Your Craftsman lawn mower refuses to start, and you’re left staring at the engine in frustration. You’ve checked the fuel, the spark plug, and even tried giving it a little push, but nothing. The culprit might be the choke! This vital component plays a crucial role in starting a cold engine, but many novice mower owners struggle to find it. This comprehensive guide will help you locate the choke on your Craftsman mower, understand its function, and troubleshoot any related issues.
In short, the choke is usually located near the carburetor on your Craftsman lawn mower. It can be a lever, a knob, or a button, depending on the model.
Finding the Choke on Your Craftsman Mower
The first step in troubleshooting your Craftsman lawn mower is knowing where to look. The choke is generally located in one of these places:
- Near the carburetor: The carburetor is the component responsible for mixing fuel and air, and the choke typically sits right next to it.
- On the handle: Some Craftsman mowers have a choke lever or button conveniently placed on the handle, making it easily accessible while you’re starting the engine.
Identifying the Choke
The choke can take a variety of forms, but it will always have a distinct purpose. Here are some common choke types you might encounter:
Lever: This is a simple, straight lever that you can move to engage or disengage the choke.
Knob: This is a round knob that you turn to adjust the choke setting.
Button: These buttons are usually located on the handle and require a simple push to engage the choke.
Understanding the Choke’s Function
The choke’s primary job is to restrict airflow into the carburetor when the engine is cold. Here’s why this is important:
- Cold Fuel: When gasoline sits in the tank for an extended period, it evaporates, leaving behind a less volatile fuel mixture. This cold fuel needs extra help to ignite.
- Enriched Mixture: The choke restricts airflow, forcing the carburetor to deliver a richer mixture of fuel and air. This rich mixture is easier to ignite and helps the engine warm up quickly.
Using the Choke: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Locate the choke: Identify the choke mechanism on your Craftsman mower, whether it’s a lever, knob, or button.
- Engage the choke: Move the lever to the “choke” position, turn the knob clockwise, or push the button. This will restrict airflow into the carburetor.
- Start the engine: Attempt to start the engine using your usual method.
- Disengage the choke: Once the engine starts, slowly disengage the choke by moving the lever to the “run” position, turning the knob counter-clockwise, or releasing the button.
Important note: If your engine starts but immediately stalls, you may need to re-engage the choke for a few seconds before disengaging it gradually.
Choke Problems and Troubleshooting
While the choke is usually a reliable starting aid, it can sometimes cause issues:
- Choke Stuck: The choke might become stuck in the “choke” position, preventing the engine from running smoothly.
- Choke Not Working: The choke might not be engaging properly, leading to starting problems, especially when the engine is cold.
Troubleshooting Choke Issues
Here are some steps you can take to diagnose and fix common choke problems:
- Inspect the choke: Carefully examine the choke mechanism for any signs of damage, debris, or binding.
- Clean the choke: Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the choke mechanism, removing any dirt or grime.
- Test the choke: Once cleaned, try engaging and disengaging the choke to ensure it moves freely.
- Lubricate the choke: If the choke mechanism is stiff or sluggish, apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts.
If you’ve followed these steps and your choke is still not working properly, you may need to replace the choke mechanism. You can find replacement parts online or at local hardware stores.
Maintaining Your Craftsman Mower Choke
Like any mechanical component, your Craftsman mower’s choke requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance:
- Clean regularly: Clean the choke mechanism at the start of each mowing season and whenever you notice dirt or debris buildup.
- Inspect for wear: Periodically check the choke for signs of wear or damage.
- Replace as needed: If the choke is showing signs of wear or failure, replace it promptly to avoid starting problems.
Conclusion
Understanding your Craftsman lawn mower’s choke is vital for smooth and reliable starting, especially when the engine is cold. By locating the choke, learning its function, and addressing any potential issues, you’ll be well on your way to a hassle-free mowing experience. So, next time your mower refuses to start, remember to check the choke first and troubleshoot accordingly. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your choke in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the choke on a Craftsman lawnmower?
The location of the choke on a Craftsman lawnmower can vary depending on the model and year of manufacture. However, it’s usually found on the engine’s control panel, typically near the throttle lever. Look for a small lever or knob that’s labeled “choke” or has a symbol resembling a partially closed circle. If you’re still unsure, refer to your mower’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
It’s important to note that not all Craftsman lawnmowers have a traditional choke. Some newer models may feature an automatic choke system that eliminates the need for manual choke operation.
What does the choke do on a Craftsman lawnmower?
The choke on a Craftsman lawnmower is a device that enriches the fuel-air mixture in the engine, making it easier to start when cold. When the engine is cold, the fuel doesn’t evaporate as easily, resulting in a lean mixture that can make starting difficult. The choke restricts airflow to the engine, increasing the fuel-to-air ratio and providing a richer mixture that ignites more readily.
As the engine warms up, the choke can be gradually opened, allowing more air to enter the engine and restoring the normal fuel-air ratio. This ensures optimal performance and prevents fuel-related issues.
When should I use the choke on a Craftsman lawnmower?
The choke on a Craftsman lawnmower should only be used when starting the engine cold. When the engine is cold, the choke helps to enrich the fuel-air mixture, making it easier to start.
Once the engine starts, the choke should be gradually opened as the engine warms up. If the engine starts and runs smoothly without the choke, it’s best to leave the choke off.
How do I use the choke on a Craftsman lawnmower?
To use the choke on a Craftsman lawnmower, simply move the choke lever or knob to the “choke” position. This will restrict airflow to the engine, enriching the fuel-air mixture. Once the engine starts, gradually open the choke lever or knob as the engine warms up.
If the engine starts and runs smoothly without the choke, you can leave it off. However, if the engine stalls or runs rough, you may need to use the choke again.
What if my Craftsman lawnmower doesn’t have a choke?
If your Craftsman lawnmower doesn’t have a traditional choke, it may have an automatic choke system. Automatic choke systems work independently, adjusting the fuel-air mixture as needed to ensure proper starting and running.
If your mower doesn’t have a choke lever or knob, it’s likely equipped with an automatic choke system. You can refer to your owner’s manual for more information on how to start the engine.
Can I leave the choke on my Craftsman lawnmower on all the time?
Leaving the choke on your Craftsman lawnmower on all the time can lead to engine problems. The choke is meant to be used only when starting a cold engine.
Leaving the choke on for extended periods will cause the engine to run rich, leading to issues such as fouling spark plugs, excessive smoke, and reduced fuel efficiency.
What if my Craftsman lawnmower won’t start with the choke?
If your Craftsman lawnmower won’t start even with the choke engaged, there are a few things you can try:
- Check the fuel: Ensure the gas tank has fuel and the fuel line is not clogged.
- Check the spark plug: Remove the spark plug and check for a spark. If there’s no spark, replace the spark plug or check the ignition system.
- Check the air filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and prevent the engine from starting.
- Check the battery: If your mower has an electric starter, make sure the battery has enough charge.
If you’ve tried these steps and your mower still won’t start, you may need to consult with a qualified technician for further assistance.