why is my lawn mower turning over but not starting

As a gardener with many years of experience, I know firsthand how important it is to have a reliable lawn mower to maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn. However, nothing can be more frustrating than pulling the cord or turning the key of your lawn mower and having it turn over but not start. This lawn mower turning over but not starting issue can occur for various reasons, such as a dirty air filter, a clogged carburetor, a faulty spark plug, or even stale fuel.

Over the years, I have encountered my fair share of starting problems with lawn mowers and have learned various techniques and solutions to fix them. In this article, I will share my gardening experience and the steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix this issue. By following these steps, you can save time, money, and frustration by diagnosing and solving the problem independently.

Starting problems can occur in any lawn mower, whether a gas or electric-powered, push, or riding mower. It can be difficult to know where to begin when you encounter starting problems, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can identify and solve the issue with ease. In the next sections of this article, I will discuss step-by-step solutions to common starting problems and preventative maintenance measures you can take to avoid starting issues in the future.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, understanding how to troubleshoot and fix a lawn mower that turns over but doesn’t start can save you time and money in the long run. With the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my years of gardening, I am confident that the tips and solutions outlined in this article will help you get your lawn mower up and running again in no time.

Step 1: Check the fuel level

An empty fuel tank is one of the most common reasons why a lawn mower won’t start. If you haven’t filled up your tank recently, it’s worth checking to see if this is the problem. If the fuel level is low, replace it with fresh fuel and try starting the mower again.

Step 2: Check the spark plug

Another common reason for a lawn mower not starting is a faulty spark plug. The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine, and if it’s not working properly, the mower won’t start. Remove the spark plug and check for any signs of damage or wear. If the spark plug looks dirty or worn, replace it with a new one.

Step 3: Check the air filter

A clogged air filter can also prevent your lawn mower from starting. The air filter is responsible for preventing dirt and debris from entering the engine, and if it’s clogged, air flow to the engine can be restricted, causing the mower to fail to start. Remove the air filter and clean or replace it if necessary.

Step 4: Check the carburetor

The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel in the engine. If the carburetor is clogged or damaged, this can prevent the lawn mower from starting. Try cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner and a small brush. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the carburetor.

Step 5: Check the fuel filter

The fuel filter filters dirt and debris from the fuel before it enters the engine. If the fuel filter is clogged, this can prevent the engine from receiving fuel, causing the lawn mower to fail to start. Remove the fuel filter and clean or replace it if necessary.

Step 6: Check the ignition system

If all of the above steps have been checked and the lawn mower still won’t start, there may be a problem with the ignition system. Check the ignition coil, the starter solenoid, and motor for any signs of damage or wear. If any of these components are faulty, they may need to be replaced.

Step 7: Check the battery

If your lawn mower is equipped with an electric starter, the battery could be the culprit. A dead or weak battery can prevent the starter from turning the engine over fast enough to start. Use a voltmeter to test the battery’s voltage. If the battery is weak or dead, replace it with a new one.

Step 8: Check the fuel quality

Sometimes old or stale fuel can cause problems with starting a lawn mower. Fuel that has been sitting for too long can lose its effectiveness and cause issues with the carburetor or fuel system. If you suspect that the fuel is old or stale, drain it and refill the tank with fresh fuel.

Step 9: Check the choke

The choke is responsible for increasing the fuel mixture in the engine during startup. If the choke is stuck or not working properly, this can cause starting issues. Check the choke and make sure it is clean and functioning properly.

Step 10: Check for mechanical issues

If none of the above steps solve the problem, there may be a mechanical issue with the lawn mower Either the engine you requested does not exist, or there was another issue processing your request. If this issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact us through our help center at help.openai.com.

Step 11: Preventative maintenance

Preventative maintenance can help avoid future starting problems with your lawn mower. Regularly cleaning and changing the air filter, replacing the spark plug, and changing the oil can help keep the engine running smoothly. It’s also important to keep the blade sharp and to check the fuel level before each use.

Step 12: Store the lawn mower properly

Proper lawn mower storage during the off-season can also help prevent starting problems. Before storing the lawn mower, drain the fuel and run the engine until it stalls to prevent stale fuel from clogging the carburetor. Store the lawn mower in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements.

