How to Start a Lawn Mower?

The biggest struggle of lawn owners is starting a lawnmower. Often, the lawnmower does not start after too many attempts, which leads to frustration.

We are here to solve this problem with a comprehensive guide on how to start a lawnmower. Whether your lawnmower has been sitting for too long or doesn’t start at all, you can try the right steps to start a lawnmower.

We will explain how to start a lawnmower properly. If there is any issue in starting, we’ll explain how you can diagnose it and solve it on your own.

Once you read this complete guide, you’ll never have to struggle with starting a lawnmower. You can maintain it properly and start in the first pull.

Checklist Before Starting a Lawnmower

Before starting your lawnmower, check a few things. These will ensure a smooth start in the first pull or maybe the second.

Clear and Open Space

Bring your lawnmower to a clear and open space. There shouldn’t be anything around. Otherwise, it increases the chances of tripping and falling. In the case of an accidental start, it will be difficult to control the mower.

Check Gas and Oil

Open the gas tank and check the gas. If the gas has been staying for more than 30 days, it’s better to replace it. Fill the tank with fresh gas.

Also, check the engine oil before starting. If the oil is low, it could harm the engine. Check the oil level with the dipstick. If the oil is low, empty the old oil and refill with fresh oil.

Check the Spark Plug

Check if the spark plug is properly installed on the lawnmower. Make sure the plug cover is properly connected.

People often remove the cover while storing their lawnmower and often forget to put it back before using it.

Prime the Carburetor

The carburetor should have gas in it. If your lawnmower has been sitting for a long time, the gas might not flow in properly.

If your lawnmower has the prime button, push it 3-4 times. It will help in pushing gas into the carburetor.

Note: The prime button is present in mowers having a small engine. You won’t find it in every lawnmower.

Open Throttle

The throttle on your lawnmower ensures proper airflow and speed, which is necessary for a quick start and performance.

Before pulling the string, turn on the throttle. You can set it to fast or max position. Make sure it’s not in the idle position; otherwise, the engine won’t be able to generate vacuum and create a strong spark.

Steps to Start a Lawnmower

To start a lawnmower in the first pull, you must follow the standard procedure. Keep the following steps in mind, and you’ll never have any issues in starting a lawnmower unless it's faulty.

Step 1: Position the mower in a clean and clear area of the lawn. Make sure the area is also plain/leveled.

Step 2: Set the throttle to Max or Fast position. It’s necessary for a quick start and excellent performance during mowing.

Step 3: Set the choke to ensure a better mixture of air and fuel to the engine. Move the lever to the Full Choke or Start position. Some lawnmowers have a primer bulb. In that case, you need to press the bulb 3-4 times.

Step 4: Engage the safety bar on the lawnmower. It’s a bail handle that must be pressed against the main handle.

Step 5: Pull the starting cord handle with force. Give a full pull, but make sure it’s smooth. Let the cord go slowly backward.

Step 6: If the engine starts, you need to move the choke lever to Half Choke instantly. After a few seconds, you can set it to the Run position.

If the engine didn’t start in the first pull, you can try again 2-3 times. Do not do it aggressively. And if you still fail to start the lawnmower, it’s time to diagnose the issue and fix it.

Not Starting? Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

Your lawnmower struggles to start primarily if there is any issue with the air filter, carburetor, or spark plug. You need to maintain these three components, and you’ll never face any problem.

Here are some diagnostic tips and how you can resolve the issue.

Dirty Spark Plug

If there is carbon or oil in the spark plug, it won’t be able to create the spark necessary for ignition. Consequently, your lawnmower won’t start. It’s a very common problem that many lawn owners face.

If your lawnmower takes too many pulls to start, it is an indication that the spark plug is messy. In the worst case, your lawnmower won’t start at all, no matter how hard you try. Other indicators are reduced power, rough idling, and engine sputtering.

Disconnect the wire plug from the spark plug. Remove the spark plug using an appropriate socket. Observe it and look for oil, carbon, or corrosion on the tip. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean it.

Install the spark plug after cleaning and restart the lawnmower again. If it restarts easily within 1-3 pulls, it’s great. Otherwise, you can replace the spark plug.

Clogged Carburetor

A smooth flow of gasoline is mandatory for the engine to run. If the engine is not receiving enough fuel, it means the tiny fuel jets are clogged.

