Gas lawn mower troubleshooting. 14 Reasons a Lawn Mower Won’t Start (Push & Self-Propelled)

Reasons a Lawn Mower Won’t Start (Push Self-Propelled)

A lawn mower won’t start when there is bad fuel, a dirty spark plug, a plugged air filter, a clogged fuel system, a dirty carburetor, a clogged fuel cap, or a bad safety switch.

A mower with an electric start may have a bad battery, loose or corroded wires, or a bad starter solenoid.

If you are unsure of your mechanical skills, it’s best to take your lawn mower to a professional repair shop to prevent further damage to the mower or personal injury.

In this guide, I share information on troubleshooting a starting problem, a troubleshooting chart, and a summary of each item that can cause a starting problem.

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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.

Troubleshoot a Mower Starting Problem: Fuel, Air, and Spark

An internal combustion engine on a mower requires fuel and air to be introduced to the cylinder. This mixture is compressed and ignited with spark to form combustion.

Before beginning to check for starting problems verify these 4 things:

• The fuel shut-off valve is open allowing fuel to flow out of the fuel tank.
• There is sufficient fresh fuel in the fuel tank.
• The parking brake is engaged or the bail lever is engaged.
• The PTO switch is off (riding mower, lawn tractor, and zero turn).
• The choke is in the closed / on position to start a cold engine.

Check for a Fuel Problem

Old gas is often the root cause for fuel-related issues resulting in components not functioning or clogs developing.

Before checking for a fuel problem, if your mower has a fuel shut-off valve, make sure it is in the open position. This valve is often moved to the closed position when the mower is stored or for transportation.

Perform this test to narrow down your problem to the fuel system:

• Detach the air filter cover and remove the air filter.
• Spray carburetor cleaner into the air intake. Find out why I use carburetor cleaner and not starter fluid.
• Attempt to start your mower using the manual recoil starter or turning the ignition key (depending on your mower type)

• If the mower attempts to start or starts, then you have a problem with the fuel system.

• The most common fuel issues are a dirty carburetor, clogged fuel filter, and clogged fuel lines. The fuel pump may also be an issue if your mower uses one.

• If the mower doesn’t attempt to start, you most likely have a spark plug problem.

Check for an Airflow Problem

Air is an important component needed for your engine to start. The engine must run rich to start a cold engine. This condition allows more fuel and less air into the cylinder.

Airflow is controlled by the choke. You will find a choke lever that opens the choke plate to introduce more air and close the choke plate to restrict air.

On newer push mowers, you will find an automatic choke controlled by a thermostat.

Perform this test to narrow down your problem to the air supply system:

• Detach the air filter cover and remove the air filter.
• Inspect the air filter’s condition. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow. Clean the filter or replace it if it is very dirty or damaged.
• With the air filter removed, inspect the choke plate.

• Manual-choke model

• Move the choke lever to the on position: The choke plate should be closed.
• Move the choke lever to the off position (on some models, this is placing the throttle in the fast throttle position): The choke plate should be open.

• The choke plate should be closed when the engine is cold and moved to the open position when the engine warms.

Check for a Spark Problem

Spark must be released at the right time for combustion. A spark plug may fail to spark if it is dirty or damaged. It may also fail due to a loose spark plug wire, a bad ignition coil (armature), or other ignition system problems.

Perform this test to narrow down your spark problem:

• Remove the spark plug wire (boot) from the spark plug.
• Attach a spark plug tester to the spark plug ignition wire.
• With the spark plug still installed, attach the other end of the spark plug tester to the spark plug.
• Attempt to start the engine using the pull cord or electric start.
• You will see a glow in the transparent section of the tester if it is generating a spark.
• If you don’t see a glow, the spark plug may be bad or you may have a bad ignition coil. On electric start models, you may have a problem with the ignition system including the battery, wiring, and starter solenoid.

Lawn Mower Starting Issues: Push Mower

No Fuel

Even though you know a lawn mower requires gas to start, I’m going to mention it anyway. Sometimes when you’re frustrated with your mower you skip over the simple things when diagnosing your problem.

Solution: Fill your gas-powered lawn mower with gasoline that has an octane rating of 87 or higher and an ethanol level no greater than 10%. Read more about choosing the right gas for your lawn mower here.

Bad or Old Gas

Gas can begin to break down and become less effective as soon as 30 days after you purchase the fuel. The sticky substance left behind by ethanol and moisture in the fuel can begin clogging your fuel system including the fuel lines, fuel filter, and carburetor.

