Are you frustrated with your lawn mower not starting when its hot outside? Youre not alone.
Many homeowners have experienced the same issue, and it can be incredibly frustrating.
In this article, well explore the possible causes of a lawn mower not starting when hot, from the spark plug to the carburetor.
Well also discuss how you can identify and fix these issues yourself, and when to call a professional for help.
Read on to learn more about why your lawn mower wont start when hot, and get your lawn in shape in no time!
Short Answer
This could be due to several different causes.
One possible reason could be that the spark plug is not firing correctly when the lawn mower is hot.
This could be due to a buildup of carbon or other debris on the plug.
Another possibility is that the fuel is not reaching the engine correctly.
This could be due to a clogged fuel filter or a leak in the fuel line.
Finally, it could be an issue with the carburetor, such as a clogged jet or an incorrect setting of the idle speed.
What Causes Lawn Mowers to Not Start When Hot?
When a lawn mower won’t start when it is hot, it is usually due to a problem with air and fuel not being able to get to the engine.
This is most commonly caused by a carburetor or spark plug issue, or the engine may be overheating due to a lack of proper cooling.
The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel to create the combustible mixture that is used to power the engine.
The spark plug then ignites the mixture to create the combustion needed for the engine to run.
If there is a problem with either the carburetor or spark plug, then the air and fuel will not be able to get to the engine, resulting in it not starting.
In addition, the engine may be overheating due to a lack of proper cooling.
This can happen if the lawn mower is used for a prolonged period of time, or if the air filter is clogged or dirty.
If the engine is not getting enough air, then it will not be able to cool itself properly, which can result in it not starting.
In addition, if the lawn mower is used for a prolonged period of time, then the engine can become too hot and will not start.
Finally, it is important to note that some lawn mowers have an internal safety switch that will prevent them from starting if the engine is too hot.
This is designed to prevent the engine from overheating and damaging itself.
If this is the case, then the lawn mower will not start until the engine has cooled down sufficiently.
Signs of Problems with the Carburetor or Spark Plug
When a lawn mower won’t start when it’s hot, it’s usually due to air and fuel not being able to get to the engine.
This can be caused by a problem with the carburetor or spark plug, or the engine may be overheating due to a lack of proper cooling.
The most common signs of a problem with the carburetor or spark plug are difficulty starting the lawn mower, a backfiring sound, or a noticeable decrease in engine power.
If you notice any of these signs, then it is important to check the spark plug and clean the carburetor.
The spark plug may need to be replaced if it is cracked or worn, or if the gap between the electrodes is too wide.
The carburetor may need to be cleaned if there is a clog or buildup of dirt and debris.
This can be done with a carburetor cleaner or by disassembling the carburetor and cleaning it with a brush.
It is also important to check that the engine is getting enough air and fuel.
If the air filter is clogged or the fuel line is blocked, then the engine will not be able to get the air and fuel it needs to run properly.
In this case, the air filter should be replaced and the fuel line should be cleared.
If none of these steps solve the problem, then it may be necessary to have the lawn mower serviced.
A professional may be able to diagnose and fix the problem more quickly and efficiently than you can.
Checking the Spark Plug
When a lawn mower won’t start when it is hot, it is often due to air and fuel not being able to get to the engine.
This is usually caused by a problem with the carburetor or spark plug, so it is important to check the spark plug first.
To do this, you should disconnect the spark plug wire and use a spark plug tester to see if there is a spark.
If there is no spark, the spark plug may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
You should also check the gap between the electrodes and make sure it is correct.
If it is not, the spark plug should be adjusted or replaced.
In addition to checking the spark plug, you should also look for any dirt or debris that may have built up around the spark plug.
This can prevent the spark plug from igniting the fuel, so it is important to make sure it is clean.
If the spark plug is clogged, it can be cleaned with a wire brush or replaced if necessary.
Cleaning the Carburetor
Cleaning the carburetor is an important step to take when a lawn mower won’t start when hot.
The carburetor is the part of the engine that mixes the fuel with air and sends it to the engine to provide power.
If the carburetor is dirty or clogged, it can prevent the fuel and air from reaching the engine and cause the lawn mower to not start.
To clean the carburetor, first remove the spark plug and inspect it for any dirt or debris.
If it is dirty, clean it with a wire brush.
Once the spark plug is clean, you can move onto the carburetor.
Remove the carburetor from the lawn mower and take it apart.
