You’ve just finished mowing your lawn and have turned off your Craftsman lawn mower, only to find that it won’t start up again! You’re not alonethis issue with lawn mower starts is a common problem.
Don’t worry, we’ll help you figure out why your lawn mower won’t start and how to fix it.
Here are 5 common causes of a Craftsman lawn mower not starting, as well as tips on how to inspect the battery, spark plug, fuel lines, carburetor, ignition switch, and flywheel key.
We’ll also provide guidance on when it’s best to have a professional service the mower.
Let’s get started!
Short Answer
There are a few possible reasons why your Craftsman lawn mower might not be starting.
Firstly, it could be an issue with the spark plug or carburetor, in which case you should inspect both of these components and make sure they are clean and functioning properly.
Secondly, it could be an issue with the fuel, in which case you should make sure you are using fresh fuel and that the fuel is reaching the engine properly.
Lastly, it could be an issue with the battery or starter, in which case you should check the battery and make sure it has a full charge and that the starter is engaged properly.
Common Causes of a Craftsman Lawn Mower Not Starting
If youre having trouble getting your Craftsman lawn mower to start, there could be a few different causes. The most common causes of a Craftsman lawn mower not starting can range from a dead battery or a fouled spark plug to a carburetor not getting enough fuel or a broken flywheel key. To correctly diagnose the problem and get your mower running again, its important to check the battery, spark plug, fuel lines, and engine components. Here are five common causes of a Craftsman lawn mower not starting:
1. Dead Battery: One of the most common causes of a Craftsman lawn mower not starting is a dead battery. If the battery is dead, the mower wont have the power to start. To test the battery, you can use a multimeter or take it to an auto parts store for testing.
2. Fouled Spark Plug: Another common cause of a Craftsman lawn mower not starting is a fouled spark plug. The spark plug is what ignites the fuel and air mixture in the engine. If the spark plug is fouled, it wont be able to ignite the mixture and the mower wont start. You can clean the spark plug or replace it if its damaged.
3. Carburetor Not Getting Enough Fuel: The carburetor is responsible for supplying fuel to the engine. If the carburetor isnt getting enough fuel, the engine wont start. To diagnose this, you can check the fuel lines for any obstructions or leaks. You may also need to clean or replace the carburetor.
4. Faulty Ignition Switch: The ignition switch is responsible for sending the necessary power to the spark plug. If the switch is faulty, it wont be able to send the necessary power and the engine wont start. You can test the switch with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
5. Broken Flywheel Key: The flywheel key is a small metal piece that helps to keep the flywheel in place. If the flywheel key is broken, the flywheel wont be able to turn and the engine wont start. To diagnose this, you can remove the flywheel and inspect the key for any damage. If the key is broken, youll need to replace it.
If youre not familiar with lawn mower maintenance, its best to take it to a professional for repair.
A professional can diagnose the problem correctly and get your mower running again.
Checking the Battery
When troubleshooting why your Craftsman lawn mower wont start, you should start by checking the battery.
A dead battery is a common cause of mower failure, and its an easy fix.
To check the battery, first ensure that the battery is securely connected to the mower.
Look for any signs of corrosion or damage to the battery terminals and clean them if necessary.
Next, make sure that the battery has enough charge.
A good test is to check the voltage with a voltmeter.
If the battery is low, you can jump start the mower with a car battery or charge it with a battery charger.
If the battery is completely dead, you may need to replace it.
Cleaning or Replacing the Spark Plug
When it comes to diagnosing why your Craftsman lawn mower won’t start, one of the first things to check is the spark plug.
If the spark plug is fouled or not working properly, the engine won’t be able to ignite the fuel and start.
Cleaning or replacing the spark plug may help get your mower running again.
To clean the spark plug, you’ll need to remove it from the engine and scrub it with a wire brush to remove any dirt or carbon deposits.
You can then reinstall the spark plug and attempt to start the mower again.
If the mower still won’t start, you may need to replace the spark plug.
When replacing the spark plug, you’ll want to make sure you get an exact replacement for the one that was removed.
If you’re not sure of the exact spark plug you need, you can refer to your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
Always make sure to use the correct spark plug for your engine, as using the wrong type could cause damage to the engine.
After replacing the spark plug, you should attempt to start the mower again.
If the mower still won’t start, you’ll need to move on to the other possible causes.
Examining Fuel Lines and the Carburetor
When it comes to diagnosing why your Craftsman lawn mower wont start, its important to check the fuel lines and the carburetor.
