Remove the spark plug before you start any repairs. It’ll make sure the blade doesn’t start up. Find the spark plug, grab the cap, and pull it straight off. Then, use a spark plug wrench to unscrew and remove the spark plug so you can inspect it and safely repair the mower.
Full Answer
How to troubleshoot your mower not starting?
- Pull up the mower's hood to access the ignition switch.
- Remove its cable harness.
- Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot.
- Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage.
- Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. ...
How to care for and maintain your lawn mower?
Steps Download Article
- Tighten or replace any loose nuts / bolts. Sand, prime and paint rusted structural parts. ...
- Remove the spark plug lead from the spark plug and move it away from cylinder head. ...
- Position your mower. ...
- Change or sharpen the blade, if needed. ...
- Check the motor's "air filter" while doing this sort of maintenance. ...
- Change the oil if needed. ...
- Be aware of stale fuel. ...
How to fix a riding lawnmower that will not move or drive?
Common reasons why a hydrostatic mower won’t move include: having old hydraulic fluid in the lines, having air in the lines, or a worn drive belt. Usually, the best way to fix these problems is to flush the hydraulic lines and refill them with new fluid. Also, you can change out the old belt for a replacement.
How do you fix a lawn mower?
Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies – Here’s the Fix!
- Determine the Fuel Status. First—and this may seem like a no-brainer, but bear with us—check the fuel levels. ...
- Check for a Clogged Carburetor. Has it been a while since you last started up your lawn mower? ...
- Test the Fuel Cap. ...
- Replace the Spark Plug. ...
- Final Thoughts. ...
What to do if valves get chipped?
What is the number one culprit with engine trouble?
How to remove valves from a car?
How to remove flywheel?
How to test ignition system?
How to examine a piston?
Do you disconnect the spark plug on a lawn mower?
See more
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What is the most common problem with small engines?
Carburetor. Most of the common problems with small engines point to fuels. However, if the carburetor fails to mix the fuel and air properly, engines malfunction. If a carburetor becomes dirty, it clogs easily which keeps it from functioning well.
How do I fix my lawn mower engine?
0:002:28Lawn Mower Repair : How Do I Repair a Lawnmower Engine? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt will lead to a follow spark plug poor. Performance. So we'll just remove the air filter and oneMoreIt will lead to a follow spark plug poor. Performance. So we'll just remove the air filter and one way to check it besides the obvious of seeing if it's dirty is you remove the outer layer.
How do you fix a small engine that won't start?
6 Tips for Troubleshooting a Small Engine that won't StartInspect the spark plug. One of the first things to check if your small engine won't start is the spark plug. ... Check your fuel. ... Clean the carburetor. ... Take a look at the compression system and the valves. ... Check the start switch.
How are small engines diagnosed and repaired?
1:4820:37How to Diagnose and Repair a Small Engine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd get these at auto parts stores the end goes into the spark plug hole. So you just screw that in.MoreAnd get these at auto parts stores the end goes into the spark plug hole. So you just screw that in. And pull the cord a couple of times take the reading plugged in just give it a pull.
Is it worth it to fix a lawn mower?
Just like with your car, getting your mower serviced prevents problems, extends the lifespan, and ensures you get more on a trade-in when you go to upgrade.
What causes a small engine to lose power?
Causes. Incorrect amounts of air or fuel will cause the engine to run sporadically or not at all, as will a weak or improperly timed spark. An engine not getting the right amount of fuel, air or a proper spark will exhibit a loss of power.
How do you make a small engine run again?
3:4610:42Tips on Starting Small Engines that Haven't Ran for a While - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull your spark plugs out ground it out and crank it over and watch for spark when the plug. AndMorePull your spark plugs out ground it out and crank it over and watch for spark when the plug. And this one you're going to do that on both sides. If you got spark. You might have a stuck valve.
How do you fix a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower that won't start?
Your Mower Won't Start:Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten.Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace.Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn't work, you might need a new fuel filter.
How do you clean a lawn mower carburetor without removing it?
Use Carburetor Cleaner Fortunately, you can generally do this without even taking the carburetor out of the engine. Start by purchasing some commercial lawnmower carburetor cleaner, which comes in a simple spray can and will make it easy to clean the inside and outside of the carb.
What are the four tests you use to diagnose a small engine problem?
However, if you think “FAST”, most problems can be diagnosed relatively quickly and easily. FAST is an acronym for the causes of most small engine problems: fuel, air, spark and timing. Chances are, one of these four factors is the reason for your balky engine.
Why does my lawn mower only run for a few seconds then dies?
If your lawn mower starts, runs briefly, then dies these are the four most common reasons that's happening: Dirty carburetor / clogged carburetor bowl. Old gasoline that has gone bad. Dirty or defective spark plugs.
How do you fix Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine that starts and dies?
0:405:16How to fix Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine that starts and dies.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use a pair of vise grips or a zip tie or whatever you want but I just clamp that right onMoreYou can use a pair of vise grips or a zip tie or whatever you want but I just clamp that right on there and that has blocked off our fuel flow.
How do you make a small engine run again?