Carefully inspect all of the parts for dirt and debris, and clean them as necessary.
Once all of the parts are clean, reassemble the carburetor and reinstall it in the lawn mower.
Once the carburetor is reinstalled, you can check if the lawn mower will start.
If it still won’t start, the problem may be with the spark plug or the engine itself.
In this case, it is best to have the lawn mower serviced by a professional.
Ensuring That the Engine Is Getting Enough Air and Fuel
When a lawn mower won’t start when it is hot, it is often due to a problem with the air and fuel not being able to get to the engine.
This is usually caused by a problem with the carburetor or spark plug, or the engine may be overheating due to a lack of proper cooling.
To fix this, it is important to check the spark plug, clean the carburetor, and make sure that the engine is getting enough air and fuel.
The first step to ensure that the engine is getting enough air and fuel is to check the spark plug.
This is the component that ignites the fuel and air mixture, so it needs to be in good working order for the engine to start.
If it is dirty or worn, it may need to be replaced.
The next step is to clean the carburetor, which is responsible for mixing the fuel and air together.
A clogged carburetor can prevent air and fuel from getting to the engine.
To clean it, you will need to disassemble it and use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of any dirt or debris.
Finally, you need to make sure that the engine is getting enough air and fuel.
This can be done by checking the fuel filter and air filter, as clogged filters can prevent air and fuel from reaching the engine.
If the filters are clogged, they should be replaced.
If these steps do not solve the problem, it may be necessary to have the lawn mower serviced.
A professional mechanic can diagnose the issue and repair any underlying problems.
Other Possible Causes of a Lawn Mower Not Starting When Hot
There are a few other possible causes of a lawn mower not starting when hot.
One common issue is the fuel filter getting clogged, which prevents fuel from reaching the engine.
To fix this, the fuel filter should be replaced.
Another issue is a lack of oil in the engine, which can prevent the engine from getting proper lubrication and cause it to overheat.
To prevent this, it is important to regularly check the oil level and top it off if necessary.
In addition, the blades of the lawn mower can become dull or clogged with grass and debris.
This can cause the mower to overheat and prevent it from starting.
To fix this, the blades should be sharpened or replaced.
It is also important to periodically clean the blades and make sure that they are free of any debris.
Finally, the fuel line may be blocked or kinked, which can prevent fuel from getting to the engine.
To fix this, the fuel line should be cleaned and checked for any blockages.
If the fuel line is kinked, it should be replaced with a new one.
When to Have Your Lawn Mower Serviced
When your lawn mower wont start when hot, it is important to consider getting it serviced.
This is especially true if the problem persists even after trying some of the more basic fixes such as cleaning the carburetor or checking the spark plug.
Professional lawn mower servicing can ensure that the engine is running correctly and that all parts are in good working order.
To start, you should always consult your lawn mowers user manual to see what kind of maintenance is recommended for your particular model.
This will give you an idea of what needs to be done in order to keep your lawn mower running smoothly.
If you are unable to find the manual, you may be able to search online to find one.
When it comes time to have your lawn mower serviced, it is important to find a reputable service provider.
You can typically find reviews of local service providers online, or you can ask friends and family for recommendations.
It is also important to make sure the service provider is licensed and insured, as this can help protect you in the event of a problem.
When you take your lawn mower in for servicing, the technician will typically inspect the engine and other parts to ensure that they are in good working order.
They may also clean and adjust the carburetor, replace the spark plug, or make any other necessary repairs.
In some cases, the technician may recommend that your lawn mower be tuned up or serviced more frequently.
It is important to note that having your lawn mower serviced can be expensive, so it is important to weigh the cost of the service against the potential benefit.
If you find that the cost of servicing your lawn mower is too high, you may be able to make some of the repairs yourself with the help of a repair manual.
Overall, when a lawn mower wont start when hot, it is important to consider getting it serviced.
This can help ensure that the engine is running correctly and that all parts are in good working order.
Before getting your lawn mower serviced, be sure to consult your user manual and find a reputable service provider.
Final Thoughts
It is important to be aware of the potential causes for a lawn mower not starting when hot, so you can take the necessary steps to get it running again.
By checking the spark plug, cleaning the carburetor, and ensuring that the engine is getting enough air and fuel, you can help reduce the chances of your lawn mower stalling due to heat.
If these steps don’t work, it may be time to have your lawn mower serviced.
Take the necessary steps to ensure your lawn mower stays running smoothly this summer!