If your mower has been sitting for a long time and is not starting, it indicates the carburetor is clogged. Or if it starts only when the choke is engaged and stalls in normal conditions, it is also a clear indication.

You need to remove the carburetor from the lawnmower and thoroughly clean its parts, especially the main jet. It usually gets clogged because of old gas sitting in the tank and carburetor. It forms a sticky residue and causes rusting inside.

We have created a detailed guide on how to clean lawn mower carburetor. Follow the step-by-step process to remove, disassemble, clean, reassemble, and reinstall the carburetor.

Blocked Air Filter

Your lawnmower engine needs a mixture of air and fuel to run. The air filter supplies air, but when it’s clogged due to dirt, grass clippings, and pollen, it doesn’t provide adequate air. In this case, the engine suffocates and is unable to run smoothly.

The engine will start and run for a short period of time. But after that, it stalls due to a lack of air. To solve this issue, you need to clean the air filter.

Take out the air filter from its assembly. If the filter is made from paper, tap it on any hard surface to remove dust. If it’s a foam filter, you can clean it with soap and water and dry it.

Reinstall the filter on the lawnmower and restart. If it starts and works well, you are good to go. But it is better to replace the air filter as soon as possible for smooth operation.

Fuel Overflowing

Fuel overflowing happens when you overprime your lawnmower or the float needed valve in the carburetor is stuck.

If over-primed, move the throttle to run position. Wait for 5-10 minutes and start the lawnmower. Push the cord several times, and your lawnmower will start working smoothly.

If there is a clog in the carburetor, open the bowl by removing the bolt at the bottom. It will expose the float. Try to move the float so that it can start working. Dislodge the stuck. Once done, put the bowl back and restart.

If it starts and works properly without overflowing, you have resolved the issue. Otherwise, you need to disassemble the carburetor and do a thorough cleaning. In the worst case, you might need to replace it.

Starter is Stuck

If you feel pushing the cord has become tougher, it means the starter is stuck. You might not be able to pull the cord fully.

It usually happens when the grass blade is jammed because of grass clippings. You need to clean it, but before that, disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental start.

Flip the mower over and clean the grass clippings. Free up the blade. Now, you will hopefully be able to pull the cord fully with less effort.

If you are still struggling, you need to get a mechanic. The cord or other parts might need repair or replacement.

Tired of Starting a Lawnmower? Get a Robotic One

A gas lawnmower needs frequent maintenance, and it’s not easy for every lawn owner to maintain it. Often, people get frustrated when their mower does not start after a lot of effort. Not only does it kill your time, but it also needs money for repairs and replacements.

You can get rid of all this hassle by getting a robotic lawnmower. It’s an electric lawnmower that starts with just a push of a button. Plus, you can start it from the application when lying on your bed. It mows your lawn automatically according to the schedule and saves you time. You will never have to worry about mowing your lawn, and it will be maintained with perfection.

Navimow i110 is an exceptional robotic lawnmower. It’s powered with AI to understand your lawn, dodge obstacles, and detect pets/wildlife.

It automatically mows your lawn and multiple zones according to the schedule. You can control everything through the application and get real-time updates. It also keeps an eye on the real-time weather forecast, so it knows when it’s the best time to cut grass and when to quit.

Adjust the best height to cut grass and set the schedule. It will precisely mow the lawn and edges. And you will have a perfectly-mowed lawn without any effort.

FAQs

Why is it so hard to start my lawn mower?

Gas lawnmowers need proper maintenance. The air filter, carburetor, spark plug, and other components should be in optimal condition to work well. If any of them is dirty, clogged, or worn out, it becomes difficult to start the lawnmower.

What is the choke position on a lawn mower?

To start a cold engine, move the choke lever to the Full Choke or Start position. Once the engine starts, you can put it to Half Choke instantly, and then to the Run position after a few seconds.

What is the first thing to check if a lawn mower won't start?

Check if there is fuel in the tank. If not, refill it. If it’s been sitting for too long, you need to drain the tank, clean the carburetor, and refill the tank with fresh gas. If the fuel is fine, remove the spark plug and clean it. It will hopefully resolve the issue.

How to get a lawn mower start after sitting?

You need to ensure proper fuel and air supply and spark plug functioning. You can clean/replace the carburetor, air filter, and spark plug. After that, set the throttle to Max/Fast and engage the throttle. Hold the safety control bar and pull the cord fully. Once the engine starts, move the choke back to the Run position.