The first warm days of spring are here, and with them comes the urge to get your lawn looking its best. But before you can mow, you need to make sure your Husqvarna lawn mower is ready to go. Starting your Husqvarna lawn mower can be a simple process, but it can be frustrating if you’re not familiar with the steps. This article will guide you through the process of starting your Husqvarna lawn mower, covering everything from preparing your mower to troubleshooting common starting problems.
In essence, starting a Husqvarna lawn mower involves a few key steps:
- Preparing the mower: This includes checking the fuel, oil, and spark plug, as well as making sure the mower is in a safe and level position.
- Priming the carburetor: This step ensures the engine has a sufficient fuel supply to start.
- Starting the engine: This involves engaging the choke and pulling the starter cord.
Let’s dive into these steps in more detail and learn how to get your Husqvarna lawn mower running smoothly.
Preparing Your Husqvarna Lawn Mower for Starting
Before you try to start your Husqvarna lawn mower, it’s crucial to make sure it’s properly prepared. This involves a few key checks and steps:
1. Checking the Fuel
Fuel is the lifeblood of your lawn mower engine, so you need to ensure there’s enough, and it’s fresh. First, check the fuel level. If the fuel tank is low, add fresh gasoline. It’s important to use fresh gasoline, as old gasoline can gum up the carburetor and make starting difficult.
Important: Never mix gasoline and oil, as this will damage your engine. Use only fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane.
2. Checking the Oil
Oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, preventing wear and tear. The oil level should be checked regularly, especially before starting the mower for the first time after storage.
To check the oil:
- Locate the dipstick on the engine.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
- Insert the dipstick all the way back into the oil fill hole.
- Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level.
- The oil level should be between the “Full” and “Low” marks on the dipstick.
If the oil level is low, add the correct type of oil, as specified in your Husqvarna manual.
3. Checking the Spark Plug
The spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine, and a faulty spark plug can prevent your mower from starting. Inspect the spark plug to ensure it’s clean and free of corrosion. If it’s dirty or corroded, you can clean it with a wire brush or replace it with a new one.
To check the spark plug:
- Locate the spark plug on the engine.
- Use a spark plug wrench to loosen and remove the spark plug.
- Inspect the spark plug for wear, dirt, or corrosion.
- If necessary, clean the spark plug with a wire brush or replace it with a new one.
4. Checking the Air Filter
The air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine, which can cause damage. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make it difficult to start the engine.
To check the air filter:
- Locate the air filter housing, usually under a cover on the engine.
- Remove the cover and inspect the filter.
- If the filter is dirty, replace it with a new one.
5. Positioning the Mower
Before starting the engine, make sure the mower is on a level surface. This helps ensure the engine starts smoothly and prevents fuel from spilling out of the tank.
6. Safety Precautions
Always wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes when operating a lawn mower. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid operating the mower near children, pets, or flammable materials.
Starting Your Husqvarna Lawn Mower
Once your Husqvarna lawn mower is prepared, you can start the engine:
1. Priming the Carburetor
Priming the carburetor ensures that the engine has a sufficient fuel supply to start. Most Husqvarna lawn mowers have a primer bulb, which is a small, rubber bulb located near the carburetor.
To prime the carburetor:
- Press the primer bulb several times until you see fuel flowing into the carburetor.
- This may take several presses, depending on the model of your mower.
2. Engaging the Choke
The choke restricts airflow to the engine, helping it start more easily in cold conditions. Most Husqvarna lawn mowers have a choke lever located near the handlebars.
To engage the choke:
- Move the choke lever to the “Choke” position.
3. Pulling the Starter Cord
Now it’s time to start the engine by pulling the starter cord.
To pull the starter cord:
- Place your feet firmly on the ground, stand behind the mower, and hold the starter cord handle.
- Slowly pull the starter cord out a few inches to take up any slack.
- Quickly and forcefully pull the starter cord all the way out.
Important: Never let the starter cord snap back into the housing with force. This can damage the engine.
4. Disengaging the Choke
Once the engine starts, you can disengage the choke.