My Gardening Experience: lawn mower turning over

As a gardener, I have found that preventative maintenance is key to running a lawn mower smoothly. I change the air filter and spark plug regularly and always check the fuel level before each use. I also store my lawn mower properly during the off-season to prevent starting problems from occurring.

I also find that using fresh fuel and keeping the fuel tank clean can help prevent problems with the carburetor and fuel filter. Additionally, I keep the ignition system components, such as the starter motor and ignition coil, clean and well-maintained to ensure they are working properly.

How often should I change the oil in my lawn mower?

It is recommended to change the oil in your lawn mower every 50 hours of use or at least once a year, whichever comes first. However, it’s important to check the owner’s manual for your specific model, as some lawn mowers may have different oil change intervals.

Additionally, if you use your lawn mower in harsh conditions or for commercial use, you may need to change the oil more frequently. Regular oil changes help keep your lawn mower’s engine running smoothly and can prolong its lifespan. It’s also important to use the correct type and viscosity of oil as specified by the manufacturer for optimal performance.

Can stale fuel cause a lawn mower to not start?

Yes, stale fuel can cause a lawn mower not to start. Fuel can go stale if it sits in the tank for too long without being used, especially if it contains ethanol, which can attract moisture and cause the fuel to break down.

When stale fuel is used in a lawn mower, it can clog the fuel system, carburetor, and fuel filter, which can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to run poorly. To prevent this, it’s recommended to use fresh fuel and to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank if the mower will not be used for an extended period of time.

If your lawn mower is not starting due to stale fuel, you may need to drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh fuel before starting the engine. It’s also important to regularly check and clean the fuel system and components to prevent build-up and ensure proper fuel flow.

What is the role of the spark plug in a lawn mower’s engine?

The spark plug plays a crucial role in a lawn mower’s engine as it is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber.

When the engine is turned over, the spark plug creates an electrical spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture, which causes a small explosion that pushes the piston down and turns the crankshaft. This combustion process repeats rapidly, powering the engine and driving the lawn mower’s blades.

Without a properly functioning spark plug, the engine won’t be able to ignite the fuel and air mixture, and the lawn mower won’t start or run properly. Over time, the spark plug can become dirty, worn, or fouled, which can cause starting problems and poor engine performance. Regular inspection and replacement of the spark plug is important for maintaining a healthy engine and optimal lawn mower performance.

Should I replace my lawn mower’s spark plug if it’s dirty?

It depends on the extent of the dirt and wear on the spark plug. If the spark plug is just dirty, it may be possible to clean it and restore its functionality. However, if the spark plug is heavily fouled or damaged, it’s usually recommended to replace it.

A dirty spark plug can cause starting problems, misfires, and poor engine performance. Dirt and debris can build up on the electrodes, which can prevent the spark from jumping across the gap and igniting the fuel and air mixture.

Cleaning the spark plug can be done using a spark plug cleaner or a wire brush. However, if the spark plug is heavily fouled with oil, carbon, or other contaminants, cleaning may not be enough to restore its functionality.

If you’re unsure whether to replace or clean the spark plug, it’s best to consult the owner’s manual for your specific model or seek advice from a lawn mower technician.

In general, it’s recommended to inspect and/or replace the spark plug every season or after every 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. Regular maintenance of the spark plug can help ensure proper ignition and prevent starting and performance problems.

Can a dead battery cause a lawn mower to not start?

Yes, a dead battery can cause a lawn mower to not start. In lawn mowers with electric starters, the battery provides the power needed to turn the engine over and start it.

If the battery is dead or weak, the starter motor may not have enough power to turn the engine over, or the engine may not start even if it does turn over.

To diagnose a dead battery as the cause of a lawn mower not starting, you can try jump-starting the battery using a car or a battery charger. If the engine starts after jump-starting, the battery was likely the culprit. In this case, you may need to replace or charge the battery using an external charger.

It’s important to note that not all lawn mowers have electric starters or batteries. Some lawn mowers have pull-start mechanisms that don’t rely on batteries.

