• Use the choke. If your lawnmower has a manual choke, turn it one.
• Prime the mower. If there’s a primer bulb, press it a few times. You’ll also need to prime your lawnmower if it ran out of fuel while running.
• Check the air filter. A dirty air filter can interfere with the combustion process. Clean or replace the filter to ensure air passes through the engine unhindered.
• Check the cables. Check all the cables for damage. Pay particular attention to the cable that connects the “dead man’s handle” to the engine.
• Check for water in the fuel tank.
• Clear the starter cord of blockages. If you have difficulty pulling the starter cord, check for blockages caused by soil, grass, and vegetation. Make sure you disconnect the spark lead before doing this.
• Check the carburetor. It should be clear of blockages and gummy accumulations. It should also be firmly bolted to the engine.

My Lawnmower Won’t Start After Running

If you lose power when you’re mowing the lawn, the effects of a long, cold winter may have caused issues with pumps, seals, and valves in the carburetor. These components in and around the engine can become clogged with a range of substances — starving the engine of either fuel or air.

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting tips listed above, first try to raise the cutting height of your lawnmower. If that doesn’t work, check for a build-up of vegetation and damaged blades.

Old, degraded oil can lead to the seizure of your lawnmower’s engine unless you replace it as quickly as possible. Drain the old oil fully before adding the new. Ideally, this should be done once a year — just before the first lawnmowing job if the year.

My Lawnmower Starts Then Dies

Again, go through the steps listed above if your lawnmower starts then dies within seconds. This could be down to old fuel left in the tank over the winter. If you suspect this to be the case, don’t — under any circumstances, drain the fuel tank. Doing so can draw air into the engine, causing accumulations of gum and varnish. There’s also a chance that water may be drawn in at the same time, causing widespread damage.

Before you do anything else, try adding STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer to your lawnmower’s fuel tank. This specially-formulated fuel additive stops gasoline from breaking down into its component parts. Run the engine for a few minutes before trying again. If degraded fuel is to blame, there’s a good chance the stabilizer will do the trick.

For the best results, add some fuel stabilizer to every fuel can — particularly during the final weeks of fall

Riding Mower Turns Over But Won’t Start: 6 Ways to Fix

My lawnmower isn’t that old, so you might be wondering why it keeps trying to turn over but won’t actually start.

If your riding mower turns over but won’t start, it could be due to a variety of reasons including old fuel or problems with fuel supply, clogged carburetors, and even spark plug problems, which could be to blame.

This article will discuss some of the most common reasons a riding lawn mower turns over but doesn’t start and suggest troubleshooting procedures.

What Causes Riding Mower Turns Over but Won’t Start?

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When the engine of your lawn mower turns over easily but won’t start, you will need to figure out what’s wrong. So, riding lawn mower engines work because of three important parts: the air intake, the spark, and the gas. If any of these things are broken or missing, the engine probably won’t start.

Old Gas

Old gas can be a common cause for a riding mower not starting. Over time, the gasoline loses its effectiveness, and the fuel can become stale and clog the carburetor or fuel lines.

Gasoline can go bad after about 30 days and become contaminated with water or other contaminants that can cause the mower not to start.

Occasionally, the fuel bowl can become clogged with old gas, preventing fuel from entering the piston.

Solution

You’ll need to get a fresh supply of gas. Don’t mix the bad gas with the good gas. First, use a siphon to get rid of the old gas. Then, put the new gas in.

Bad Spark Plug

If the spark plug isn’t working properly, there won’t be a spark to ignite the fuel in the engine, and the mower won’t start. If your mower isn’t receiving a spark strong enough it is tough to start the engine.

It’s possible that the spark plug is broken, corroded, or clogged. When a mower’s plug wire comes unplugged, it’s not uncommon for the mower to stop working.

You may possibly be unable to get your mower started because the spark plug wire isn’t making a solid connection with the spark plug’s terminal.

Solution

The spark plugs should be inspected. To do this, the spark plug boot should be removed and the spark plug should be unscrewed and inspected for signs of wear or damage.

If you find a bad spark plug, clean or replace it. Check the electrode, ceramic coating, and wire terminal to determine which mowing option is best.

Your problem may be caused by a damaged coating or a burnt, shortened, or absent electrode. Replace the spark plug.

If the spark plug tip is dusty, you can clean it with a little brush and a light solvent to restore spark and wire connection.

Your problem may potentially be caused by the spark plug wire not making touch with the starting mechanism.

• Pushing the rubber wrap down around the plug may tighten it.
• The wire should be visible and exposed enough to establish contact inside the shroud.
• If the rubber shroud is ripped or worn, replace the spark plug wire or shroud.

Dirty Air Filter

The air filter is responsible for preventing dirt and debris from entering the engine; however, if the air filter becomes clogged, it can limit the flow of air and make it impossible for the engine to start.

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.

Solution

The combustion process requires enough air. Clean and inspect your air filter every 25 hours.

If your air filter is covered in sand, dirt, grass, leaves, or anything else, blow it out to get it running again. Tap the air filter upside-down to remove big debris.

Blow out with an air compressor. This will release many filter-trapped tiny particles. If neither technique works, replace the air filter.

Safety Switch Issues

Mower won’t even start if safety switch isn’t engaged, like the seat or emergency brake. However, there is a remote possibility that a switch is functioning intermittently because it is dusty or the contacts are not making good contact.

Your riding mower might try to turn over, but not actually start, if this happens.

Solution

Shifting your weight to different areas of the seat and trying to start the mower will help you determine whether or not the switch is functioning properly.

It’s possible that the switch under the seat is broken if nothing else seems to be wrong.

As a second step, make sure the emergency brake switch is making contact; if it isn’t, the mower won’t start even when the brake is applied.

Clogged Carburetor

A lawnmower’s engine may turn over but it will not start if the carburetor is dirty or blocked with debris. In order for the engine to function correctly, it is the job of the carburetor to combine the air and fuel in the appropriate proportions.

It is possible for the carburetor to become clogged, which will impede the flow of fuel and make it impossible to start the engine.

Solution

Clean the carburetor to fix this. Find your mower’s carburetor near the air filter. Disconnect the carburetor’s hoses and wiring. Remove the mower carburetor.

After removing the carburetor, clean it. Spray the carburetor with cleaner. This loosens dirt and detritus. After that, scrub obstinate particles with a little brush. Vacuum any leftover dirt and debris,

Reassemble and run the mower after cleaning the carburetor. Replace the carburetor if it won’t start.

Fuel System Not Working

The gasoline system may have a few culprits. The carburetor may get gummed up if gas has been left in the mower for a long time.

If the gasoline filter is full of debris or the clear container around it is completely dirty, this may be the problem.

You must exclude the other two variables to test the fuel system. If the air filter is clean and the spark plug is intact, spray starting fluid directly into the chamber. If the mower starts this way or begins and stalls, it’s a fuel supply issue.

Solution

If you find that your gasoline filter is really clogged, you may be able to change it without assistance.

To replace the fuel filter, just disconnect it from both ends and reconnect it in the same manner. In order to contain any fuel that may leak from the lines as you disconnect them, use a bucket.

You can either clean the gummy carburetor or replace it if you think this is the case.

If your mower has a fueling system problem, check the choke system too. The choke restricts carburetor airflow to improve fuel mixing. Before starting, switch your choke lever to full choke.

Maintaining a beautiful lawn can be a daunting task, especially if you lack the appropriate know-how and tools to handle the challenges that may crop up. Fortunately, LawnAsk is here to offer you an all-encompassing resource that covers everything you need to know about lawn care.

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Why Is My Lawn Mower Turning Over But Not Starting: Easy Fix

“Why is my lawn mower turning over but not starting?” is a question we get a lot from lawn owners. This is a common problem that may arise for a number of reasons.

The good news is that it is very easy to figure out why a mower is not starting despite it turning over. Read our comprehensive list of all these lawn mower faults and their easy solutions in this guide.