To disengage the choke:
- Slowly move the choke lever back to the “Run” position.
5. Warming Up the Engine
Let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up before you start mowing. This helps ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
Troubleshooting Common Starting Problems
Even after following these steps, you may still encounter some problems starting your Husqvarna lawn mower. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
1. The Engine Won’t Start
- Check the fuel level: Make sure the fuel tank has enough fresh gasoline.
- Check the spark plug: Ensure the spark plug is clean and functioning properly.
- Check the air filter: Make sure the air filter is clean and not clogged.
- Check the choke: Make sure the choke is engaged when starting and disengaged after the engine starts.
- Prime the carburetor: Make sure you’ve primed the carburetor before starting the engine.
2. The Engine Starts but Immediately Dies
- Check the choke: Make sure the choke is fully disengaged once the engine starts.
- Check the fuel level: Make sure the fuel tank has enough gasoline.
- Check the carburetor: The carburetor may be clogged or have a faulty needle valve. You may need to clean or rebuild the carburetor.
3. The Engine Runs Rough
- Check the air filter: A dirty air filter can cause the engine to run rough.
- Check the spark plug: A worn or faulty spark plug can also cause the engine to run rough.
Conclusion
Starting a Husqvarna lawn mower should be a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article and addressing any common problems, you can get your lawn mower running smoothly and efficiently. Remember to always check the fuel, oil, and spark plug before starting, and wear appropriate safety gear. With a little practice and patience, you can master the art of starting your Husqvarna lawn mower and keep your lawn looking its best.
FAQ
1. How do I start a Husqvarna lawnmower with an electric start?
Starting a Husqvarna lawnmower with an electric start is simple and convenient. First, ensure the mower is in the “OFF” position and the choke lever is engaged. Then, connect the battery cables to the mower’s battery terminals. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position and press the electric start button. The engine should start within a few seconds. If the engine doesn’t start, check the battery connections and ensure the fuel tank has fuel.
2. How do I start a Husqvarna lawnmower with a recoil start?
To start a Husqvarna lawnmower with a recoil start, begin by ensuring the mower is in the “OFF” position and the choke lever is engaged. Next, locate the recoil start handle, which is usually located on the top of the engine. Pull the cord slowly until you feel resistance, then pull it quickly and forcefully. The engine should start after a few pulls. If the engine doesn’t start, check the spark plug and ensure the fuel tank has fuel.
3. What should I do if my Husqvarna lawnmower won’t start?
If your Husqvarna lawnmower won’t start, there are several things you can check. First, ensure the fuel tank has fuel. Then, check the spark plug to make sure it is clean and has a good spark. You can also check the air filter to ensure it is not clogged. If none of these solutions work, you may need to consult a professional mechanic for further troubleshooting.
4. How do I know if the spark plug is working correctly?
To check if your spark plug is working correctly, you’ll need a spark plug tester. Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug and connect the tester to the spark plug wire. Then, pull the recoil start handle or engage the electric start. If the tester illuminates, the spark plug is working correctly. If the tester doesn’t illuminate, the spark plug may be faulty and need to be replaced.
5. What kind of fuel should I use for my Husqvarna lawnmower?
You should always use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher in your Husqvarna lawnmower. Avoid using gasoline with ethanol, as it can cause fuel system problems. It’s also a good idea to add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline, especially if you are not using the mower regularly.
6. How often should I change the oil in my Husqvarna lawnmower?
The frequency of oil changes for your Husqvarna lawnmower will depend on the model and usage. However, it’s generally recommended to change the oil every 25 hours of use or once per season, whichever comes first. To change the oil, simply drain the old oil from the engine and refill it with fresh oil. Ensure that you use the correct type and quantity of oil for your mower model.
7. Where can I find a manual for my Husqvarna lawnmower?
The manual for your Husqvarna lawnmower should have come with the mower when you purchased it. If you can’t find the manual, you can download it from the Husqvarna website. Simply go to the Husqvarna website and enter your lawnmower’s model number in the search bar. You should then be able to find the manual for your specific mower.