11 Reasons Your Push Mower Loses Power (Solution)

Keeping your lawn tidy is easy with a push mower, but what happens when it loses power? Your push mower may be losing power for several reasons, and diagnosing the problem will help you restore it to normal operation. What can you do to fix push mower power loss? Here we’ll discuss some of the most common causes.

Reasons Why Your Push Mower Loses Power

A mower’s power can be lost for a number of different reasons, and there are several reasons why this could occur.

Filter that is dirty

It has been shown that dirty air filters can be one of the leading causes of mowers losing power. There is an air filter in all engines that has the responsibility of preventing debris and dust from entering the engine. If the air filter gets clogged, it can restrict air flow to the engine, resulting in the engine losing power. You will need to replace or clean the air filter in order to solve this problem.

The spark plug is dirty

Power loss from push mowers is also often caused by dirty spark plugs. An engine will lose power or misfire if the spark plug becomes fouled or worn out, igniting the fuel. Depending on the type of spark plug you’re using, it may be necessary to clean or replace the plug to fix the problem.

An oil level that is too low

Your push mower may also lack power if you have a low oil level in the engine. There are several moving parts of an engine that need to be lubricated with oil in order for it to run smoothly. There can be many consequences if the oil level is too low, such as mechanical damage to the engine and power loss caused by friction and heat buildup. You will need to take a closer look at the oil level of the engine and add more oil if necessary, in order to fix this problem.

Filter clogged with fuel

There is also the possibility of your push mower losing power as a result of a clogged fuel filter. In order for fuel to enter the engine, the fuel filter must clean the fuel of all debris and dirt before it can enter the engine. Clogging of this tube can cause a reduction in fuel flow and a loss of power in the engine if it becomes clogged with dirt. The fuel filter will need to be removed in order to be cleaned or replaced in order to fix this problem.

Belts that are damaged or worn out

There is also the possibility of your push mower losing power due to worn or damaged belts. The blades and other attachments on a push mower turn because of the belts that are attached to it. During this time of wear and tear, the belts can become loose and possibly slip or break.

This leads to the attachments not working and the engine not operating properly as a result. For this problem to be resolved, worn or damaged belts must be replaced.

The exhaust pipe is clogged

You may also experience power loss from a clogged muffler. Exhaust gases are expelled from the engine through the muffler, which reduces noise from the engine. It is possible for the engine to lose power if the muffler is clogged with debris. This problem can be fixed by removing the muffler from the vehicle and cleaning or replacing it with a new one if necessary.

Damaged or dirty carburetor

Your push mower may also lose power due to a dirty or damaged carburetor. Fuel and air are mixed in the carburetor, which produces combustion that powers the engine. In many cases, carburetors become dirty or damaged over time, which can lead to an overrich or overlean mix of gasoline, which can lead to a decrease in power. It will be necessary for you to clean or repair the carburetor in order to solve this problem.

Damaged or worn engine bearings

Your push mower might also lose power if your engine bearings are worn out or damaged. Besides supporting the crankshaft, bearings also provide support for other moving parts. Friction and heat buildup can occur when the bearings wear out or become worn, which can cause engine damage and power loss. In order to resolve this issue, worn or damaged bearings must be replaced.

Fuel line blocked

You can also lose power if your fuel line is blocked. From a tank of fuel, which is located in the engine compartment, the fuel line transports it to the carburetor where it is burned. If a fuel line becomes clogged with debris, the engine will lose power and the fuel supply will be restricted. The fuel line must be removed and cleaned or replaced in order to fix this problem.

Cylinders are worn out or damaged

Your push mower may also lose power if the engine cylinders are worn or damaged. Fuel mixture is compressed in the cylinder to create combustion, which is responsible for powering the engine. Wear and damage to the cylinder can result in the engine losing compression and power. The worn or damaged cylinder must be repaired or replaced to fix this problem.  

There is a lot of dirt on the cooling fins

Your cooling fan needs to be cleaned for the same reason you should clean the engine area. Keeping your engine cool requires free movement of the fan.

Often, dirt and debris build up on the fan, causing air movement to be compromised. Remove any buildup on the fins of your fan and ensure that the fins are in working condition. In case the fan needs to be replaced, replace it.

In Summary / Conclusion

In addition to dirty air filters, dirty spark plugs, low oil levels, clogged fuel filters, worn or damaged belts, clogged mufflers, dirty or damaged carburetors, damaged or worn engine bearings, blocked fuel lines, and worn or damaged engine cylinders, Push Mower Loses Power can also result from a variety of problems.

Fixing the problem and identifying the cause will restore your push mower to smooth operation. For troubleshooting and maintenance instructions, please consult your owner’s manual. You can keep your lawn neat and tidy with regular maintenance and care for your push mower. Best wishes!