Top 10 Mower Troubleshooting in 2023

Are you experiencing issues with your lawn mower? Learn how to troubleshoot and fix common problems quickly with our guide on mower troubleshooting. From starter rope difficulties to smoking engines, we cover the causes and solutions to keep your lawn equipment in top condition.

Maintaining your lawn mower regularly can help prevent problems and extend its lifespan. However, despite your best efforts, wear and tear from hours of mowing can cause glitches that require troubleshooting. In this article, we will discuss some common lawn mower issues and how to fix them quickly and easily.

It's essential to refer to the operator's manual before attempting any maintenance on your equipment. From a hard-to-pull starter rope to smoking engines, we'll cover the causes and solutions to these common lawn mower issues.

Table Of Contents

How to Troubleshoot a Mower That Won't Start?

If your lawn mower fails to start, it's likely that there are indications as to why this is happening. Fortunately, in most cases, a basic tune-up can fix the issue, typically ranging from $60 to $250. Here are some helpful tips for troubleshooting the problem with your non-starting mower.

1. Difficult Starter Rope

Clear the Mower Blade: Another cause for a stuck starter rope is that the mower blade is either dragging in the grass or clogged with clippings. To resolve this, move the mower to a flat surface and turn it off. Disconnect the spark plug wire and remove any excess clippings from the underside of the mower. Once done, resume the mowing position and try starting the mower again.
Check the Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug and check it for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or fouling. If the plug is damaged, replace it with a new one and try starting the mower again.
Check the Engine Flywheel Brake: One of the most common reasons for a hard-to-pull starter rope is that the engine flywheel brake is engaged. Ensure the brake bar is fully down before pulling the rope.

2. Water Contamination In the Fuel Tank

If you find signs of water contamination in your lawn mower's fuel tank, it's important to address the problem right away. Ignoring water in the fuel can cause serious damage to your mower's engine and decrease its lifespan. To properly check your fuel tank, follow these steps:

If you see any signs of water contamination, drain the old fuel completely.
Dry out the tank using compressed air or other drying techniques.
Refill with new fuel: Refill the tank with fresh, new fuel.
Ensure that there is enough gasoline in the tank for your mower to operate.
Inspect the fuel for bubbles of water that may be floating to the bottom of the tank.
If you're still unsure about the presence of water, drain a small amount of fuel and check for water.

3. Spark Plug Issues

When your lawn mower refuses to start, a potential culprit could be defective spark plugs. These crucial components may become loose, dirty, disconnected, or deteriorated over time. Rather than immediately opting for a new set, attempt to clean and secure the existing plugs to determine if this resolves the issue. You can locate them on the rear or lateral section of your mower's motor.

4. Smoking Lawn Mower

Seeing your lawn mower smoking can be alarming, but it's usually not a major issue. The smoke could indicate a full oil chamber or oil leakage into the exhaust muffler. If the smoke is light-colored and your mower is not running smoothly, it's best to seek professional help.

When to Call a Pro？

If you're unable to fix the smoking issue on your own, it's time to call in a professional. There are instances where specialized tools and skills are required to resolve the problem correctly. If you need to seek professional help, find a Briggs & Stratton Service Dealer in your area.

5. Troubleshooting A Lawn Mower Battery

If you have a lawn mower that runs on a battery, it's important to know how to test it for signs of wear and tear. Just like a car battery, a lawn mower battery can lose its ability to hold a charge over time. Here are three ways to test your lawn mower battery:

Look out for dimming headlights, which is an indication of battery deterioration.
Conduct a visual inspection of the battery for any cracks, corrosion, or damage.
Test the charge of the battery using a multimeter to determine if it requires a replacement. Remember that most batteries last between three to five years.

6. Stuck Starter Rope On Your Mower

If you're having trouble pulling the starter rope on your mower, it could be caused by debris or a problem with the flywheel brake. To check for debris:

Check the blade for debris.
Clear any dirt, grass clippings, or other debris obstructing the blade
Turn off your mower engine
Disconnect the spark plugs for safety purposes.

7. Losing Power While Mowing

Reasons and remedies for a lawn mower losing power during mowing:

Fouled spark plug: Clean or replace the plug to ensure proper ignition.
Blunt, bent, or loose blade: Sharpen or replace the blade to cut efficiently and smoothly.
Accumulation of debris and clippings: Clear the underside of the mower deck to restore airflow.
Clogged air filter: Remove and clean the filter, or replace it if necessary.
Mowing too much grass at once: Increase the cutting height to avoid overloading the engine.

8. Lack Of Fuel Reaching the Combustion Chamber

When the fuel fails to reach the engine's combustion chamber during ignition, the lawn mower will not start. One possible solution is to tap the carburetor's side to move the fuel along. However, if that doesn't work, replacing the fuel filter might be necessary.

9. Fuel Issues

If your lawn mower won't start, the first thing to check is the fuel. Old fuel can cause starting problems, so drain your tank and refill it with fresh gas if necessary. Here are other things to check:

Check the spark plug and clean it if needed.
The air filter might be dirty and require cleaning or replacement.
If fuel is not reaching the engine, try tapping the carburetor or replacing the fuel filter.

10. Lawn Mower Consumes Too Much Gas

A lawn mower may consume too much gas because:

The air filter is dirty and restricts the airflow into the engine.
The engine runs too rich, with more gas and less air than needed for proper combustion.

Solution:

Remove the air filter and clean it thoroughly with an air compressor, or
Replace the dirty air filter with a new one.

Final Thought

Regular lawn mower maintenance can go a long way in preventing glitches and prolonging its lifespan. However, wear and tear can still occur and require troubleshooting. We have provided some common lawn mower issues and how to fix them quickly and easily. By following the tips outlined in this article, lawn mower owners can keep their equipment in top condition and avoid costly repairs.