We all know the frustration of a petrol lawnmower that won’t start, and it always seems to happen at the worst possible times! But a lawn mower not starting isn’t the disaster you might think it is, and this is actually a common problem – especially after a few weeks (or months) of little use.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Troubleshooting and solving the problem can, in many cases, be done in just a few minutes. So there’s no need to put the lawn mower back into the shed and resign yourself to a lifetime of unkempt grass just yet!
Let’s take a look at the most common reasons why your lawn mower won’t start, as well as how to fix them.
Check the Engine Oil
Some lawn mowers will not start if the oil level is too low. Those that do start with low oil will be susceptible to damage.
Ensure the engine is cold before checking the engine oil. If you’ve spent some time trying to start your mower, allow a few minutes for the oil to settle.
Put the mower on a flat surface then remove the oil dipstick. Wipe the stick clean, taking note of the high and low level marks. Replace the dipstick, then remove and check that the oil level is between the high and low markers.
If the oil level is too low, you should top it up. You should aim to change the oil completely every 20 – 50 hours of use.
Clean the Air Filter
If dirt and debris are able to make their way into the engine of your lawn mower, you may experience problems starting it. Cleaning the air filter regularly can extend the lifespan of your mower and improve its efficiency. It should ideally be cleaned every 25 hours of use.
To clean the air filter, you should first disconnect the spark plug wire and remove the cover of the air filter. Remove the air filter and get rid of any loose dirt by gently tapping it.
Foam air filters will need replacing if there’s any signs of staining or crumbling. Otherwise, wash the filter using a garden hose and detergent before drying it thoroughly. Once the filter is dry, apply oil to the filter and then replace it, not forgetting to reconnect the spark plug.
Use Fresh Fuel
If your lawn mower has been stored away in a shed or garage over winter, the fuel inside it may have expired.
Fuel can break down over time, and using old fuel in the lawn mower can reduce its efficiency or, in many cases, prevent the lawn mower from starting at all. As fuel evaporates, it leaves deposits which can clog together.
If you’ve left old fuel in your mower over the winter and haven’t added a stabiliser, you’ll need to drain the tank and add fresh fuel.
Check the Spark Plug
One of the main reasons your mower might not start is because the spark plug is in poor condition. If the spark plug is worn or dirty, the mower will need to put more effort in to produce a spark powerful enough to start the machine. Taking care of your spark plug will also make your lawn mower more efficient.
Spark plugs are usually located on the back or side of the engine of your mower. If you are not sure where the spark plug is, you should consult your owner’s manual.
Once you’ve located the spark plug, remove it using a spark plug wrench. If your spark plug is in good condition, the tip of the spark plug should be either light grey or brown. Any oil or carbon on the spark plug should be removed, whilst stubborn debris indicates your plug needs replacing.
To clean your spark plug, you should use rubbing alcohol to remove debris and then dry thoroughly. You may still find the spark plug doesn’t work, in which case you should purchase a replacement.
Clean the Carburetor
A dirty or worn carburetor can prevent your mower from starting, but cleaning this can be a little tricky. Locate the carburetor by tracing the fuel line from the tank.
The carburetor is usually bolted into place. Unbolt it, and remove the fuel line, taking care to catch any fuel spills in an old cloth. Clean the carburetor bowl using carburetor cleaner, and check there is no debris stuck inside the holes by blowing through it using compressed air to remove any debris.
If you are in need of some further help and expert advice:
Please call us on: 01452 61 61 69
Or email us at: [email protected] | [email protected]