The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and you’re itching to get your lawn looking its best. But when you pull out your trusty lawn mower, it just won’t start. You’re not alone. Many lawn mower owners face this frustrating situation after a long winter hibernation. This article will explore the common culprits behind a lawn mower’s refusal to roar back to life and offer practical solutions to get it running smoothly again.
The Short Answer
The most likely reasons your lawn mower won’t start after winter are:
- Old or bad gas: Gasoline degrades over time, especially when exposed to cold temperatures.
- Clogged fuel lines or carburetor: Winter’s cold can cause condensation in the fuel lines and carburetor, leading to blockages.
- Dead battery (for electric or battery-powered mowers): Batteries lose their charge over time, and cold weather can exacerbate this.
- Spark plug issues: A fouled or corroded spark plug can prevent a spark, crucial for ignition.
Let’s Dive Deeper: Common Causes and Solutions
Fuel-Related Problems
The first culprit to suspect is the fuel. Gasoline loses its potency over time, especially in cold weather. This degraded fuel can gum up the engine and prevent it from starting.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Empty and Replace Old Fuel
- Empty the fuel tank: Carefully drain the old gasoline into a suitable container. Dispose of it properly, as it’s not safe to pour it down the drain or into the ground.
- Refill with fresh gasoline: Use fresh, high-octane gasoline. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer to help prevent future degradation.
2. Clean the Fuel Lines and Carburetor
- Disconnect the fuel line: Locate the fuel line connecting the tank to the carburetor.
- Clean the fuel line: Use a small brush or pipe cleaner to clear any debris or sediment.
- Inspect the carburetor: Look for any visible blockages or signs of corrosion.
- Consider a carburetor cleaning kit: If the carburetor is heavily clogged, you might need to purchase a carburetor cleaning kit and follow the instructions.
3. Check for Air Leaks
- Inspect the fuel lines: Look for any cracks, holes, or loose connections in the fuel lines.
- Check for leaks: Turn the fuel valve on and carefully inspect the connections for leaks.
Important Note: If you’re not comfortable working with gasoline or cleaning the carburetor, consider taking your mower to a professional mechanic for service.
Ignition System Issues
The ignition system is responsible for delivering the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine. If this system isn’t working properly, your mower won’t start.
1. Check the Spark Plug
- Remove the spark plug: Locate the spark plug, usually near the top of the engine.
- Inspect the plug: Look for signs of corrosion, fouling, or a gap that’s too wide or narrow.
- Clean or replace the spark plug: If the plug is dirty or corroded, clean it with a wire brush or replace it with a new one.
2. Verify Spark Plug Wire Connection
- Inspect the wire: Ensure the spark plug wire is securely connected to the spark plug and the ignition coil.
- Test the spark: With the spark plug removed, ground it against the engine block. Pull the starter cord several times to see if you get a strong spark.
3. Test the Ignition Coil
- Visual inspection: Look for any damage, cracks, or corrosion on the ignition coil.
- Replacement: If you suspect the ignition coil is faulty, you can test it with a multimeter or simply replace it.
Battery Issues (For Electric Mowers)
Electric and battery-powered mowers rely on a healthy battery to function.
1. Charge the Battery
- Connect the battery charger: Make sure the battery terminals are clean and securely connected.
- Charge the battery fully: Follow the instructions on your charger to charge the battery for the recommended time.
2. Check Battery Terminals
- Clean the terminals: Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean any corrosion or debris from the battery terminals.
- Tighten the connections: Ensure the battery terminals are securely connected to the mower’s wiring.
Tip: If your battery is more than a few years old, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Other Possible Reasons
While the above issues are most common, other factors can prevent your mower from starting:
- Air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, making it difficult for the engine to get the air it needs to run.
- Fuel pump: If the fuel pump is malfunctioning, it won’t be able to deliver fuel to the carburetor.
- Starter mechanism: A broken or jammed starter rope or recoil spring can prevent the engine from turning over.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some helpful tips for troubleshooting your lawn mower:
- Read the owner’s manual: The manual for your specific mower model will provide detailed information about its operation and potential issues.
- Start simple: Begin by addressing the most common causes first, such as the fuel and spark plug.
