Why Is My Lawn Mower Turning Over But Not Starting?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The most common reason for why your riding will turn over but not start is

likely due to bad gas or a dirty carburetor

. You can usually fix the problem by removing and cleaning out the carburetor and making sure that your gas is fresh.

How do you start a lawn mower that won't start?

  1. Use fresh gas. Old gasoline can cause starting difficulties. …
  2. Check the spark plug. …
  3. Use the choke. …
  4. Prime the mower. …
  5. Check the air filter. …
  6. Check the cables. …
  7. Check for water in the fuel tank.
  8. Clear the starter cord of blockages.

What are the symptoms of a bad starter on a riding lawn mower?

A riding lawn mower that has a bad starter can be difficult to diagnose. A bad starter can manifest itself in a cranking noise without engine turnover,

a clicking when the ignition button is pressed

, or a mower that simply does not respond to attempts to start.

How do you know if your lawn mower engine is blown?

Low Pressure

If the mower is dropping out or not starting and you do notice the oil leak, you

have a bad gasket

. If the mower shuts off when you turn corners, but there is no oil leak, you may still have a bad gasket since the pressure to keep the combustion going is not strong enough.

What is the first thing to check if a lawn mower won't start?

  1. Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten.
  2. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace.
  3. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn't work, you might need a new fuel filter.

Can a dirty air filter cause a lawn mower not to start?

Your lawn mower's air filter guards the carburetor and engine from debris like grass clippings and dirt. When the air filter becomes

clogged or too dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting

. To keep this from happening, replace paper filters—or clean or replace foam filters—after every 25 hours of engine use.

How do you bypass a starter?

  1. Locate the starter motor under the vehicle. …
  2. Locate the two metal contacts on the back of the starter solenoid. …
  3. Place the metal blade of an insulated screwdriver across both metal contacts. …
  4. Get a friend to help you by turning on the ignition with the key. …
  5. Listen to the starter motor.

How do you test a starter on a riding lawn mower?


Connect one end of a jumper wire from the battery's positive terminal

, and touch the small lug on the engine starter solenoid that is marked S with the other end to test the starter ignition switch. If the engine starter motor turns over or runs then the starter ignition switch is faulty and requires replacement.

What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket in a lawn mower?

  • Low Power. Low engine power in a lawn mower can be caused by wear and tear, lack of oil or regular maintenance, worn-out seals or a blown head gasket. …
  • Failed Compression Test. …
  • Diminished Compression. …
  • Oil Leak.

What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket?

  • White smoke coming from the tailpipe.
  • BUBBLING IN THE RADIATOR AND COOLANT RESERVOIR.
  • unexplained coolant loss with no leaks.
  • Milky white coloration in the oil.
  • Engine overheating.

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket on a lawn mower?

Anywhere from

$100-300

depending on engine size and how many cylinders it has.

Why is my carburetor not getting gas?

No fuel at your carburetor can be caused by many things. It could be a simple issue like

a fuel filter plugged so tight that no fuel can pass through

. Another logical cause could be the fuel pump. … A hole in the fuel line on the tank side could also cause the fuel pump to suck air instead of fuel from the fuel tank.

Why won't my lawnmower 3.0 turn on?

If it doesn't come on at all,

the battery is completely drained

. You need a full charge, and that can take up to a couple of hours. Grab your Lawn Mower 3.0 trimmer charging cable to get that process started.

Can old gas cause a lawn mower not to start?

If your mower won't start because you've been using old gasoline, you

‘ll need to remove the old fuel and any built-up residue in the engine

. … Then, if the lawn mower runs for a few seconds and dies, the carburetor might be clogged or have old fuel in the float bowl.

How do I know if my lawn mower spark plug is bad?

  1. You can't get the engine to fire up at all.
  2. You have to tug extra hard for longer than usual on the rewind.
  3. Your lawn mower loses power while moving.
  4. The gas runs out quicker than it used to.
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.