Do you find yourself out in the yard, pulling the cord of your lawn mower, only to find it won’t stay running? You’re not alone! This is an all too common problem that many homeowners face.
Don’t worry, though.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common causes of lawn mower non-start, how to diagnose the problem, and the steps you can take to get it running again.
We’ll also discuss regular maintenance to help prevent future issues.
So, if you’re ready to get your lawn mower up and running again, let’s get started!
Short Answer
There are a few possible reasons why a lawn mower won’t stay running.
It may not be getting enough fuel, the spark plug may be worn out, or the air filter may be clogged.
Additionally, the carburetor may need to be adjusted or replaced, or the fuel tank and fuel line may need to be cleaned out.
It is best to consult with a lawn mower repair expert to determine the exact cause.
Common Causes of Lawn Mower Non-Start
Lawn mower non-start issues can be caused by a variety of underlying causes.
From a clogged air filter to a dirty spark plug to a clogged fuel filter or low oil, there are numerous possibilities that you need to consider when trying to diagnose the source of the problem.
First, check the air filter.
An air filter that is clogged or excessively dirty can lead to a non-start issue.
If your air filter looks dirty, replace it with a new one.
If it looks okay, move on to the spark plug.
The spark plug is an important component in the operation of your lawn mower.
Check to make sure the spark plug looks clean and is not damaged in any way.
If it looks dirty or worn, replace it with a new one.
Next, move onto the fuel filter.
The fuel filter is responsible for keeping dirt and other debris out of the fuel system.
If it is clogged or dirty, it can lead to a non-start issue.
Clean or replace the fuel filter if necessary.
Finally, check the oil level.
If your oil level is low, it can lead to a non-start issue.
It is important to keep your oil levels topped up and to change the oil regularly.
Regular maintenance of your lawn mower is the best way to avoid non-start issues.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions and performing regular maintenance, you can help ensure that your lawn mower stays running smoothly and efficiently.
How to Diagnose the Problem
When it comes to diagnosing why your lawn mower won’t stay running, there are a few possible causes to consider.
First, you’ll want to check for a clogged air filter, dirty spark plug, clogged fuel filter, or low oil.
To begin, start by checking the air filter and spark plug.
If these are clogged, then you may need to replace or clean them depending on the issue.
Next, move on to the fuel filter.
If the fuel filter is clogged, then you may need to replace or clean it as well.
Finally, check the oil level.
If the oil is low, then you may need to top it off.
Once you have gone through all of these steps and checked all of the potential causes, you should have a better idea of what is causing your lawn mower to not stay running.
Regular maintenance of your lawn mower can help to prevent this issue from arising in the future.
Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you check the air filter, spark plug, fuel filter, and oil level on a regular basis.
Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter
When it comes to diagnosing why your lawn mower won’t stay running, the first step is to check the air filter.
If the air filter is clogged, this can prevent the engine from getting the clean air it needs to stay running.
Clogged air filters are a common cause of mowers not keeping running.
To check the air filter, remove the cover of the air filter and inspect it for dirt and debris.
If the filter looks dirty or clogged, it may need to be cleaned or replaced.
If you are cleaning the filter, make sure to use a soft brush and compressed air to remove the dirt and debris.
You should also check the air filter for any cracks or other signs of damage.
If the filter is damaged, it should be replaced.
After cleaning or replacing the air filter, you should reinstall it and check to see if the mower is running properly.
If it is still not running, then you should move on to the next step of diagnosing the issue.
Cleaning the Spark Plug
When it comes to troubleshooting why your lawn mower won’t stay running, one of the first things you should check is the spark plug.
If the spark plug is dirty or worn down, it may not be able to generate enough spark to keep the engine going.
To diagnose the issue, remove the spark plug and inspect it for dirt, corrosion, or other signs of damage.
If the spark plug is dirty, you can use a wire brush to clean off the dirt and debris.
To ensure that the spark plug is working properly, measure the gap between the electrodes with a feeler gauge.
If the gap is too wide, you can use a spark plug wrench to adjust the gap to the manufacturer’s recommended settings.
Once the spark plug is clean and properly adjusted, install it back in the engine and try starting the lawn mower again.
If the spark plug was the cause of the issue, the engine should now stay running.
Cleaning or Replacing the Fuel Filter
Once you have inspected the air filter and spark plug, the next step in diagnosing why your lawn mower wont stay running is to check the fuel filter.
The fuel filter is responsible for trapping dirt, rust and other particles that can get into the fuel system and clog it up.
If the fuel filter is dirty or clogged, it can cause the engine to not stay running.
To check the filter, remove it from the fuel line and inspect it for any signs of dirt or blockage.
If it is dirty, you can try to clean it.
However, if it is severely clogged, you will need to replace it with a new one.
To replace the fuel filter, first disconnect the fuel line and unscrew the old filter.
Then, install the new filter and reconnect the fuel line.
Once the fuel filter has been replaced, restart the engine and it should stay running.
Checking the Oil Level
When it comes to diagnosing why your lawn mower won’t stay running, it is important to check the oil level.
Low oil levels can lead to the engine of your lawn mower stalling or not starting at all.
The oil in your lawn mower helps to lubricate and cool the engine.
If the oil level is too low, it can cause the engine to overheat or the spark plugs to wear out faster.
To check the oil level, first make sure your mower is on a level surface and the engine is off.
Then, remove the oil fill cap and check the dipstick or oil level indicator.
If the oil level is low, you can add more oil to the engine.
It is recommended to use the oil type and weight specified by the manufacturer for your lawn mower.
If the oil level is already full, it may be an indication of a leak somewhere in the system.
If that is the case, you will need to take your mower to a professional for further inspection.
In addition to checking the oil level, it is also important to keep up with regular maintenance of your lawn mower.
This includes regularly changing the oil, cleaning the air filter, and replacing the spark plugs.
Regular maintenance can help to prevent your mower from stalling and ensure it stays running smoothly.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is an important part of keeping your lawn mower running smoothly.
A regular maintenance schedule should include checking the air filter, spark plug, fuel filter, and oil level.
These components should be inspected and cleaned or replaced if necessary.
Additionally, the blades should be sharpened and the engine should be tuned up periodically to ensure maximum performance.
In addition to these components, it is important to use the correct type and amount of fuel for your lawn mower, as well as keeping the fuel tank clean and free of debris.
Regular maintenance will help prevent your lawn mower from having issues in the future, ensuring it runs efficiently and consistently.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the common causes of a lawn mower not staying running and how to diagnose the problem.
If the cause is a clogged air filter, spark plug, or fuel filter, you can clean or replace them.
You must also check the oil level, and regular maintenance can help prevent this issue from arising in the future.
So take action now and get your lawn mower running again!