9 Reasons Lawn Mower Stopped Running
Sit-on Mower Stopped Running aren’t just a convenient luxury if you have a large lawn to mow; they’re essential. With a sit-on mower, you can mow a lawn in a fraction of the time it takes with a traditional push mower. Lawn mowers that start easily and run smoothly for a few hours, only to suddenly stop without warning can be puzzling.
Overheating can cause the engine to shut down suddenly. A malfunctioning or clogged engine coolant system, low coolant levels, a problem with oil, or debris clogging the area around the engine can lead to overheating and shutting down. It is possible for a lawnmower to malfunction when it gets too hot, like any other machine. Especially if you cannot spare a lot of time for grass maintenance, this may be frustrating. When your lawnmower overheats and fails, there are several possible causes.
9 Reasons Your Lawn Mower Stopped Running
1. Carburetor filters should be changed on lawn mowers.
A lawn mower’s air filter prevents grass clippings and dirt from entering the carburetor and engine. In some cases, an engine won’t start if the air filter is clogged. You should replace the paper filters on your engine every 25 hours, or make sure that you clean or replace the foam filters every 25 hours. This will prevent this from happening.
A riding lawn mower is different from a walk-behind lawn mower when it comes to the process of removing the filter. To unplug the spark plug wire from a walk-behind mower, turn off the engine and engage the parking brake. Afterward, remove the filter.
Replaceable paper filters are the only option. For the purpose of cleaning a foam filter, it is advisable that you wash it in warm water with a solution of detergent and water to loosen the grime. After the filter has dried completely, replace it in its housing with fresh motor oil, and power up the mower again. The engine will now whirr with the satisfaction of an engine in full working order.
2. The problem with spark plugs
It may be necessary to replace the spark plug even if the mower’s engine seems to be in reasonable shape. An average spark plug lasts two years, but the lifespan of a spark plug varies with how often it is used. Whenever the spark plug begins to become difficult to start or rough to run, it needs to be changed. In most auto parts stores and home improvement stores, lawnmower spark plugs are a few dollars. Most mowers malfunction due to a faulty spark plug.
3. It does not have fuel in its tank
My son sighed as he wondered if I thought he didn’t understand because I asked him if he had checked the gas tank. It was of course a matter of checking the fuel level, he said. Often, this simple solution is overlooked because it seems so simple.
4. Lawn mower fuel that is stale or unusable
As soon as you confirm that there is fuel in the tank, you need to determine if you have less effective fuel due to degrading and breaking down. In order to prevent gas from degrading, it’s critical to use it within 30 days of purchase.
Adding a fuel additive to your fuel will stabilize it if you are unable to use it within 30 days. Alternatively, you can purchase Sea Foam at your local auto store or on Amazon. Check out my article for more information about Sea Foam’s advantages.
Nowadays, much of our fuel is made up of ethanol, a corn-based product that is environmentally friendly. Your lawn mower engine should not be run on gasoline or ethanol. Fuel systems can collect moisture because ethanol attracts moisture.
You may have problems running your lawn mower if moisture is evaporating from the fuel system.
Because of this, small engine manufacturers advise their customers to use fuels with a maximum level of 10% ethanol in their fuel. For a fuel system to last as long as possible, you should choose a fuel with a low ethanol content or a fuel without ethanol.
5. Problems related to oil
There is a need to keep the lawnmower engine properly lubricated to prevent the engine from overheating. The engine of an automobile could be damaged if the oil is too low, gets water in it, or is not changed; if the oil doesn’t get changed, the engine can shut down completely.
If you suspect that your lawnmower is experiencing any problems, you may want to check its oil level and age. You may need an oil filter for your lawnmower. Oil should be changed if you find water in the oil or if it hasn’t been changed for a while.
6. Filter/line clogged
Lawn mowers stop working when the fuel lines get clogged. Gas is delivered from the fuel tank to the engine through the fuel line. If the fuel line is clogged or blocked, the mower will fail to get enough fuel pressure and turn off. There is also a possibility that the fuel filter is blocked or jammed, resulting in a lack of fuel for the engine. The fuel filter and the fuel lines should be checked.
7. Inspect the safety release mechanisms.
The dead man’s control may be the cause of your lawn mower’s inability to run, not the engine. For the engine to start or run, the operator must hold this colorfully named safety bar. Upon releasing the bar, the engine shuts off. The mower can’t start as a result of this mechanism, which reduces the likelihood of horrific lawn mower accidents.
Dead man’s controls are connected to their ignition coils via a steel cable, which supplies current to the spark plugs through the safety bar. It is likely that it is a damaged cable that is causing your lawn mower’s engine not to start. The mower will not start if it is damaged.
Control cables can easily be replaced if they are broken. A few days may pass before you get the part. You can order a brand-new cable from the manufacturer’s website if you know your mower’s serial number.
8. A fully engaged flywheel brake should be checked.
By compensating for inertia, the flywheel ensures smooth operation of the engine. The mower engine won’t run if it isn’t working properly.
The pull cord can be difficult to pull if the pull cord is fully engaged. If there is anything jamming the blade, make sure the brake pad is in full contact with the flywheel.
Possibly something got tangled in the mower’s blade if the flywheel brake’s key sheared. The flywheel key can be replaced, but the mower must be disassembled.
9. Repair your mower if it shows signs of trouble.
- A knocking sound is being made by the lawn mower as it is being used. You can tell if something is bent or out of alignment when your lawn mower starts making a knocking sound. The process of figuring out this on your own may be tough, so it’s best to find a pro to assist you.
- Black smoke can be seen in the distance. The engine will need to be evaluated by a technician, as it may have a crack or other problems that require attention.
- Vibrations or shakes in your lawn mower can be an indication that something is amiss that can’t be easily fixed by you. A loose or out of alignment part is usually the cause of the problem.
- The use of excessive amounts of oil and gas. You should consult a professional if the mower continues to consume more oil or gas after you change the spark plugs and do other maintenance tasks.
FAQs About Why Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start
Q. Mowers that are stubborn to start?
Clogged air filters and dirty carburetors may cause a mower to have trouble starting. A rag can be used to clean the carburetor after it is removed with a screwdriver. Replace or clean disposable air filters.
Q. What is the lawn mower carburetor for?
Lawn mower carburetors have air intakes and filters on the side or top. A fuel line connected to the carburetor can also be used to locate it.
Q. What’s wrong with my lawn mower?
There is a high probability that the reason is toxic gas. When left in the off-season for many months, gas breaks down, clogging up fuel lines and carburetors, making it difficult to start the engine.
Q. What happened to my electric lawn mower?
In the vast majority of cases, damage to the cord of a lawn mower is the most likely cause for it to stop working. Mower motors are typically powered by electric cords that are pulled and flexed during use. This can damage the inside of the cord and prevent it from carrying electrical current.
Final Thoughts
A lawn Mower Stopped Running starter cord that sputters and dies repeatedly can be extremely frustrating and backbreaking. It might only need a simple repair that you can handle yourself instead of bringing it to the shop.
It is possible that a valve could be causing a compression problem if none of the other problems are to blame. This may require you to think about calling in a professional unless you have a lot of experience working with engines.