Spring has sprung, the grass is growing, and you’re itching to get your lawn looking its best. But before you can mow, you need to get your trusty lawn mower up and running. And for many gas-powered mowers, that means cranking the engine.
This article will guide you through the process of cranking a lawn mower, covering everything from preparing your mower to troubleshooting common problems. We’ll explore the different types of lawn mower engines, the essential components of the starting system, and the common mistakes that can prevent your mower from starting. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be mowing your lawn in no time!
Understanding Your Lawn Mower Engine
Before you start cranking, it’s important to understand the basic workings of your lawn mower engine. Most gas-powered lawn mowers use a four-stroke engine, which involves four distinct stages: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. Each stage plays a crucial role in converting fuel into power to drive the mower blades.
Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Starting
1. Check the Fuel:
- Fuel Level: Make sure your mower has enough fuel. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended type of gasoline and the maximum fuel capacity of your mower.
- Fuel Freshness: Old gasoline can gum up the engine. Use fresh fuel or add a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh for longer periods.
- Fuel Lines: Check the fuel lines for any cracks, leaks, or blockages. If you find any issues, replace the damaged lines immediately.
2. Inspect the Spark Plug:
- Spark Plug Condition: A clean and properly gapped spark plug is essential for a smooth start. Remove the spark plug, inspect it for any signs of wear, corrosion, or carbon buildup.
- Spark Plug Gap: The spark plug gap should be set according to your mower’s manual. Use a spark plug gap tool to adjust the gap if necessary.
- Spark Plug Test: To test the spark plug, attach it to the spark plug wire and ground the metal end of the plug to a metal part of the engine. Then, crank the engine for a few seconds while observing for a strong blue spark.
3. Inspect the Air Filter:
- Clean Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make starting difficult. Remove the air filter and clean it using compressed air or a brush. If the filter is severely damaged, replace it with a new one.
4. Check the Battery (For Electric Start Mowers):
- Battery Charge: Ensure your battery is fully charged if your mower has an electric start system.
- Battery Connections: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and tighten any loose connections.
The Art of Cranking: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that your mower is prepped, let’s dive into the actual cranking process:
- Choke Position: Engage the choke (if equipped) for cold starts. This enriches the fuel mixture, making it easier for the engine to fire up.
- Primer Bulb: If your mower has a primer bulb, pump it several times to fill the carburetor with fuel.
- Cranking the Engine:
- Manual Start: If your mower has a manual recoil start, pull the starter cord firmly and quickly. Don’t jerk it, but use a smooth, consistent pull.
- Electric Start: If your mower has an electric start, turn the key to the “Start” position.
- Choke Disengagement: Once the engine starts, release the choke gradually. The engine should start running smoothly on its own.
- Idle Adjustment: Some mowers have an idle adjustment screw. Adjust this screw if the engine is idling too high or too low.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Even after meticulous preparation, your lawn mower might still refuse to start. Don’t despair! Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
1. No Spark:
- Check Spark Plug: Test the spark plug as described earlier. If there’s no spark, replace the spark plug or check the spark plug wire for damage or loose connections.
- Inspect Ignition Coil: If the spark plug is good, the ignition coil might be faulty. The ignition coil transforms low voltage from the battery into high voltage to create the spark. Replace the coil if necessary.
- Verify Ignition Switch: Ensure the ignition switch is working properly. If the switch is faulty, the circuit will be interrupted, preventing the engine from receiving power.
2. Fuel Issues:
- Empty Fuel Tank: Check the fuel tank level. If it’s empty, add fuel according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Clogged Fuel Filter: The fuel filter prevents debris from reaching the engine. Replace the filter if it’s dirty or clogged.
- Clogged Fuel Lines: Inspect the fuel lines for blockages. Clean or replace any damaged or obstructed lines.
3. Engine Flooding:
- Too Much Fuel: If the engine is flooded with fuel, it won’t start. Try cranking the engine without the choke engaged for a few seconds to clear out the excess fuel.
- Air in Fuel Lines: If you’ve recently replaced the fuel line or refilled the tank, there might be air in the lines. Allow the engine to sit for a few minutes to let the air escape. You can also try pumping the primer bulb if your mower has one.
4. Other Considerations:
- Old Fuel: Old fuel can gum up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. Drain the old fuel and refill the tank with fresh fuel.