The fuel lines are responsible for delivering the gasoline from the tank to the carburetor.
If theres a leak in the fuel line, the gasoline wont get to the carburetor, and the engine wont be able to start.
To check for a leak, locate the fuel line that connects the fuel tank to the carburetor and inspect it for signs of wear and tear.
If you find a leak, its best to replace the fuel line.
The carburetor is responsible for mixing the gasoline with air and sending it to the engine.
If the carburetor isnt getting enough fuel, the engine wont be able to start.
To check the carburetor, remove the air filter and look for any signs of dirt or debris.
If the carburetor is dirty, you can clean it with carburetor cleaner.
If the carburetor is severely clogged, or if youre not comfortable working on it yourself, its best to take it to a professional for repair.
Investigating the Ignition Switch
When investigating why your Craftsman lawn mower won’t start, it is important to check the ignition switch.
The ignition switch is a crucial part of the machine, as it is responsible for sending the signal to the spark plug to ignite the fuel.
If the ignition switch is not working correctly, then it will not be able to provide the necessary spark.
It is possible to test whether the ignition switch is the cause of your lawn mower not starting by using a multimeter.
To do this, you will need to disconnect the wires from the ignition switch and then set the multimeter to the “Ohms” setting.
Once this is done, you can then use the probes to test the resistance of the switch.
If the resistance is within the specified range, then the switch is working properly.
However, if the resistance is outside the range, then the switch will need to be replaced.
If the ignition switch is not the cause of your lawn mower not starting, then you will need to move on to another potential cause.
It is important to remember that a faulty ignition switch can be dangerous and should only be replaced by a qualified technician.
Inspecting the Flywheel Key
When it comes to diagnosing why your Craftsman lawn mower won’t start, it’s important to check the flywheel key.
The flywheel key is a small metal piece that connects the flywheel to the crankshaft of the engine.
It is responsible for transmitting the power from the flywheel to the crankshaft, which allows the engine to start.
If the flywheel key is broken or worn out, it will prevent the engine from turning over.
To inspect the flywheel key, you’ll need to remove the flywheel cover.
This can be done by unscrewing the screws that hold the cover in place.
Once the cover is removed, you’ll be able to see the flywheel key.
The flywheel key should be firmly in place and not broken or worn out.
If it appears to be worn or broken, you’ll need to replace it.
Replacing the flywheel key is a relatively simple process, but it does require some basic mechanical knowledge.
It’s important to make sure you have the correct replacement key for your model of Craftsman lawn mower before attempting to replace it.
You’ll also need to make sure the key is properly installed, as an improperly installed flywheel key can cause serious damage to the engine.
If you’re not comfortable doing the repair yourself, it’s best to take your lawn mower to a professional for repair.
A professional will be able to properly diagnose the problem and replace the flywheel key if necessary.
By inspecting the flywheel key, you can easily determine if the key is broken or worn out and replace it if needed.
This is an important step in diagnosing why your Craftsman lawn mower won’t start, so it’s important not to overlook it.
Having a Professional Service the Mower
If you’re having trouble getting your Craftsman lawn mower to start and you’re not familiar with lawn mower maintenance, it is best to take it to a professional for repair.
Professional repair shops have the necessary tools and experience to properly diagnose the problem and get your mower running again.
A professional can quickly determine the source of the problem and correctly diagnose it, whether it is a problem with the battery, spark plug, fuel lines, or any of the other components of the mower.
In addition to the diagnostic, a professional service technician can also help you to determine the best course of action for your particular issue.
For example, if the battery is dead, they can advise you on the best replacement option for your mower.
If the spark plug is fouled, they can provide you with the best cleaning and maintenance products to get it running again.
Furthermore, a professional technician can also provide recommendations for preventative maintenance to keep your mower running smoothly for years to come.
Finally, if the problem with your Craftsman lawn mower is more than you can fix yourself, a professional service technician can repair the issue quickly and safely.
They can replace any broken or worn parts and make sure that everything is functioning properly before they return your mower to you.
This will help to ensure that your mower runs like new and that it is safe to use.
Final Thoughts
When your Craftsman lawn mower won’t start, it can be a daunting task to figure out what’s wrong.
With five common causes to investigate, it’s important to make sure you’re diagnosing the issue correctly.
To do this, you’ll need to check the battery, spark plug, fuel lines, and engine components to identify the source of the problem.
If you’re not confident in your lawn mower maintenance skills, it’s best to take it to a professional for repair.
With this knowledge, you can rest easy knowing that you can take the necessary steps to get your mower up and running again!