If you’re lawn mower starts then dies, or if your lawn mower won’t start then this lawn mower troubleshooting guide is for you. It will help you solve some of the most common problems that DIY’ers can typically handle. Keep in mind that it is important to follow the owner’s manual for your brand of lawn mower and your model.
Homeowners and business owners in Mesa, Queen Creek, and Gilbert rely on their lawn care equipment to start up, stay running, and effectively cuts the grass, trim the edges, and not be a hassle. But when they won’t start, stall, run rough, or surge it’s clear that something is wrong. Follow this comprehensive guide to troubleshoot your lawn mower.
Lawn Mower Troubleshooting
Most of us who have done lawn care in our lives have experienced a lawn mower that just wouldn’t start, no matter how hard you pulled the cord. This is common when starting your lawn mower after its been stored for a period of time, such as the winter or off season.
First Step: Check The Fuel
Engines don’t start or run without fuel, and it can be an obvious but easy detail to overlook. It’s also best to start the season with fresh fuel as stale fuel has debris and dirt that can make starting more difficult. In fact storing your lawn mower with fuel can lead to damaging the engine. It’s a good practice to siphon out the fuel at the end of a season to ensure you start the year with fresh fuel and preserve your engine.
Second Step: Check Ignition & Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs are dirty or disconnected it can cause an engine to run rough or not start at all. Generally spark plugs are good for a season or about 25 hours of run time. Spark plugs also have a “gap” where the arc of electricity is created to ignite the fuel. Check the gap to ensure that it is set for the right distance. If it isn’t the spark plug and the spark plug lead is securely attached you might have a flywheel key problem or shorted kill switch.
Third Step: Clean Your Carburetor
Lawn mowers still use carburetors like older vehicles instead of fuel injection. The carburetor creates the air to fuel mixture in your engine and if it is dirty it will cause your engine to run rough, stall, or simply not start.
Fourth Step: Check the Compression & Valves System
The compression of the air fuel mixture is critical for powering your lawn mower. It consists of a system of a piston, cylinders, valves, and rings which control how the air fuel vapors move through your lawn mower engine. The valves are responsible for letting the air into and out of the engine while the pistons cycle back and forth during the intake, ignition, and exhaust process. The piston rings are responsible for sealing up the system and keeping the engine air tight.
Leaks in your seals or improper valve clearance will mean that compression isn’t right and your engine will not start. A test can be performed by your local lawn mower repair shop with a leak down tester.
Lawn Mower Repair Service
If you’re searching for lawn mower repair service near Mesa, Queen Creek, or Gilbert; A&P Nursery can help! We offer lawn mower repair and lawn care equipment repair at our Gilbert location. No matter the brand or size of lawn mower we can inspect it and recommend the right repairs. Our goal is to always offer the most cost effective solutions for our valued customers, so if repairing your old mower is as much or more than buying a new one, we will advise you. We also sell high quality lawn mowers, edgers, and other landscaping equipment for your convenience.
Call 480-892-7939 Today for Lawn Mower Repair Service