3:4610:42Tips on Starting Small Engines that Haven't Ran for a While - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull your spark plugs out ground it out and crank it over and watch for spark when the plug. AndMorePull your spark plugs out ground it out and crank it over and watch for spark when the plug. And this one you're going to do that on both sides. If you got spark. You might have a stuck valve.
Why does my lawn mower only run for a few seconds then dies?
If your lawn mower starts, runs briefly, then dies these are the four most common reasons that's happening: Dirty carburetor / clogged carburetor bowl. Old gasoline that has gone bad. Dirty or defective spark plugs.
How do you fix Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine that starts and dies?
0:405:16How to fix Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine that starts and dies.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use a pair of vise grips or a zip tie or whatever you want but I just clamp that right onMoreYou can use a pair of vise grips or a zip tie or whatever you want but I just clamp that right on there and that has blocked off our fuel flow.
How do you fix a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower that won't start?
Your Mower Won't Start:Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten.Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace.Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn't work, you might need a new fuel filter.
Free Lawn Mower User Manuals | ManualsOnline.com
Garden product manuals and free pdf instructions. Find the user manual you need for your lawn and garden product and more at ManualsOnline
How to Replace a Lawn Mower Engine | eHow
Your lawn mower engine takes a lot of wear and tear each mowing season. The engine not only has a large bearing load put on the engine from the mower blade, but it also must perform in hot weather. Over time, the components in the engine wear out and you have to decide whether to get a new mower or replace the engine.
Lawn Mower Repair Help
Start Right Here Find appliance parts, lawn & garden equipment parts, heating & cooling parts and more from the top brands in the industry here. Click on Shop Parts, or select the kind of product you're working with on the left and we'll help you find the right part. SHOP PARTS
What to do if valves get chipped?
There is nothing that I know you can do once the valves get this bad, and the only thing you can do is buy new ones. The valve heads can also get chipped and will inject fuel at the wrong time and reduce combustion. Once again if the valves get badly chipped you will have to buy a new valve.
What is the number one culprit with engine trouble?
The Carburetor is the number one culprit with engine trouble. It such a important part of a 4 stroke engine that I will have to use two pages to fully explain how to clean it. The number one thing about repairing a carburetor is that they must be very clean.
How to remove valves from a car?
To remove the valves you will need to press down the compression springs, and remove the valve spring retainer. Now, putting the valve parts back together again can get a little tricky .You will have to first put the spring and the valve spring retainers back into the engine together.
How to remove flywheel?
The nut which holds the flywheel is on very tightly, and can only be removed by blocking the rotation of the crank shaft with a wrench holding the nut on the blade or by blocking the rotation of the blade. Do not try to hold the flywheel by sticking a crowbar in the teeth, or they might break off. Once you have remove the nut which holds the flywheel in place you will need to gently pry off the flywheel with a crowbar. Keep rotating the flywheel until it can be lifted off easily. Now put the flywheel key somewhere safe. When you want to put the flywheel back on make sure that the key is in the right direction. It is usually marked in some way.
How to test ignition system?
You can easily test the ignition system by touching the end of the spark plug to a grounded piece of metal, and see if there is a spark when you start the engine. Do not hold any metal on the spark plug or you will get a painful zap. Ask Question.
How to examine a piston?
To examine the piston you will have to separate the two halves of the engine. Doing this can be dangerous to your engine which I would not recommend. When you separate the two halves do it very slowly prying all around the engine. Once you have separated the two halves disconnect the piston from the crank shaft.
Do you disconnect the spark plug on a lawn mower?
Before you do anything with the lawnmower you should disconnect the sparkplug. This will leave no chance of the engine starting with you working on it. It is better to loose a few second than loose a few fingers!
How to fix a broken lawn mower?
Find the air filter on the side of your mower’s engine. They’re usually covered by a plastic or metal cover. Use either a screwdriver or a wrench to remove the screws or bolts and take off the cover. Pull out the filter and inspect it for cracks, tears, or holes.
How to fix a loose spark plug on a lawn mower?
Use a wrench and turn it clockwise. Look for the spark plug on the side of your mower’s engine. It’ll look like a small piece of metal pointing sideways and covered by a protective rubber cap. Over time, the plug can get loose in it’s socket. Fortunately, it’s a pretty easy fix. Take a wrench and give it a gentle turn until it’s tightened up. If you were having trouble starting your mower, give it a go and see if that helps.
What happens if your lawn mower oil is dirty?
Lawn mower oil should be golden brown and there shouldn’t be any dirt or debris floating in it. If your oil is dirty or dark, tip the mower over on it’s side and allow the oil to drain completely into a container.
How to stop rust on lawn mower blades?
Grassy buildup can affect the blade and lead to rust. Carefully lift or tip your mower on it’s side over so you can access the blade area. Take a damp cloth and remove any grass build-up that could be affecting the blade. It’ll also help protect your mower against rust.
Why won't my lawn mower start?
A clogged or damaged fuel line can cause your mower to not start.
How to tighten up a mower wheel?
If you notice any loose bolts, screws, or wheels, use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten them up. It can help increase the life-span of your mower.