If your lawn mower has a pull-start and is not starting, a dead battery is likely not the issue. In this case, you may need to check other potential causes such as stale fuel, a dirty air filter, or a clogged carburetor.

How can I test my lawn mower’s battery to see if it’s working properly?

You can test your lawn mower’s battery to see if it’s working properly by using a multimeter. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Turn off the lawn mower’s engine and remove the battery from the mower.
2. Set your multimeter to the DC voltage setting.
3. Connect the multimeter’s positive lead to the battery’s positive terminal and the negative lead to the negative terminal.
4. Check the voltage reading on the multimeter. A fully charged lawn mower battery should read around 12.7 volts. If the reading is significantly lower, the battery may be weak or dead.
5. Charge the battery using a battery charger if the reading is low. After charging, retest the battery to see if the voltage reading has increased to a normal range.
6. If the battery still does not hold a charge or has a low voltage reading, it may need to be replaced.

It’s important to note that not all lawn mowers have batteries, so this test is only applicable for those with electric starters.

If your lawn mower does not have a battery, you may need to check other potential causes for starting problems such as stale fuel, a dirty air filter, or a clogged carburetor.

Is a flooded engine a common cause of a lawn mower not starting?

Yes, a flooded engine is a common cause of a lawn mower not starting. A flooded engine can occur when too much fuel enters the engine’s combustion chamber, making it difficult for the spark plug to ignite the fuel and air mixture.

This can happen if the choke is left on for too long, the carburetor is dirty or misadjusted, or if the engine is tilted too far forward or backward during operation or storage.

To fix a flooded engine, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn off the fuel supply to the engine.
2. Remove the spark plug and dry it off using a clean cloth or paper towel.
3. Pull the starter cord a few times to help clear out any excess fuel in the engine.
4. Let the engine sit for a few minutes to allow any remaining fuel to evaporate.
5. Reinstall the spark plug and try starting the engine again.

If the engine still doesn’t start, you may need to investigate further other potential causes such as a dirty air filter, a faulty spark plug, or a clogged carburetor.

Regular maintenance and proper operation of your lawn mower can help prevent issues like a flooded engine from occurring in the first place.

How can I test the ignition switch in my lawn mower?

Testing the ignition switch in your lawn mower can help you determine if it’s the cause of your starting problem. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental engine start.
2. Locate the ignition switch on your lawn mower. It’s usually located near the starter or on the dashboard.
3. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the switch. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting.
4. Touch one probe to the ignition switch terminal and the other probe to a ground, such as the engine block.
5. Turn the ignition key to the “on” position. The multimeter should indicate continuity, meaning the switch is working properly. If there’s no continuity, the switch may be faulty and need to be replaced.
6. If the ignition switch passes the continuity test, you can check the resistance of the switch. Set the multimeter to the resistance setting.
7. Touch one probe to the ignition switch terminal and the other probe to a ground.
8. Turn the ignition key to the “on” position. The multimeter should read zero ohms of resistance, meaning the switch is working properly. If the reading is higher or there’s no reading at all, the switch may be faulty and need to be replaced.

It’s important to note that not all lawn mowers have ignition switches. Some lawn mowers have pull-start mechanisms that don’t rely on an ignition switch. If your lawn mower doesn’t have an ignition switch, you may need to check other potential causes for starting problems such as stale fuel, a dirty air filter, or a clogged carburetor.

Facts

1. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated 80,000 lawn mower-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms each year.
2. A survey by Briggs & Stratton found that 71% of lawn mower owners did not read their mower’s manual before operating it.
3. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute recommends changing the oil in a lawn mower every 50 hours of use or at least once a year.
4. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency found that gas-powered lawn mowers can produce as much air pollution in an hour as driving a car 20 miles.
5. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, a well-maintained lawn can increase a home’s value by up to 20%.

Final Words

In a nutshell, if your lawn mower is turning over but not starting, there are several possible reasons why this may be happening. By following the steps outlined in this article and regularly maintaining your lawn mower, you can help prevent this problem from occurring and keep your lawn mower running smoothly.