• Why Is Your Lawn Mower Turning Over But Not Starting?

• – Problematic Spark Plug
• – Wire Not Connected to Spark Plug
• – The Air Filter Might Be Dirty
• – An Empty or Contaminated Fuel Tank
• – A Faulty Carburetor Filter
• – The Mower Deck Might Need Cleaning
• – The Flywheel Brake Might Not Be Working

• – Fix Your Spark Plug
• – Connect the Spark Plug Wire Properly
• – Clean the Dirty Air Filter
• – Clean Your Fuel Tank
• – Fix the Carburetor Fuel Filter
• – Clean the Mower Deck
• – Repair the Flywheel Brake

• – How Do You Clean a Lawn Mower Carburetor Without Removing It?
• – How Do You Know if Your Lawn Mower Fuel Line Is Clogged?
• – How Do You Get Your Lawn Mower To Start After Sitting All Winter?

Why Is Your Lawn Mower Turning Over But Not Starting?

Your lawn mower turning over but not starting due to several reasons, such as a faulty or disconnected plug, a disconnected spark plug wire, a clogged air filter, or a contaminated fuel tank. A faulty carburetor, a dirty cutting deck, or a dysfunctional flywheel brake can also cause this.

– Problematic Spark Plug

The most probable cause of a mower not starting properly might lie in a problematic spark plug. This plug is responsible for producing the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine.

This plug usually stops working when it becomes loosened or disconnected and cannot generate a spark. Over time, it can become coated with carbon or water residue and stop working properly. It is very easy to fix a faulty plug – you simply have to take it out and visually figure out where the problem lies.

– Wire Not Connected to Spark Plug

If the spark wire is not in close contact with the plug, the lawn mower naturally will not start, regardless of how hard you try. If the rubber cover over the plug is not placed properly, then this will also prevent the wire from contacting the plug. You will need to check the plug and the wire without removing either of them to see if this is where the problem lies.

– The Air Filter Might Be Dirty

The purpose of an air filter is to let air inside the engine so that the oxygen in it can help combust the gas and start the engine. Over time the airflow into the engine gets compromised because of a dirty filter.

The filter naturally collects things like dirt, dust, and other impurities. Eventually, it becomes so clogged that it stops all but a little air from entering the engine.

Usually, this filter is located near the top of the filter and is covered by a plastic or metal coating. You will have to unscrew the coating to get access to it.

– An Empty or Contaminated Fuel Tank

An empty gas tank can commonly cause this problem. Also, if the gas in the fuel tank has been left standing for too long without changing, then such a fuel tank will not catch a spark either. Even if the gas is just one month old but is being used without a fuel stabilizer, you will face this problem.

Similarly, a gas that has somehow been contaminated with dirt or moisture is useless and will not work.

– A Faulty Carburetor Filter

Another common reason why push-type or riding lawn mowers do not start despite turning is a carburetor that’s filled with too much residue. That is why it is recommended that carburetors be cleaned up at least once a year as part of regular maintenance.

This is not such a common problem. That is why you must first check that the ignition switch, air filter, etc., are working properly.

Another common sign of a clogged carburetor is that the engine might turn and start stalling. There might be black smoke emitting from the muffler. There will also be increased fuel consumption by the machine or weird noises from the engine.

Weird sounds like something splashing in the engine also means something is wrong with the carburetor. Other signs are the engine backfiring or being unable to accelerate.

– The Mower Deck Might Need Cleaning

The concept of a cutting deck is that it collects grass clippings and prevents them from spraying into the air. However, these clippings eventually clog up the mower and prevent the blade from cutting grass.

This especially happens when you habitually mow wet grass because such grass clumps together. That is why mowing dry grass is better for the lawn and the lawn mower over the long run.

– The Flywheel Brake Might Not Be Working

The purpose of a flywheel brake is to keep the engine running smoothly. They also help cool the engine and maintain the speed of the power strokes.

