It is a common problem when you want to start your old lawn mower, but even new gas and new oil don’t make you happy. I’ll show you several reasons and how to fix them. Of course, I’ll get some info for riding mowers too.
Three Most Common Problems When Lawn Mower Doesn’t Start
I’m going to show you the three things I had to do to get my push mower to start after sitting for three years.
Problem №1. The Old Spark Plug
The first thing you should remove the old spark plug requires a 5/8 deep well socket. It’s located in the front of the lawnmower, and you can break it loose.
After I’m replacing it with the RC12YC Champion brand, I’m sure there are other brands, but this is the one that I chose. Moreover, read the instruction because maybe the manufacturer recommends a special one. I put it in hand tight first.
Then I take my a ratchet, and now you don’t want to over-tighten this. You want to snug it up. Just snug it up. Do not overtighten that. You’ll break it off.
Did the replacement and still doesn’t work?
Problem №2. Air Filter
The next thing you have to do: check the air filter. It can be nasty with oil stains and dust. The maintenance of the air filter should be done every year. So, replace the filter for the new one, and that’s it!
Problem №3. The Dirty Carburetor
To get to the carburetor, you need to remove these two bolts (see the photo below). American Standard, they’re 5/16, in metric, they’re 8 millimeters. I’d say use either a standard 5/16 socket or use 8 millimeters.
This hose comes off of here, right there. Those two there, you got your carburetor right here. Be careful with this gasket, or you’ll have to get another one. Now, you could take the carburetor off with these two bolts and clean it up real good, soak it maybe.
You could take the whole carb off and soak it or spray it down real good and clean it real good. I’ve just tried spraying it because I don’t think it’s in that bad of shape. So I just sprayed it right in here, and I’m going to put everything back together and try to crank it back up.
Gumout Fuel System Cleaner For Lawn Mower
- Helps pass emissions testing, Lubricates upper cylinders, and Fights ethanol-related rust & corrosion
- For Gas, ethanol, diesel and oil
- For lawn mowers add 1 ounce per 1 gallon of fuel
So, hook the hose back up. Don’t forget to hook the hose back up. And when you put this back on, don’t mess up the gasket. When it’s done, try to start your engine, and I think you will get success for your patience.
If you want to know more about repairing lawn mowers and other machines, I strongly recommend Comprehensive Small-Engine Repair Instruction.
For riding mowers update is coming soon.
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