- Don’t force it: If you’re encountering resistance while trying to start the engine, stop and troubleshoot the issue to avoid damaging the mower.
- Seek professional help: If you’re unable to identify and resolve the problem yourself, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified lawn mower repair technician.
Preventing Future Problems
To prevent your lawn mower from giving you trouble next spring, consider these preventative measures:
- Use fuel stabilizer: Adding fuel stabilizer to your gas tank before storing the mower for winter helps prevent fuel degradation.
- Change the oil: Change the oil before storing your mower to prevent it from becoming contaminated and thickening over time.
- Clean the mower: Wipe down the mower’s exterior and remove any debris or grass clippings.
- Store it properly: Store your mower in a dry, well-ventilated area, ideally indoors.
Conclusion
A lawn mower that won’t start after winter can be frustrating, but it’s often a simple problem to solve. By understanding the most common causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can get your mower running smoothly again and enjoy a beautiful, freshly-cut lawn. If you’re still having trouble, remember that a professional mechanic can help you diagnose and repair the issue.
FAQ
Here are 7 FAQs with answers to help you troubleshoot your lawn mower after winter storage:
1. Why is my lawn mower not starting at all?
The most common reason your lawn mower won’t start after winter is a lack of fuel. Gasoline degrades over time, especially in cold temperatures, and can leave a gummy residue in the fuel lines and carburetor. This residue can clog the fuel system, preventing fuel from reaching the engine. Another possibility is a dead battery, particularly if your lawn mower has an electric start. Batteries can lose their charge over the winter months, especially if they haven’t been maintained properly.
To troubleshoot this issue, try adding fresh gasoline and giving the mower a few pulls. If it still doesn’t start, check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them. If the battery is completely dead, you may need to replace it.
2. My lawn mower starts but won’t stay running.
This could be due to a number of issues, including a clogged air filter, a faulty spark plug, or a problem with the fuel system. A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, preventing it from getting enough oxygen to burn fuel properly. A fouled spark plug can also prevent combustion, and a clogged fuel line or carburetor can restrict the flow of fuel.
To diagnose the problem, check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Then, check the spark plug and replace it if it’s fouled. If the problem persists, you may need to clean or rebuild the carburetor.
3. My lawn mower sputters and dies.
A common cause of sputtering and dying is a problem with the fuel system. This could be a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or a carburetor issue. The fuel filter prevents debris from entering the engine, and a faulty fuel pump can’t deliver fuel effectively. A dirty carburetor can also prevent fuel from flowing properly.
To troubleshoot this issue, check the fuel filter and replace it if it’s dirty. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to check the fuel pump or clean or rebuild the carburetor.
4. My lawn mower makes a clicking sound but won’t start.
This is usually a sign of a dead battery. The starter motor is attempting to turn the engine, but it’s not getting enough power from the battery.
To resolve this, charge the battery or replace it if necessary.
5. My lawn mower starts but runs poorly.
This could be caused by a number of factors, including a clogged air filter, a faulty spark plug, or a problem with the fuel system. A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing its performance. A fouled spark plug can also cause the engine to run poorly.
To fix this, check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Then, inspect the spark plug and replace it if it’s fouled. If the problem persists, you may need to clean or rebuild the carburetor.
6. Why is there oil leaking from my lawn mower?
Oil leaks can be caused by several factors, including a worn-out gasket, a cracked oil pan, or a loose drain plug. Over time, gaskets can deteriorate and leak. A cracked oil pan can also lead to oil leakage. Finally, a loose drain plug can result in oil dripping out.
To address this, inspect the gaskets and replace any that are worn. If you find a cracked oil pan, you’ll need to repair or replace it. Tighten the drain plug if it’s loose.
7. My lawn mower smokes excessively.
Excessive smoke can be caused by a number of problems, including a worn-out piston rings, a faulty valve seal, or a clogged air filter. Worn-out piston rings allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber, which can cause smoke. Faulty valve seals can also allow oil to leak into the cylinder head, resulting in smoke. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause the engine to run rich, resulting in smoke.
To troubleshoot this, check the piston rings and valve seals and replace them if necessary. Also, inspect the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty.