If you are a lawn owner, you might have the same question. People struggle a lot with their lawnmowers, and they get frustrated if it doesn’t start.
As a lawn owner, you should be able to diagnose common issues and fix them on your own. And this is what we will be going through in this article.
We will explain the common problems and primary reasons for not starting. Then, we will help you diagnose the issue and try some easy fixes.
Primary Reasons Behind Lawn Mower Not Starting
Your gas lawnmower needs air, fuel, and oil to run. If there is any problem causing an issue in the supply of any of these, the mower won’t start, given that you know how to start a lawn mower correctly. In the case of an electric mower, the culprit is usually power issues.
Air Problem: For combustion, a proper fuel and air mixture is needed. Without air, the fuel can’t ignite, and the mower won’t run. Your lawnmower needs to breathe. Otherwise, it will suffocate.
Fuel Problem: If there is any issue with the fuel, the lawnmower won’t start. There could be no fuel in the tank. But if the tank has fuel in it, it might not be reaching the carburetor or combustion chamber.
Oil Problem: Your lawnmower engine needs oil as a lubricant. If there is no oil, the engine cannot run.
Ignition Problem: A gas lawnmower uses an ignition system to burn the fuel and start the mower. If it can’t produce the spark, it will never start.
Power Problem: If you have an electric mower, the most common issue would be an interrupted power supply. Check the cord, power outlet, battery terminals, and everything to ensure the mower is receiving the power it needs.
Troubleshooting and Solutions
Check the Gas
Before you do anything, check whether there is gas in the tank. Sometimes, people forget to refill the tank or forget that the tank is empty.
Refill the tank with fresh fuel and try to start the lawnmower. If it starts within a few attempts, your lawnmower is fine.
If you are trying to start your lawnmower for the first mow of spring, there is a high possibility that the gas sitting in the tank will be contaminated with dirt and sticky residue. It usually happens when you don’t drain the gas or add a stabilizer while winterizing the lawnmower.
Drain the old gas and fill the tank with the fresh one. Try to start your mower. Keep in mind that it will take multiple pulls to suck new gas from the tank. Be patient and pull the cord several times.
Check the Spark Plug
The spark plug ignites your engine. If it’s covered with carbon, oil, and contaminants, it won’t be able to produce a spark and burn the fuel and air mixture.
Before removing the spark plug, check if the spark plug cover is properly connected. If the connection is loose, it will prevent sparking.
If that didn’t work, remove the spark plug. Clean its end using a wire brush and try again. You can also replace the spark plug with a new one.
Make sure to tighten the plug properly.
Clean the Carburetor
Often, lawnmowers don’t start because of the filthy carburetor. Over time, the gas inside the carburetor builds a sticky residue that blocks the tiny air and fuel jets. If the gas has been sitting for more than 30 days, it is probably the cause of not starting.
You need to thoroughly clean your carburetor. Check out this detailed guide on how to clean lawn mower carburetor and follow the simple steps.
After cleaning, your lawnmower will start on the first pull. Because a clean carburetor ensures a smooth delivery of fuel.
Usually, cleaning is enough, and you should do it once a month. However, you can also replace the carburetor with a new one.
Check the Engine Oil
The engine oil in your lawnmower is responsible for providing the necessary lubrication it needs. It eliminates friction and allows the engine parts to move more freely.
If the engine oil is low, thick, or filled with contaminants, its performance will be affected. It will create friction and cause wear and tear.
In the worst case, the engine will not be able to work because of extreme friction. The lawnmower won’t start.
Check the oil. If it is low or old, it’s better to drain it and fill with fresh oil. Use the dip stick to fill the right quantity.
Clean the Air Filter
Without a proper supply of air, your lawnmower suffocates. The carburetor takes air, but a filter is placed before it to filter out the contaminants.
Over time, the air filter gets blocked. It gets filled with the dust and particles it traps. Thus, you need to clean or replace it.
If it’s a paper filter, just replace it. If you have a sponge filter that is washable, wash it and let it dry. Then install it again.
By doing this, the mower will get better air, and it will start and run smoothly.
Check Battery/Terminals
In the case of electric mowers, the issue is usually with the power supply.
If you have a corded mower, check the cord. Ensure it is not disconnected or frayed. The wall outlet it is connected to should also be perfectly working.
In the case of a battery mower, check the battery terminals. Make sure they are intact. You can also replace them if they are disconnected or corroded.
Check the battery voltage using a multimeter; it should be approximately equal to the rated voltage.
Clean the Bottom
When the bottom of the lawnmower is clogged with grass clippings, it creates a hindrance in the rotation of the blade. And that’s why the lawnmower doesn’t start.
Clean the bottom or deck of the mower. Remove any grass clippings. Make sure the blade is free to move. After that, your mower will start quickly.
Lawnmower Not Starting? Switch to a Robotic Lawnmower
Often, lawn owners struggle with their gas lawn mowers. The reason is that they require frequent maintenance and a lot of care. Similarly, normal electric mowers and battery-powered mowers have certain issues.
If you want to get rid of starting problems, the best way is to switch to a robotic lawn mower like Navimow i110 or Navimow X390. It automatically starts and mows your lawn according to the schedule. You don’t need to do anything; just set the schedule, and it will handle everything. It will recharge, mow the lawn, and then get back to its charging station.
A robotic lawn mower requires minimal maintenance. You can keep your lawn maintained without dedicating any time on weekends. Check out the robotic lawn mower collection and the suitable mower for your lawn.
Final Words
Lawn owners often struggle with their lawnmowers as they don’t start easily. But if they know the common problems and their DIY solutions, they can quickly get their mower running in no time. We have explained the common issues that lie with gas and electric mowers. You first need to diagnose the issue and then put in the effort in the right direction to resolve it. Not only will it help you start your mower, but it will also help you maintain it.
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