When you are not able to use your fuel within 30 days, you should add a fuel stabilizer. Add this to the gas you run in your fuel tank in addition to any gas remaining in a storage container.

Solution: Remove the old fuel. Flush the tank and add fresh fuel. Add a fuel additive to clean your fuel system and stabilize it. I have had good results using a product called Sea Foam Motor Treatment. You can read more about why I use Sea Foam here.

Bad Fuel Cap

Without a vent in the fuel cap, the tank will act like a vacuum and restrict fuel from flowing through the fuel lines. Old fuel can cause clogging in the vent so air will no longer pass through the cap.

To isolate your cap as being the cause of your lawn mower starting problem, start and run your mower for a while with the cap off and then with it on to see if your cap affects the running ability of your lawn mower.

Solution: You may be able to clean your fuel cap and unclog the vent. If you are unable to remove the clog, replace your cap with a new one.

Bad Spark Plug or Loose Connection

A spark plug may no longer work and cause intermittent starting and running issues with your lawn mower. A spark plug that is dirty from carbon buildup must be cleaned or replaced if the tip appears very dark in color.

A damaged spark plug that has a broke porcelain insulator or burnt electrode must be replaced as well. To minimize the problems you have during the mowing season from a spark plug, it is best to start a season with a new plug. Some lawn mower engines require 2 spark plugs.

Starting problems can also be caused by a spark plug that is incorrectly gapped or has loose spark plug connections.

Solution: Remove your spark plug and inspect it for signs of carbon buildup or cracked porcelain insulators. Replace with a new spark plug(s). Make sure to gap them according to manufacturer specifications and that the spark plug wires are securely attached.

Clogged Air Filter

A lawn mower requires clean air to run. The air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the air intake and contaminating the engine. Dirt in the engine can cause significant engine damage.

Never run your mower without an air filter even if it’s only for a short period of time while you source a new filter.

When an air filter gets plugged so air is no longer able to pass through the filter, your mower won’t start. It is important to regularly check the air filter and keep it clean. By checking, cleaning, and replacing this inexpensive part when needed, you can prevent an expensive engine repair.

Solution: Carefully remove the air filter from the air filter housing so you don’t allow dirt to fall into the air intake. If you find dirt in the housing, wipe it out with a clean cloth. Follow one of the following procedures for your type of air filter:

Clean a paper lawn mower air filter

• Knock out the excess dirt in the filter by tapping it against a solid surface.
• Hold the filter up to a light source and check for light shining through the paper element.
• Reuse the filter if you can see light pass through the paper. If you cannot, replace your filter with a new air filter.
• Install the air filter and attach the cover.

Clean a foam lawn mower air filter

• Determine whether you can reuse your filter before cleaning it. If your filter has dark spots or is dry and brittle, replace the filter with a new one.
• If your filter is in good condition, proceed with washing it with mild dish soap and water to remove dirt from the filter.
• Rinse the filter and lay it flat to dry. Placing it outdoors in the sun will speed up the process.
• Once the filter is dry or if you are using a new foam filter, add a foam filter oil to lightly saturate the filter. You don’t want it dripping with oil.
• Install the filter into the housing and attach the cover.

Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter’s function is the strain the fuel coming out of the fuel tank to prevent dirt from entering the fuel system and engine. If your fuel filter is clogged and prevents fuel from passing through it, it must be replaced.

Solution: Replace a plugged fuel filter. You may find your mower uses an inline fuel filter placed between the fuel lines. If you don’t see one there, you may have a fuel filter inserted into the bottom of the fuel tank.

Clogged Fuel Line

A lawn mower fuel line can become clogged by dirt and the sticky substance left behind by old gasoline. This keeps fuel from getting to your carburetor and to your engine. Read more about identifying a clogged fuel line here.

Solution: Remove the fuel line, spray carburetor cleaner into the tube and use compressed air to blow air through the tube until the line is free of dirt and gummy residue. Repeat as necessary. Replace the fuel line with a new line when you can’t remove the clog.

Dirty Carburetor

Your mower uses a carburetor to regulate the amount of gas mixed with air allowed into the cylinder to form combustion.

The additives added to fuel, including ethanol, can cause gummy substances to form in your carburetor. The substance clogs the small parts in your carburetor restricting fuel.

