Why Is My Lawnmower Hard Starting?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The

fuel filter might be clogged

. A clogged fuel filter is most commonly caused by leaving old fuel in the lawn . Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the fuel filter and make the engine hard to start.

Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running?


A full gas tank and oil reservoir

are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower won't stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug. … However, you may need a lawn mower specialist to get you back to trimming your grass.

How do you fix a hard start lawn mower?

The

fuel filter might be clogged

. A clogged fuel filter is most commonly caused by leaving old fuel in the lawn mower. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the fuel filter and make the engine hard to start.

How do you start a stubborn lawn mower?

How do you start a stubborn lawn mower? If a mower is hard to start, it may be the result of a

dirty carburetor

and/or a clogged air filter. Use a screwdriver to remove the carburetor and clean any dirt out of it with a rag. Clean the air filter or replace it if it's disposable.

What makes a small engine hard to start?

When a small engine won't start, the usual suspects are

bad gasoline

, a corroded or plugged carburetor, or a bad ignition coil.

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

  1. The lawn mower engine has trouble starting.
  2. The engine starts but stalls while you're cutting the lawn.
  3. The engine runs rough during mowing.
  4. Black smoke is seen coming out of the muffler.
  5. There is a noticeable increase in fuel consumption during normal lawn mower use.

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.

Why does my mower only run when I push the primer?

When you prime the engine you are manually adding extra fuel in, so the running issue is most likely related to

poor fuel

that will not burn unless there is an excess amount present or a fuel deliver issue preventing enough fuel from getting through to begin with.

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

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

When the filter is doing its job, it may get clogged up with debris removed from the air and

not allow a sufficient amount of air into the carburetor

and prevent the engine from starting.

How do you clean a carburetor on a lawn mower without removing it?

  1. Turn Off Mower. Completely turn off the lawn mower and also let the engine cool down for a few minutes before you can begin any cleaning procedures. …
  2. Inspect the Air Filters. …
  3. Check all Connections to the Carburetor. …
  4. Clean the Carburetor. …
  5. Contact Your Local Dealer.

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.

How long does it take for a lawn mower to Unflood?

Unless you're in an incredible hurry, you need take no action to correct a flooded engine. Simply settle the mower on a level surface, wait

15 to 20 minutes

to allow the gasoline to evaporate and try starting the mower again without engaging the choke.

Why does my lawn mower only run for a few seconds then dies?

The

carburetor might be clogged

. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. … This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner.

What can I use instead of starting fluid?


Premixed gas

from lawn equipment, chainsaw, ice auger, any kind of premixed gas will work great. Make sure it's premix or else it'll dry out the cylinder walls if it doesn't start, which isn't good. And for starting fluid, make sure it has upper cylinder lubricant in it for the same reason to use premix gas.

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.