The warm sun is shining, the birds are singing, and you’re ready to tackle that overgrown lawn. You fire up your trusty lawnmower, but instead of the familiar hum, you hear a sputtering cough. The engine sputters, chokes, and dies. You’ve just encountered the dreaded “flooded engine.” But don’t despair! This article will guide you through the steps to revive your lawn mower and get you back to mowing in no time. We’ll cover the common causes of a flooded lawn mower, explain how to identify a flooded engine, and provide step-by-step instructions for fixing the problem.
What Is a Flooded Lawn Mower?
A flooded lawn mower occurs when too much fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber, preventing the engine from starting. This can happen for several reasons, including:
- Over-priming: If you try to start the engine too many times in quick succession, you may pump too much fuel into the carburetor.
- Old Fuel: Old gasoline can gum up the carburetor and create a rich mixture.
- Clogged Air Filter: A clogged air filter restricts airflow, leading to an imbalanced fuel-to-air ratio.
Identifying a Flooded Engine
A flooded engine often displays these symptoms:
- Engine Won’t Start: You hear a sputtering sound, but the engine won’t turn over.
- Fuel Smell: There may be a strong smell of fuel near the engine.
- Wet Spark Plug: If you remove the spark plug, it may be wet with fuel.
How to Fix a Flooded Lawn Mower
Follow these steps to fix a flooded lawn mower:
1. Remove the Spark Plug
Use a wrench to loosen and remove the spark plug from the engine.
2. Dry the Spark Plug
Use a clean rag or paper towel to dry the spark plug. Be sure to dry the electrode and the base of the plug thoroughly.
3. Clean the Spark Plug
If your spark plug is old or dirty, it might be preventing the engine from firing properly. Use a wire brush to clean the spark plug electrode and gap. If the spark plug is worn out, it’s a good idea to replace it with a new one.
4. Let the Engine Air Out
With the spark plug removed, allow the engine to air out for several minutes. This will help evaporate any excess fuel in the combustion chamber.
5. Reinstall the Spark Plug
Once the engine has aired out, reinstall the spark plug. Be sure to tighten it securely, but do not overtighten it.
6. Start the Engine
With the spark plug reinstalled, try starting the engine. If it still won’t start, you may need to repeat steps 1-6.
7. Check the Air Filter
If your lawn mower has a dirty air filter, it can cause a flooded engine. Replace or clean the air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Consider a Fuel Treatment
If you suspect old fuel is the problem, use a fuel stabilizer or treatment to clean the carburetor and fuel lines.
Additional Tips for Preventing a Flooded Engine
- Don’t Over-Prime: Only prime the engine a few times before attempting to start it.
- Use Fresh Fuel: Always use fresh gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer if you’re not using your lawn mower regularly.
- Replace Fuel Filter: A clogged fuel filter can lead to a flooded engine. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on replacing it.
- Keep the Air Filter Clean: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause a flooded engine.
- Avoid Starting the Engine with the Throttle Wide Open: This can cause too much fuel to be delivered to the engine.
When To Call a Professional
If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting steps and your lawn mower still won’t start, you may need professional assistance. If you notice any of the following, it’s best to call a qualified mechanic:
- Damage to the Carburetor: If you suspect the carburetor is damaged, it’s best to have it repaired or replaced by a professional.
- Engine Malfunction: If the engine is making strange noises or seems to be running poorly, it’s important to have it inspected by a mechanic.
Conclusion
A flooded lawn mower can be frustrating, but it’s often a simple problem to fix. By following these steps, you can revive your lawn mower and get back to mowing your lawn in no time. Remember to use fresh fuel, keep your air filter clean, and don’t over-prime the engine. If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a flooded lawn mower?
A flooded lawn mower occurs when too much fuel is injected into the combustion chamber, preventing it from igniting properly. This happens when the carburetor is set incorrectly, the fuel lines are leaking, or the choke is left on for too long. A flooded lawn mower won’t start and will have a strong fuel odor.
To identify a flooded lawn mower, you’ll notice the engine won’t start, you’ll smell a strong fuel odor, and there might be fuel leaking from the carburetor.
2. How do I know if my lawn mower is flooded?
A flooded lawn mower will have a few tell-tale signs. Firstly, it won’t start. Secondly, you’ll likely smell a strong gasoline odor around the engine. Finally, you might see fuel leaking from the carburetor or around the fuel lines.
If you see any of these signs, it’s a good indication your mower is flooded.
3. What should I do if my lawn mower is flooded?
First, turn off the fuel supply and disconnect the spark plug wire. Then, remove the air filter and hold the mower upright. Next, crank the engine several times without the spark plug attached to clear out the excess fuel.
After that, reattach the spark plug wire and try starting the mower. If it doesn’t start, repeat the process of cranking the engine until it does.
4. How long should I crank the engine?
The amount of time you need to crank the engine varies depending on how flooded the mower is. However, you should not crank the engine for more than a few seconds at a time. This is to avoid damaging the starter motor.
If the mower doesn’t start after a few attempts, try leaving it for a few minutes to allow the excess fuel to evaporate before trying again.
5. Can I use a spark plug tester to diagnose a flooded lawn mower?
No, a spark plug tester won’t help diagnose a flooded lawn mower. While a spark plug tester can check for a spark, it won’t indicate if the engine is flooded.
A spark plug tester is used to determine if there is a spark between the spark plug electrodes. If there’s no spark, it could indicate a problem with the spark plug, ignition coil, or other components in the ignition system.
6. What if the flooded lawn mower still won’t start after following these steps?
If the lawn mower still won’t start, there may be other issues besides flooding. You could have a clogged fuel filter, a faulty spark plug, or a problem with the carburetor.
In this case, it’s best to take the mower to a qualified mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.
7. How can I prevent my lawn mower from flooding in the future?
The best way to prevent your lawn mower from flooding is to use it regularly and store it properly. Regular use helps to keep the fuel fresh and prevent the carburetor from clogging.
When storing the mower, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops to clear any fuel from the carburetor. You should also store the mower in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent the fuel from going bad.