Solution: If you are somewhat mechanical, you can try to clean the carburetor on your lawn mower. If you are not, have a local lawn mower repair shop perform the work.

You may choose to replace the carburetor if it appears to be in very bad condition. Have a small engine repair shop clean the carburetor if you don’t want to attempt the cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor.

Bad Battery or Loose Wiring (Electric Start)

Lawn mowers with an electric start require a power source like a battery. Make sure your cables and battery terminals are secure.

Clean any corrosion you find on your terminals using a baking soda solution (2 cups water to 3 heaping tablespoons of baking soda). Once you confirm you have a good connection, continue testing the battery.

Solution: Test your battery with a multimeter. Replace a bad battery.

Bad Ignition Switch (Electric Start)

Your lawn may have an ignition switch that has failed. If you turn the key in your ignition switch and nothing happens or it just doesn’t feel right, you need to check your switch using a multimeter.

Solution: Replace the ignition switch if it is bad.

Bad Recoil (Manual Start)

Manual start push mowers utilize a recoil to start the mower. The recoil can break and you are no longer able to start your mower.

Solution: If the rope is no longer wrapped around your recoil, you may be able to restring it to get it working again. You may have a broken pulley, spring, or clips that need to be replaced.

If you find broken parts, you should price out the parts in addition to the whole recoil assembly. It may be more cost-effective to replace your recoil.

Bad Starter Solenoid (Electric Start)

A lawn mower solenoid on your lawn mower is an electromagnetic switch that is like an on-off switch that actuates the starter motor to turn over the engine.

A click or hum when turning your ignition key is an indication to check your solenoid. Another indication your lawn mower solenoid may be bad is when a wire attached to your solenoid gets hot and begins to smoke or melt.

Solution: Test your lawn mower solenoid by following the steps here. Replace your solenoid if it is found to be bad.

Bad Safety Switch

The safety switch is designed to kill the engine when the operator is no longer present. For example, if you let go of the bail lever, the engine stops.

A faulty switch may not recognize when the bail lever is engaged to start the mower. Refer to your operator’s manual for the other types of safety switches used in your type of lawn mower.

Solution: You can temporarily bypass the safety switch to identify a bad switch. Do not operate a mower without the safety switch installed for your safety. Always have safety switches installed and working on your equipment. Replace a bad switch.

Incorrect Starting and Operating Procedure

Your lawn mower has safety features that won’t allow your mower to start unless you follow its starting procedures. This may be engaging the bail lever and adjusting the choke. Starting procedures vary depending on the type of lawn mower you are using.

Solution: Refer to your lawn mower’s operating manual to ensure you are operating your lawn mower correctly, so you don’t set off the safety features that shut off your lawn mower or don’t allow it to start.

Mower Starting Problems Causes Solutions

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Lawn Mower Repair: 11 Common Problems And How To Fix Them

Lawn mower repair knowledge is a must-have for DIYers who want to maintain a pristine-looking garden. If you own a lawnmower, here are 11 common problems you’ll most likely encounter and the corresponding checkup tips you need to fix them.

Lawn Mower Repair | How to Fix a Lawn Mower and Its 11 Most Common Issues

Lawn Mower That Won’t Start

If your lawnmower won’t start, there are a couple of things that you should check out:

• Fuel: Your lawn mower will not run on an empty tank. Similarly, if the fuel is older than 30 days, get rid of it before cleaning the carburetor.
• Gas tank: Inspect the gas tank for any leaks. Seal any leaks you find if you can, but otherwise, replacements are usually available online in various lawn mower repair websites.
• Battery: Just like cars, lawnmowers rely on batteries to run. At some point, their batteries will give in to wear and tear and need replacing as they lose the capacity to hold or carry a charge.
• Air filters: Dirty air filters full of dust and dirt can also restrict airflow and prevent your lawnmower from starting. If the air filter is dirty, simply remove it and get rid of all that built-up debris. If it’s too damaged, then it might be better to just replace it altogether.
• Spark plugs: Loose, dirty, or disconnected spark plugs may be keeping your mower from running. Make sure your spark plugs are tight, clean, and connected securely before you try starting your machine. Change old and defective ones as spark plugs are prone to wear and tear.

Lawn Mower That Won’t Turn off Unless the Spark Plug Is Disconnected

A lawnmower that won’t start is a headache, but one that won’t turn off can be just as problematic. Two culprits are often responsible for this problem.