- Dirty Carburetor: The carburetor mixes air and fuel for combustion. If it’s dirty, it can cause starting problems. Clean or rebuild the carburetor if necessary.
- Engine Oil Level: Check the engine oil level and top it off if it’s low. Insufficient oil can damage the engine.
Tips for Success
- Read the Manual: Your mower’s owner’s manual is your best guide for troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Stay Safe: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working on your mower.
- Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance, including changing the oil, cleaning the air filter, and inspecting the spark plug. This will help prevent issues and keep your mower running smoothly.
- Don’t Give Up: If your mower still won’t start, consult a mechanic. There might be an underlying issue that requires professional attention.
Conclusion
Cranking a lawn mower is a straightforward process, but it requires a little knowledge and attention to detail. By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you’ll be able to get your lawn mower up and running in no time. Remember to be patient, and don’t hesitate to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic if you encounter any difficulties. Happy mowing!
FAQs
1. Why is my lawn mower not starting?
There are a few reasons why your lawn mower may not be starting. The most common reason is a lack of fuel. Make sure the gas tank is full and that the fuel lines are clear. Another possibility is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, preventing it from starting. You can also check the spark plug to see if it is sparking properly. If it is not, you will need to replace it.
If your lawn mower is still not starting, you may have a problem with the carburetor. The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel, and if it is dirty or clogged, it will prevent the engine from starting. You can try cleaning the carburetor yourself, or you can take it to a professional for service.
2. How do I prime the engine?
Priming the engine is necessary to get fuel flowing into the carburetor. This is particularly important if the mower has been sitting for a while. To prime the engine, you’ll typically find a primer bulb on the carburetor. Press the bulb several times to fill the carburetor with fuel. Be sure to read your mower’s instruction manual for specific instructions on priming your engine.
If you’re still having trouble starting the mower, you might need to check the fuel lines for any leaks or blockages. If the fuel lines are clear, you may need to replace the primer bulb.
3. What do I do if the engine is flooded?
A flooded engine occurs when too much fuel enters the combustion chamber. This can happen if the choke is left engaged for too long, or if the carburetor is malfunctioning. To fix a flooded engine, you’ll need to remove the spark plug and crank the engine for a few seconds to expel the excess fuel.
Once the excess fuel is expelled, you can reinstall the spark plug and try starting the engine again. If the engine is still flooded, you may need to remove the spark plug and repeat the process. You can also try using a spark plug wrench to turn the engine over a few times by hand.
4. What should I do if the lawn mower is sputtering?
A sputtering lawn mower could be caused by a variety of issues. If the sputtering is happening when you are accelerating, it might indicate a problem with the carburetor, particularly if the engine is running rich (receiving too much fuel).
Other potential culprits include a clogged air filter, a faulty spark plug, or a dirty fuel line. If you suspect a problem with the carburetor, you may need to have it cleaned or adjusted by a professional.
5. What is the proper way to shut down the lawn mower?
Shutting down your lawn mower properly is important for the longevity of your equipment. The first step is to release the throttle lever to return the engine to idle speed. Once the engine has slowed down, you can turn the ignition key to the “off” position.
If your mower has a choke lever, make sure to disengage it. After turning off the ignition, let the mower cool down for a few minutes before storing it.
6. How do I change the spark plug?
Changing the spark plug is a simple maintenance task that can help keep your lawn mower running smoothly. To change the spark plug, you will need a spark plug wrench. First, disconnect the spark plug wire. Then, use the spark plug wrench to loosen the spark plug. Once the spark plug is removed, you can install the new spark plug.
Make sure to tighten the new spark plug to the correct torque specification. You can find this information in your lawn mower’s instruction manual. Once the new spark plug is installed, reconnect the spark plug wire and start the engine.
7. What should I do if the lawn mower won’t start after changing the spark plug?
If your lawn mower won’t start after changing the spark plug, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure you connected the spark plug wire properly. Second, ensure you installed the new spark plug correctly and tightened it to the proper torque.
If the spark plug is installed correctly, and the engine still won’t start, you may have a faulty spark plug. You can test the spark plug using a spark plug tester. If the spark plug is faulty, you will need to replace it with a new one. If you’re confident you’ve installed the spark plug properly, you might want to re-check other components like the fuel lines or carburetor.