When the riding mower hits a hard spot, the brakes help absorb some of the damage. If your flywheel has been damaged, the mower won’t start but will, in fact, turn.

How To Fix a Lawn Mower That Is Turning Over But Not Starting?

To fix a lawn mower that is turning over but not starting, you can fix your spark plug. clean the airway filter, clean the fuel tank, fix the carburetor fuel filter, clean the mower deck, and repair the flywheel brake.

– Fix Your Spark Plug

First of all, find where the faulty plug is located. Usually, it is present at the front of the mower. Disconnect the plug wire to reveal the plug present underneath. You will likely need a wrench to unscrew the plug and take it out for observation, especially the insulator and the electrode on the plug.

If it is dirty with residue build-up, then only an easy clean-up is needed. Use a brake cleaner spray on this build-up, let it stay there for a few minutes – so the dirt gets dissolved – and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Reinstall the plug in the machine and see if the problem has been resolved.

In some cases, you will need to change the plug with a new one. See if the electrode is missing or burnt or if the plug coating has been compromised. You can easily find new spark plugs at a reasonable price at any hardware shop.

– Connect the Spark Plug Wire Properly

If the problem lies in the wire not contacting the plug properly, then all you need is to connect the two. See if the rubber coating on the plug appears loose and pushes down in that case.

Tighten the rubber covering and also make sure that the wire is exposed enough to make adequate contact. If the rubber covering has been burnt, torn, or damaged in any way, then order a new one and replace the old one.

– Clean the Dirty Air Filter

If your machine won’t start because of a clogged air filter, then all you have to do is to clean it. Before unscrewing and removing the covering to the filter. you must disconnect the spark plug first. Then remove the metal or plastic encasing protecting the filter.

Take the filter out and inspect it carefully before cleaning. In the case of a paper filter, tap it gently on a flat surface to remove dust and dirt. Hold the filter up to a light source and see if it is blocking light from it. If so, replacing the filter with a new one is best.

In the case of a foam filter, use water and any dishwashing soap to cut grease and remove dirt. Squeeze it to remove all extra water, and then dry it thoroughly. Apply oil to your hands and use it to lubricate the filter thoroughly. Ensure that the oil is not dripping off the filter but only lightly wetting its surface.

Before reapplying for a clean filter, you should also cover the fitting with which the filter will be attached. Only use dry cloth because using compressed air or solvents might damage it. Replace it carefully and then cover it with its covering that has been cleaned as well.

– Clean Your Fuel Tank

If the problem lies in bad gas within the fuel tank, then you need to take it out. Use an oil siphon pump to drain the old gasoline out. Use the good old gravity method if you do not have a pump. Disconnect the carburetor from the fuel tank and place a container underneath to collect the gas.

Be careful not to spill the gasoline anywhere because this can lead to several problems. After your tank is emptied, it is time to clean any impurities. First, use only boiling water to wash the inside of the tank. and then use water mixed with a good quality fuel detergent.

Use a brush to scrub the inner walls if impurities are stuck. Give a final wash using clean water, dry the tank, and then refill it with fresh gas. This time add a fuel stabilizer to the gas to keep it from going bad.

– Fix the Carburetor Fuel Filter

Before cleaning the dirty carburetor, it is better to clean the outside of the mower beforehand. In most riding mowers, the carburetor lies on top of the air filter. and you will need to disassemble it and take it out in order to gain access to the carburetor. For other mower types, use the instructions manual to find out where and how to gain access to it.

You can use a carburetor cleaner to clean the insides of the carburetor bowl while it is still attached to the mower. To clean it thoroughly, however, you must take the carburetor out. Unscrew the nuts first and then disconnect the cables attached to them.

Before disconnecting the fuel cable, put something underneath to collect the draining fuel. Notice the carburetor’s position so you know where to put it back.

One way is to spray carburetor cleaner all over it and allow it to soak for a while. Give it an hour until all the grime and grease get dissolved, and then rinse off with clean water. You can then allow the carburetor to dry in the air or speed up the process using a blow drier.