First, the “kill” or ground wire, which may have been disconnected. Second, the ignition switch connections, which may no longer be working due to wear and tear.

Start by checking your ground wire. Make sure it is intact and connected to the area it “grounds” to.

If your ground wire is fine, move to your ignition switch and use an ohmmeter to check if the connection between the “B” and “S” terminals are active. If it’s not, replace your ignition switch and your lawnmower should work smoothly afterward.

Lawn Mower That Consumes Too Much Gas

Lawnmowers are not supposed to consume gas like a thirsty runner who just ran a full marathon without having a bottle of water. If yours does, a clogged air filter is typically your number one suspect.

This causes your mower’s engine to work overtime, forcing it to consume more gas to perform its normal capacity. To fix this, just clean your air filter thoroughly or replace it if it’s over a year old already.

Starter Rope That Is Either Stuck or Too Hard to Pull

An engaged flywheel brake is often the reason behind this simple problem. Before you pull the starter rope, make sure the flywheel brake is completely disengaged and doesn’t press against your mower’s handle.

If that isn’t causing the problem, check the blades. They might be touching the ground or grass might be clogging them, which blocks the startup process.

To fix this, just lay your mower down on a flat surface, disengage your spark plug, rid the blades of any dirt or grass cuttings, then try again.

Lawnmower That Overheats

When you feel that your lawnmower typically becomes too hot while mowing, don’t ignore it just because it’s still functional. Continuously using it in this condition may worsen the problem unnecessarily.

Start your lawn mower repair by checking the exhaust for any buildup of grass. The cooling fins are part of the head of your lawnmower engine cylinder. This tends to overheat when it gets clogged, so get rid of any grass, leaves, and other debris that may have found their way into your engine’s cooling fins.

Smoke Rising From the Lawnmower

While this is one of the most common lawnmower issues people face, surprisingly, no one knows exactly how to fix a smoking lawn mower. And no, DIYers, it’s not a sign that your lawnmower is about to explode.

Typically, an overfilled or leaking oil chamber causes this. Oil leaking into your lawnmower’s muffler can cause the engine to smoke as it burns the oil.

In such cases, simply turn off the engine and wait for it to cool before checking the chamber for leaks. Make sure the cap is sealed tight as well before you restart your lawnmower.

Rarely does a smoking lawnmower signal a serious problem. However, if it already affects the performance of your mower, then it is best to consult a lawn mower repair professional.

Lawn Mower With Reduced Speeds

A damaged or dislocated drive belt might be the reason behind your mower’s slow speeds. This drive belt is typically found in the motor casing, though it is best to consult the manual if you’re not sure how to access it.

To fix this, turn your mower off before inspecting the drive belt. Reattach it if it’s only loose or replace it altogether if there is too much damage.

Lawnmower That Fails to Cut Grass

Ironically, grass that’s either too long or too wet causes a lawnmower’s failure to cut grass.

First, keep in mind that you should only do mowing during dry conditions. It’s never a good idea to cut wet grass as this can clog your mower.

Second, the grass might be too long for your lawn mower’s setting. Raise the deck’s height above its standard settings before you begin cutting overgrown grass.

Additionally, try to mow at a slower pace when cutting taller and longer grass. Make sure to get rid of grass, leaves, and other debris that may accumulate under the deck as you mow to allow your mower to function at full capacity.

Lawnmower With Uneven Mowing

Uneven mowing is often caused by one of two things:

• Dull blades: For your mower to function well, the blades underneath have to be equally sharp. You can either sharpen the blades using a metallic file, bring them to your local lawn mower repair shop, or replace the blades altogether if they are too worn.
• Unbalanced buildup: Grass, leaves, and other debris might have built up on one side of your mower. Clean these out and empty as necessary.

Bumpy or Bouncy Mower

Inadequate oil is one of the most common causes of mowers that seem bouncy or bumpy while running. Check your oil levels and make sure to change it every once in a while for a smoother ride and a better performance.

Excessively Vibrating Mower

Damaged drive belts can cause lawnmowers to vibrate unusually and excessively. Make sure to have it installed properly and keep it in good shape. Worn out or damaged drive belts may need replacement if simple repairs can’t answer your problems.

Other factors that can cause this problem may include loose mounting bolts, an engine running below the advised RPM, or a cutting deck that isn’t in the right settings.

Pro tip: As much as possible, avoid running your lawnmower over hard objects like rocks and roots. These can damage different parts of your lawnmower, which might cause them to need repairs or even replacements.

