9 Fixes For When Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

9 Fixes 9 Fixes Lawn Mower Won't Start Lawn Mower Won't Start For When Your For When Your

1. Change the lawn mower carburetor filter. 1. Change the lawn mower carburetor filter. When the air filter becomes clogged or too dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting. When the air filter becomes clogged or too dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting.

2. Check the spark plug. 2. Check the spark plug. If you see buildup, spray brake cleaner onto the plug, and let it soak for several minutes before wiping it with a clean cloth. If you see buildup, spray brake cleaner onto the plug, and let it soak for several minutes before wiping it with a clean cloth.

3. Clear the mower deck of debris. 3. Clear the mower deck of debris. If there are large clumps of cut grass caught between the blade and deck, use a trowel to scrape these clippings free. If there are large clumps of cut grass caught between the blade and deck, use a trowel to scrape these clippings free.

4. Clear the vent in the lawn mower fuel cap. 4. Clear the vent in the lawn mower fuel cap. To find out if this is the problem, remove the gas cap to break the vacuum, then reattach it. To find out if this is the problem, remove the gas cap to break the vacuum, then reattach it.

5. Clean and refill the lawn mower fuel tank. 5. Clean and refill the lawn mower fuel tank. If your gas is more than a month old, use an oil siphon pump to drain it from the tank. If your gas is more than a month old, use an oil siphon pump to drain it from the tank.

6. Add fuel stabilizer to the tank. 6. Add fuel stabilizer to the tank. If your mower has a fuel filter (not all do), check to make sure it’s functioning properly. If your mower has a fuel filter (not all do), check to make sure it’s functioning properly.

7. Inspect the safety release mechanism cable. 7. Inspect the safety release mechanism cable. Fortunately, replacing a broken control cable is an easy job. Fortunately, replacing a broken control cable is an easy job.

8. Check to see if the flywheel brake is fully engaged. 8. Check to see if the flywheel brake is fully engaged. It is possible to replace a flywheel key, but it does require taking apart the mower. It is possible to replace a flywheel key, but it does require taking apart the mower.

9. Look out for signs that the mower needs professional repairs. 9. Look out for signs that the mower needs professional repairs. While repairing lawn mowers can be a DIY job, there are times when it can be best to ask a professional to help repair a lawn mower. While repairing lawn mowers can be a DIY job, there are times when it can be best to ask a professional to help repair a lawn mower.

[{"selector":"#anim-d562da63-2bbf-4959-acd3-f44a59d8d91f","keyframes":[{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":0},{"transform":"scale(1.5)","offset":0.33},{"transform":"scale(0.95)","offset":0.66},{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":1}],"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-ca07b998-72bd-419d-b5fe-8dd502ee9544","keyframes":[{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":0},{"transform":"scale(1.5)","offset":0.33},{"transform":"scale(0.95)","offset":0.66},{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":1}],"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-a5bb5a26-cca0-4d37-9bc2-c44b37917483","keyframes":[{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":0},{"transform":"scale(1.5)","offset":0.33},{"transform":"scale(0.95)","offset":0.66},{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":1}],"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-e41220db-cd95-440a-99d0-b9cfa8a2f01f","keyframes":[{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":0},{"transform":"scale(1.5)","offset":0.33},{"transform":"scale(0.95)","offset":0.66},{"transform":"scale(1)","offset":1}],"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] More on How To: Plant Grass Seed Get the Newsletter 7 Things to Do Now for a Greener Lawn Next Year Sign up to receive the best tips and tricks, the latest news and giveaways, and the most inspiring home improvement ideas from Bob Vila, America's Handyman since 1979. Subscribe Now