Please do not put the carburetor back until all its parts are completely bone dry. Make sure that everything is back exactly how it was beforehand.

– Clean the Mower Deck

If your blades seem unable to rotate and cut properly, it might be time to clean them. In fact, the deck needs to be cleaned at least twice during each regular mowing season. Cleaning the deck is a piece of cake, but you must do it properly.

Either run the mower or the lawn tractor for as long as it takes for the fuel to run out. Otherwise, you can drain the fuel yourself by collecting it into a can. Disconnect the plug that starts the engine because you should not risk the lawn mower starting accidentally while cleaning the blades.

Tip the mower on a flat surface over its side, making its blades easily accessible. The easiest method is to use a hose to blast the blades at full speed. Most of the grass clippings and dirt will be forced off by this alone. Then use water, soap, and a sponge to scrub off all the rest of the dirt stuck on the deck and the blades.

Wash everything off using clean water and allow the deck to dry. A clever hack we employ is to spray some vegetable oil all over the deck lightly. Move the mower back into the standing position and reattach the ignition plug. Start the mower to see if it has started working now.

– Repair the Flywheel Brake

First, check the brake pad to see if it makes adequate contact with the flywheel. Also, check if something is blocking the cutting blade and preventing the flywheel lever from moving freely.

Sometimes the flywheel brake’s covering gets torn when something particularly hard gets tangled in the cutting blades. You will need to change the brake in this case. In order to do that, the entire mower will need to be taken apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

– How Do You Clean a Lawn Mower Carburetor Without Removing It?

You clean a lawn mower carburetor without removing it by getting a commercial mower carburetor cleaning solution. However, in order to gain access to the carburetor, the filter that cleans the air going into the engine must be unscrewed first.

Make sure you have removed the gasoline from the fuel tank beforehand and disconnected the ignition plug. After gaining access to the carburetor, spray the cleaning solution into it. Allow at least an hour, so the cleaning solution dissolves all the grease.

Use a sponge or a brush to scrub the insides of the bowl as thoroughly as you can. Then use hot water to clean off the cleaning solution and all the dirt.

– How Do You Know if Your Lawn Mower Fuel Line Is Clogged?

You know if your lawn mower fuel line is clogged if the engine will take a long time to start after significant spluttering. The overall performance of the mower engine will drop drastically, and you will experience a lot of random stopping or braking while using the mower.

Especially while driving at low speeds, your mower will frequently come to a halt by itself. This naturally happens when the fuel line randomly blocks the fuel supply to the engine.

– How Do You Get Your Lawn Mower To Start After Sitting All Winter?

You get your lawn mower to start after sitting all winter by charging your battery. If the battery has rusted over the winter, use hot water to clean it up first and then charge it. You’ll also need to empty the gas tank if you haven’t done it before winter.

So if your gas tank still contains fuel, the new spring season is the time to empty it. The carburetor will need to be unscrewed first. and then you need to disconnect the line connecting it to the fuel tank. Collect the old gasoline dripping down from the carburetor into a container.

Next, you must fill the fuel tank with fresh and clean gas. Smelling carefully is one of the easiest hacks to check if the gas is fresh. Check the oil in the mower and refill it with clean oil. Lastly, we suggest you clean the mower thoroughly before starting it after a long break.

Conclusion

Congratulations, this marks the end of our complete article regarding why your mower might not be starting properly.

Here is a summary of all the reasons and their quick fixes:

• A faulty or disconnected spark plug is the number one reason why lawnmowers might not start. All you have to do is to fix it or have it exchanged in case it is beyond repair.
• If the air or fuel filter is not working properly because it has clogged over, it will also need to be cleaned or changed.
• A mower deck with wet grass clippings and grime should be washed off regularly to keep the mower going.
• If your blades seem unable to rotate and cut properly, it might be time to clean them.

We have discussed all the common reasons that stop a mower from starting despite turning over. If your mower is giving you problems, our guide will help you find out the problem and solve them in no time.