Avoid lawn mower repair altogether by following this lawn mower maintenance tutorial by This Old House:

A well-managed lawn is the hallmark of any DIYer’s home. Learning these common issues and lawn mower repair tips for each of them should help make sure that your mower is always in tip-top shape.

Do you have other questions about lawn mower repair or maintenance? Ask us in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section below!

Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!

Комментарии и мнения владельцев

Got paint spilt on fly mower and is very noisy and rattly,can it be easily fixed or should I buy new?

I have a question Where are the Drive belts in a mower? You mentioned Battery has lawn mower got the battery? Where are the flywheel breaks? I have been mowing and after sometime it just switched off and does not start. I checked petrol. It is enough, I checked oil it look low but when I top up it went over the H mark. I reduced it but the mower still does not start. I replaced air filter that was old. But no starting. The gap of flywheel and Ignition coil looks ok. What can I try further.?

Dad’s Guide When Your Gas-Powered Lawn Mower Is Not Starting

Maintaining a lush and trimmed lawn can be strenuous and time-consuming. However, when the grass in your yard starts to grow rapidly, you may be compelled to trim your lawn. Nobody wants their yard to look untidy.

Not only is an untidy lawn unsightly, but the long grass can also harbor dangerous pests. That’s why lawnmowers are a necessity. These machines provide an easy way for homeowners to trim their lawns. However, what do you do when your lawn mower is not starting? The sound of your prized trimmer struggling to turn on can make anyone worried.

However, before you panic and rush to the repair shop, you should first identify what the problem is. You may even be able to fix the issue. Continue reading to learn why your lawn mower is hard to start and how to fix these issues.

Safety Tips Before Working on the Lawn Mower

Is your lawn mower hard to start? Before checking your lawn mower for faults, it is essential to follow safety tips to ensure you don’t get hurt. Let’s highlight five safety tips to adhere to before examining your lawn mower.

Remove any ignition sources

When working on the tank or fuel lines, stay away from ignition sources like naked flames, cigarettes, sparks, etc. Additionally, make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent vapor buildup. Don’t leave rags soaked in gas lying around, as they could catch fire.

Remove the spark plug or disconnect the lead

If you’re going to be working on the engine’s underside, ensure all the controls are turned off. The spark plug lead should be disconnected, and the engine should be cool. Furthermore, remove the spark plug from the engine before turning the blade for maximum safety.

Read the instruction manual

The manufacturer’s instruction manual contains the best way to operate and repair the machine, with helpful safety and maintenance tips. After all, the manufacturer is in the best position to highlight how to safely operate and maintain the machine.

Turn off the fuel tap

Consider turning off the machine’s fuel tap especially if the lawn mower is placed on its side or plug side up. Some engines have an overflow in the float bowl, and fuel can leak out through this vent. Also, when the engine is not horizontal, the float may not function properly. This will cause the carburetor to overflow into the engine’s intake manifold. Note that fuel that leaks and touches a hot engine can start a fire. Pay attention to these precautions to ensure there are no injuries.

Drain the fuel tank

If your repairs involve turning the machine at a steep angle, draining the machine’s fuel may be necessary. You don’t want fuel leaking through the fuel cap. This will not only waste fuel but also be a possible safety hazard.

Common Reasons Why A Gas-Powered Lawn Mower Is Hard to Start

Here, we’ll discuss seven common causes of your lawn mower not starting. We’ll also outline how to fix these issues so you can turn on your machine and start mowing!

Old or bad fuel

Gas can degrade and lose effectiveness as soon as 30 days after purchase. As a result, the sticky residue left by moisture and ethanol can clog the fuel system, including the carburetor, fuel filter, and fuel line. If you’re not going to use the fuel within 30 days, we recommend adding a fuel stabilizer. This will preserve the quality of the fuel and prevent any damaging obstructions.

How to fix it: Drain the old fuel and fill the tank with new fuel. Use a fuel additive to clean and stabilize the fuel system.

Faulty Spark Plug or Loose Connections

A faulty spark plug can make your lawn mower hard to start or not start at all. Clean or replace the plug if you notice the tip of the spark plug is very dark in color. This dark color is a result of carbon buildup, which can affect the ignition of the spark plug. In addition, a damaged spark plug with a burnt electrode or a broken porcelain insulator must also be replaced.

