Lawn mower runs then dies

If your lawn mower starts, runs for a while, then dies, check the ignition coil, gas cap, and spark plug. One or more of these parts could be causing your problem. Follow our repair and symptom guide to help you fix this.

We will also offer some tips and advice on how you can fix these issues. Stalling lawnmowers are fairly common. That being said, one issue is way more common than any of the others. If your lawnmower is starting and then stalling, the most likely issue is the carburetor. The most common issue is that the carburetor is dirty.

Lawn mower runs then dies

Is your lawn mower starting up just fine and then quitting? When your lawn mower starts then dies, it not only delays the completion of your lawn care chores—it can also be kind of embarrassing. Imagine your neighbors glancing over curiously, wondering what on earth is up with you and your problematic mower. Worse still, a lawn mower is a complicated machine, so at first glance, you might not have any idea how on earth to solve the problem. You might be tempted to just write the whole thing off and buy a new one. First—and this may seem like a no-brainer, but bear with us—check the fuel levels. Some lawn mowers have an actual fuel gauge, while others do not. You should also check the fuel line for clogs and take a look into the carburetor bowl to ensure that fuel is reaching that part of the engine. However, if your fuel is low or it looks thick and sludgy, your first step is to drain off the old fuel being mindful of local regulations for disposal of such waste products and add fresh fuel. You may find that a gas refill or replacement solves the problem. Has it been a while since you last started up your lawn mower? As time passes and the mower sits idle, some of the more watery components within the fuel can evaporate.

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Ahhh…the smell of fresh-cut grass. Think about it. If you live in a northern region, your mower sits all winter … waiting months without any action. Your engine needs a steady flow of gasoline to run correctly. The carburetor is responsible for mixing gas with just the right amount of oxygen to create combustion. If your carburetor is dirty or the carburetor bowl is clogged, the process above is compromised, and your engine may start up, but it will not run properly and may die shortly after you pull the cord. Your dirty carburetor needs a good blowout with an aerosol can of carburetor cleaner.

By: Author John Cunningham. A dirty carburetor is the most common cause of a lawn mower that starts and then dies. Other possible causes include:. I have divided this guide into two pages in the interest of page speed; strap yourself in. Carb issues can very often be fixed in 5 minutes. Simply draining the gas bowl fixes many issues. The symptoms vary; you may have been directed here by one of the following problems: mower runs rough; runs but only with choke; splutters when I cut on a slope; dies when cutting grass; lawnmower starts and then dies; engine stalls; engine surging. Sockets and ratchet — Used to remove the carburetor from the mower. A good flexible set with a wide range of tools will quickly pay for itself.

Lawn mower runs then dies

Hey there! When your lawn mower starts but dies shortly after, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. There are several common issues that can cause this problem, and identifying the root cause is key to resolving it. Here are some of the most common culprits:. A dirty carburetor is the leading cause of a lawn mower starting and then stalling. Over time, the carburetor can become clogged with dirt, debris, and old gasoline residue, impeding the proper fuel-air mixture and causing the engine to sputter and shut off. Cleaning the carburetor regularly can help prevent this issue and keep your mower running smoothly. If your lawn mower has been sitting idle for a while, the gasoline in the tank may have deteriorated. Old gasoline can gum up the carburetor and fuel system, leading to starting and stalling problems. Consider draining the old gas and filling the tank with fresh, high-quality gasoline to resolve this issue.

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If the air filter is not the culprit, then next move on and check the connections: The connectors between the throttle and choke plates can get sticky when dirty. Replacing a spark plug can be a bit more challenging for a first-timer, but I still consider it an easy job. So when you try to run your gas mower, it starts and then shuts down. Check for the specifications for your model to know the recommended size of the gap. Now that you have the internal components exposed, take your carb cleaning solution and spray the inside of the ports to clean out any residue. The location of the carburetor can vary depending on the type of lawn mower. It is not possible to thoroughly clean a carburetor without removing it. In fact, it usually means that you will need to replace the carburetor entirely. Organize Your Home in a Snap! So the engine starts, but then it stalls. When you place the new spark plug into the correct spot, be careful not to overtighten it.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. But instead of hearing the smooth sound of the engine running, the mower sputters to a stop.

The screws can also be worn down from the constant vibration. If the mower is allowed to sit for a time, usually a few hours, air will seep back into the tank and the mower will start again. Was it just because of regular wear and tear and use, or could there have been another reason? The jet needs to have a thin wire pushed thru it. Gas does get stale but for a lawn mower engine , for me, that has never caused a problem! This type of vacuum is known as a vapor lock. Holding an A. Posted: Jul 4, Options Permalink History. The issue might be something common like a clogged carburetor, which you can handle and fix yourself. I have other comments on this subject in this chain of problems of starting and then not running! Sometimes, all you need to do is clean the spark plug. I fixed that, and I can only venture, that some how, the filter works in conjunction with the fuel flow as there is a rubber hose that runs to the crankcase, and that has to pump and suck as the piston action occurs. Check the thermostat and make sure it is set correctly. I'm Ready for a Better Lawn.