How to get fuel out of a mower tank?
If it was left in the tank over the winter, it can affect your engine. Use a siphon to safely remove the fuel from the tank of your mower into a fuel-safe container. Once the tank is completely empty, refill it and try starting it up.
Why does a small gas engine wear out?
Friction causes wear; it's a law of physics. Small gas engines can wear out prematurely if moving parts aren't lubricated. We'll discuss how to reduce wear on your small engine and increase its useful life by servicing the lubrication system. Topics include the fuel-oil mixture for two-stroke engines and performing other lubrication services.
Where is the fuel strainer in a small engine?
Some small engines have a fuel strainer in the bottom of the fuel tank. Others have a removable fuel strainer in the fuel line. Still other small engines use disposable in-line fuel filters made of pleated paper. To clean sediment from a tank:
How does a mechanical breaker ignition work?
For many years, mechanical-breaker ignition systems were the most popular of all ignition systems. The high voltage electricity from the coil is turned on and off using contact points and a condenser. The spark must be correctly timed to reach the spark plug at the exact moment when the piston is at the top of its travel and the fuel-air mixture is fully compressed. Here's how to service a mechanical-breaker ignition:
What is the difference between a four stroke engine and a fuel tank?
Four-stroke engines use a fuel-air mixture. Fuel Tank: The fuel tank stores fuel in preparation for mixing by the carburetor and use by the engine. Some fuel tanks are pressurized with air to help deliver fuel to the carburetor. Other tanks are non-pressurized and depend on a fuel pump to deliver fuel to the carburetor.
How many systems are needed for an internal combustion engine?
Internal combustion gasoline-powered engines require six systems: fuel, exhaust, ignition, combustion, cooling, and lubrication. In this article, we will discuss the systems and components that make small engines work. Advertisement.
What is the purpose of a small engine fuel system?
The function of a small engine fuel system is to store and deliver fuel to the combustion chamber. Maintaining a fuel system includes servicing the fuel filter, air cleaner, fuel tank, and fuel lines; adjusting the carburetor; and adjusting the governor. Of course, not all small engines have all of these components.
Is small engine repair profitable?
Small engine repair could potentially be profitable if you have a high volume of repairs.
Why won't my small engine start?
Determine why your small engine won't start by checking your fuel levels, spark plug, carburetor, valve & compression levels and more. Follow along to troubleshoot and learn when it's best to service your engine.
Why is my outdoor generator not starting?
Stale fuel, dirt, and debris are the most common cause of outdoor power equipment not starting or running properly. If you store equipment with untreated gas in the tank, it can lead to engine damage.
Is your Spark Plug faulty?
Disconnected, dirty or fouled spark plugs are common causes for engines that won’t start. For small engines, spark plugs typically need to be replaced every season or after 25 hours of use.
Is your Engine's Exhaust smoking?
If the engine is emitting white or blue smoke, this means your engine is burning oil. Check our Engine emits white/blue smoke while running FAQ for assistance.
What to do if playback doesn't begin?
If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Is your Carburetor clean?
The carburetor regulates how air and fuel move through the engine. A dirty carburetor can cause poor engine performance or starting problems.
What to do if valves get chipped?
There is nothing that I know you can do once the valves get this bad, and the only thing you can do is buy new ones. The valve heads can also get chipped and will inject fuel at the wrong time and reduce combustion. Once again if the valves get badly chipped you will have to buy a new valve.
What is the number one culprit with engine trouble?
The Carburetor is the number one culprit with engine trouble. It such a important part of a 4 stroke engine that I will have to use two pages to fully explain how to clean it. The number one thing about repairing a carburetor is that they must be very clean.
How to remove valves from a car?
To remove the valves you will need to press down the compression springs, and remove the valve spring retainer. Now, putting the valve parts back together again can get a little tricky .You will have to first put the spring and the valve spring retainers back into the engine together.
How to remove flywheel?
The nut which holds the flywheel is on very tightly, and can only be removed by blocking the rotation of the crank shaft with a wrench holding the nut on the blade or by blocking the rotation of the blade. Do not try to hold the flywheel by sticking a crowbar in the teeth, or they might break off. Once you have remove the nut which holds the flywheel in place you will need to gently pry off the flywheel with a crowbar. Keep rotating the flywheel until it can be lifted off easily. Now put the flywheel key somewhere safe. When you want to put the flywheel back on make sure that the key is in the right direction. It is usually marked in some way.
How to test ignition system?
You can easily test the ignition system by touching the end of the spark plug to a grounded piece of metal, and see if there is a spark when you start the engine. Do not hold any metal on the spark plug or you will get a painful zap. Ask Question.
How to examine a piston?
To examine the piston you will have to separate the two halves of the engine. Doing this can be dangerous to your engine which I would not recommend. When you separate the two halves do it very slowly prying all around the engine. Once you have separated the two halves disconnect the piston from the crank shaft.
Do you disconnect the spark plug on a lawn mower?
Before you do anything with the lawnmower you should disconnect the sparkplug. This will leave no chance of the engine starting with you working on it. It is better to loose a few second than loose a few fingers!