We recommend changing the spark plug of your machine to minimize the risk of your machine seizing up when it is needed. Starting issues can also be caused by loose spark plug connections. So, ensure the plug is properly connected before checking and changing the plug.

How to fix it: Remove the spark plug and look for signs of carbon buildup or a cracked porcelain insulator. Then, clean the spark plug with a wire brush or sandpaper. However, if you don’t want to go through this hassle, replace the spark plug with a new one. Ensure that they are gapped properly and that the spark plug wires are correctly connected.

Water in Gas Lawn Mower: How It Gets in and How To Fix It

Water in gas lawn mower could not only waste your precious gardening and lawn mowing time, but most of all, it can also damage your ever-reliable lawn mower.

You can prevent this from happening by knowing how water collects in a lawn mower and the ways to fix it – usually by accident. Read on and find out which scenario is applicable to your gas lawn mowers.

Why Is There Water in Your Gas Lawn Mower?

There is water in your gas lawn mower because of three main reasons: carelessness, accidents, and fuel usage. Water has a tendency to accumulate in your mower.

Despite your good intentions and caution in taking care of your machine, this doesn’t keep you safe from having to encounter this problem.

– Carelessness

Yes, letting your mower sit outside your garden for too long will expose it to moisture and condensation. This happens when the gas tank is left under hot day and cold night conditions. Moisture and condensation will eventually collect in your tank, settling at the bottom and waiting to be sucked in by your lawn mower machine.

Not checking your gas caddy tank could also lead to water getting into your lawn mower. Checking every part of your lawn mower and its nearby materials is imperative, more so when the lawn mower engine has been left out for too many days.

Also, you have to check if your gas container tank has an ill-fitting or loosely fitted cap or perhaps there are small cracks or small openings where water could enter unnoticed.

Forgetting to winterize your lawn mower will also result in some water condensation gathering at the bottom of your gas tank. Leaving your gas tank full for the whole of winter may give you more trouble than ease, especially when you want to start using your machine once again.

If this has happened to you, you should ensure you take

better care of your gas lawn mower the next time winter comes.

– Fuel Usage

Before buying your mower, first, be familiar with its fuel usage. Although there are alternatives being used today, most lawn mower owners still use gas that has large amounts of ethanol to fuel their lawn mower machines. At 10 percent to 15 percent, ethanol is a water magnet.

It draws in dew, moisture, and condensation from the surrounding air, which will eventually contaminate the gas and lead to the unsuccessful operation of the mowing machine.

– Accidents

Accidents do happen, and your gas mower is no exception. It may be one of the reasons why water goes into your gas lawn mower. Numerous people have been using forum sites like Quora to ask for advice on how to get the water out of their lawn mower tanks, in which they admittedly poured water instead of fuel.

Now, even if you’re not yet an expert, here’s how to tell if there is water in gas lawn mowers. Seasoned gardeners may easily detect if there is water in their lawn mower tanks. However, that may not be the case for newbies in gardening and lawn mowing.

• Before turning on your lawn mower, look at it closely. Peek through its tank, and observe if there are any spots of moisture, globules, or bubbles at the bottom of the tank that could possibly be water. This is especially applicable when your tank has not been used for weeks or months already.
• As you crank up your engine, listen for any stutters and stumbles while your machine is switched on. You may not hear it at first, but these symptoms of bad gas in a lawn mower would eventually emerge as you continue using it. If any of these disturbances are present, then by this time, water must have reached the engine part already.

If left undetected while the mower is used continuously, the water in the gas lawn mower would lead to corrosion of metals and damage the machine.

In other cases, despite the presence of water in the gas lawn mower, the mower engine can start running as if there’s no problem at all. However, if you would observe and look closely, you would notice other signs that would point out the deficiency in the mower engine. These are the symptoms that water is running in the engine.

Splutter and stutter

When you hear that the engine is coughing when you start running it, water in your lawn mower gas tank could be the problem. In some cases, the sputtering and stuttering of the engine may not happen at the onset but rather in the middle of your mowing.

These troubles would eventually hinder you from continuing the work that needs to be done, and they indicate that water (or perhaps other elements) is present in the engine.

Smoke

Another one of the water in mower gas tank symptoms you could observe is the belching bout of unusual smoke. Smoke coming out of your mower is somewhat thicker compared to that of a lawn mower gas tank where water is not present.

This happens because the fuel does not combust well in the piston of the engine because of the presence of another element, which is water.

Engine won’t start

In severe situations, if the lawn mower won’t start, water in the gas tank might have flooded the engine already. It would be difficult to mend the situation because the spark plug and air filter might have been damaged, too.

Aside from damage done on your gardening and mowing deadlines, water in the mower can also bring damage to several parts of the gas lawn mower. Once your gas fuel tank has water in it, no matter how little, the water starts getting into the engine. Expect that your gas lawn mower will be damaged in no time.

Whatever the reasons why water has gotten into your lawn mower tank, you just need to remedy it to avoid further trouble in the engine and for you as well. So, you don’t have to worry too much, try the following to solve your gas lawn mower predicaments. These three easy steps tell you.

How Do You Get Water Out of a Lawn Mower Gas Tank?

To get the water out of a lawn mower gas tank you have to do a few things: First you have to drain the tank completely, second, you have to check out the carburetor, thirdly, you can try putting in additives.

– Drain the Tank

Removing all the contaminated fuel in your gas tank is the best way to drain the tank. Pour the gas or fuel out on a designated container, and keep it for other non-engine purposes. After draining, clean the gas tank, and dry it.

Draining your gas tank is applicable when there is a lot of contamination. Be careful to include the fuel that has been stored in a.like basin right next to the main tank.

– Check Out the Carburetor

As you are now convinced that water did get into the inner parts of the engine, it is best to check your mower’s carburetor next. First, detach the spark plug. Then, track the water trail along the carburetor and other fuel lines. Dry it with a piece of cloth by wiping all over the surface. There are cleaners for carburetors you could find commercially to make this task easier.

After cleaning and drying are done, add engine oil as a protective coating. Then, you can fill your gas tank up with fresh fuel and then proceed with your tasks for the day.

– Try Additives

When the water present is only a tiny amount, other people no longer drain the tanks or do other tedious tasks. Rather, they add an additive to remove water from gas tanks contaminated with water.

Commonly used and commercially available additives go by the name of ISO-Heet, BG Ethanol. There are also lawn mower owners who confirm that the isopropyl alcohol available at home can be used as an additive. In the past, the most popular additive was dry gas. Dry gas for lawn mowers works like any other additive, with a small amount added to the fuel.

Additive products are added to your gas fuel, such that the moisture is absorbed and suspended until the fuel (with a little water) could be combusted by the engine already. Additives help a great deal for a small engine machine that must have undergone freezing and or has water or moisture in it, which is a problem mostly encountered by people.

Frequently Asked Questions

– How Do You Avoid Getting Water Into the Gas Lawn Mower?

You can avoid getting water into the gas lawn mower by being careful. Accidentally pouring water into it can be avoided. Also, provide proper care when storing your gas lawn mower for a long time. If using the mower for the first time, check that no water has accumulated.

– Is the Water in the Gas Fuel Tank Harmful to the Lawn Mower Engine?

Yes, the water in the gas fuel tank is harmful to the lawn mower engine. The water can corrode the tank and damage all other parts of the engine where it has passed through. This can cause the metal parts of your mower’s engine to rust and eventually degrade over time.

– What Is the Milky Liquid In the Lawn Mower?

The milky gas in lawn mowers indicates that the fuel and gas is contaminated with water. This happens when water reacts with petroleum products, such as gasoline. The ensuing chemical reaction between these two elements will result in an emulsified liquid.

Conclusion

One of the common problems encountered by gas lawn mower owners is the presence of water in their gas tank. Unknowingly, the water gets into the engine and causes heavy damage to the lawn mower. One must take note of the following to have a smooth operation of the gas lawn mower:

• Water gets into your gas lawn mower either by accident, carelessness, or choice of fuel used. Whichever is the case, you must act immediately to save your engine and your time.
• If there is a large amount of water in the engine, it is best to drain it and supply fresh fuel.
• Additives could be added when there is only a small amount of water that got into your engine.
• Proper care is necessary to avoid troubles and damage to the gas lawn mower.

Yes, water inside a gas tank can be a problem, but given the right information here, solving this dilemma would not be impossible for you.

Water in Gas Lawn Mower: How to Get it Out?

To start working regularly, your gas lawn mower needs three essential elements, air, spark, and fuel. If you clean the filter periodically or replace it when needed, air won’t be a problem since it is always available. As for the spark, it is never a problem if you take care of the spark plug.

The third element can be a huge problem if you have missed maintaining components for proper gas distribution. Actually, if your mower doesn’t work at all after you haven’t used it for a longer time, you should check the gas tank first. Perhaps the cause of the problem is water in it.

Why Water Occurs in Your Gas Lawn Mower

It is not rare that you have a problem with water in your gas lawn mower after heavy rains. The other possibility is that stored gas has picked up water throughout winter, especially if stored in a metal canister or in a location where it alternately warmed up during the day and got cold overnight.

That process usually leads to making a partial vacuum which pulls moist air into a fuel tank where it may condense and settle to the bottom. When you try to use your mower in spring, the first thing which will get into the tank is water.

Contamination of your mower’s fuel system by water may cause severe performance problems. Long-term damage of the unit can include corrosion in the tank, carburetor, and fuel lines.

How to Know if Water is in Your Gas Lawn Mower

Before you start getting panic and do anything, check the basic symptoms to become sure that water has got into the gas tank of your lawn mower. Knowing what to inspect may help you save your machine.

Hard starting

Since water is denser than gas, you may expect it to sink to the fuel tank’s bottom. The problem appears because your mower, as most of the models, probably draws gas from the bottom. Therefore, when you try to start the engine, water will be drawn into the carburetor before fuel and almost immediately cause the problem with starting.

If you haven’t use your mower throughout the whole season, there will be no enough fuel to go to the carburetor when you try to start the engine. The more water is at the bottom of the tank, you will face the bigger problem.

Poor performance

When the amount of water in the fuel system is not significant, you can start your engine without disturbing, but it is likely that surges won’t accelerate appropriately while increasing the throttle.

In some cases, it is possible that the engine dies under load over time. The only cure is to disassembly your mower and to dry all water which has accumulated on the bottom of the carburetor and fuel tank.

Running and stopping

In the case when there is just a small amount of water on the bottom of the fuel tank, you will be able to start the engine in the beginning. Since enough fuel come to the spark plug, the engine will start running smoothly.

However, the problem will appear when the engine keeps working as a result of the subsequent water uptake in the fuel supply. Then your mower may suddenly stop running. Sometimes it will be possible starting it again, but the same thing may repeat.

Fuel system damage

Always keep in mind that you usually may not spot the most significant damage before it is too late. If you notice any performance issues caused by collected water in the fuel system, check your engine as soon as possible.

It is the only way to see the engine’s structural and possible operational problems caused by water and prevent consequential damages such as corrosion or rust on time.

What to Do First?

When you decide to use your mower for the first time after the long, cold winter, you may face a few problems. If your mower begins to sputter all of a sudden or you notice smoke from the engine, you can be sure that the fuel in the engine is contaminated with some amount of water. Let’s see what to do in such situations.

Check the tank

Your first thought should be to check the gas tank. Since water sinks to the bottom, you need to use a flashlight to spot it. The best way is to bring your mower indoors and examine the lowest parts of the tank. If there is water inside, you will quickly notice visible, bubble-like globules of liquid in the gasoline.

Drain contaminated fuel

No matter what the cause, when water comes into the device, the crucial thing is to dry it out. So, you don’t have time to lose, and you need to react immediately.

Firstly, you should empty the gasoline tank. After disconnecting the fuel line, removing the diluted gasoline, and its depositing at a recycling station, try to dry the tank by using a small rag, compressed air, or spraying it with WD-40. Then, you should just reconnect the fuel line and to refill the tank with fresh gasoline.

Service the engine contaminated with water

If you have concluded that there is water in the tank and carburetor of your mower, you need to clean them. Don’t forget to remove the spark plug before you start working. Then, remove the carburetor, clean it, check the level of moisture in the combustion chamber, and add some engine oil to the piston chamber to coat its walls.

After cleaning and drying all parts of the engine thoroughly, you can add clean, fresh gasoline and engine oil and start your mower. Don’t worry if you missed some moisture parts. After running the engine, it will become warm and less humid spots will dry.

However, if you don’t have any experience with engine repair, maybe it is a wise decision to ask for professional help.

Summary

No matter if you have a reel mower, self-propelled lawn mower or electric cordless lawn mower, you need to protect them appropriately during winter. It is even more important to protect your gas lawn mower and its engine in which condensed water can quickly mix with fuel.

The only way to avoid every inconvenience is to store your mower in a protected place during winter. If it is not possible, buy a plastic cover and keep your machine safe.

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