How to Solve Lawn Mower Sputtering Issues. Lawn mower is sputtering

How to Solve Lawn Mower Sputtering Issues

Is someone on your property getting sputtering sounds from their lawnmower whenever they engage the blades? Especially if your machine is well-maintained, sputtering noises may not seem the least bit uncomfortable. When this happens, there are a number of reasons that could be contributing to it. These problems can be caused by worn-out drive belts, dirty pulleys, or faulty safety switches that are damaged.

Ideally, if the engine’s air-fuel supply is not working correctly, it can lead to the engine having less power and could also cause the sounds of sputtering when the engine is running. This article explains possible remedies that can help resolve the issue and make your machine work as it should again after you follow the steps listed here.

It seems as though every day you are mowing your lawn as usual when suddenly your mower begins to behave sluggishly. Sometimes it looks like it is uncertain whether it should run or give up and stop. The immediate conclusion that you may make is that your engine is not working properly, which can be expensive.

This is good news! As long as your problem is resolved quickly, most lawn mower sputtering is not caused by a damaged or damaged engine. Without treatment, your engine could suffer serious damage How to solve lawn mower sputtering issues.

How to solve lawn mower sputtering issues

Keeping your lawn mower engine running requires air. Air filters are designed to prevent debris and other contaminants from entering the intake system of an engine.

It’s imperative to check your air filter frequently when you’re mowing since grass and dirt can end up in the air. These conditions can cause your filter to become very clogged.

If the air filter is in substandard condition, you’ll need to replace it. A dirty air filter will cause extensive engine damage, such as sputtering and overheating.

In order to extend the lifespan of your lawnmower and ensure it runs properly, it is essential to maintain it regularly. Lawn mower problems can occur despite regular maintenance.

Lawn mowers can sputter if they are operated too vigorously. It is possible that the mower will cough, sputter, or stop working at any time. The program may restart only for it to fail again a few seconds later.

A simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-fix problem, this can usually be solved by an individual as part of a routine maintenance task. There are some tasks, however, that should be left to professionals.

Identifying the cause of sputtering is the first step to repairing it, according to Lawn Chick.

Sputtering in lawnmowers is caused by the following reasons:

Exactly how does a lawn mower engine work?

It is imperative to understand how a lawn mower’s engine works if you want to know why it sputters or runs poorly. In spite of how complex it may seem from the outside, a lawn mower motor is actually quite simple.

You can think of your mower’s engine as a smaller, faster version of your car’s motor. The motor of a lawn mower has only one cylinder and a single spark plug, unlike the one in a car.

In the lawn mower engine, air and fuel are drawn into the carburetor by the carburetor and ignited by the spark plug in the combustion chamber. Whenever this occurs, the engine’s cylinder is compressed. In turn, this motion turns the mower’s crankshaft, which then turns the blade. The crankshaft also drives the drive wheels on self-propelled lawnmowers.

One of the reasons for your lawnmower sputtering may be because grass builds up on the deck. A lawn with tall and wet grass typically experiences this problem.

Grass that has been caked ceases to spread evenly when mowed with a side discharge mower. The bagger will have a limit on how much grass it can hold, and you will spread extra grass on your lawn if the limit is exceeded.

Finally, caked grass reduces the space above the blades for cutting grass for the mulching mower.

The quality of the cut will decline if space is reduced. Your lawnmower is prone to sputtering due to caked or built-up material that disrupts the intake and exit of grass.

How come my lawn mower sputters and then dies?

A lawn mower that works normally should stay in top condition until you’re finished landscaping. Engine failure is usually apparent when a lawn mower sputters and dies. In fact, the mower’s engine is dependent on several different components and ingredients to function properly. Failure to work properly on any one of them can result in sputtering. The only way to fix this complex issue is to have a mower repair professional examine your mower’s engine and make the necessary repairs.

Using the wrong fuel or water in the mower’s engine

Gases with an octane rating of 87 or higher are most suitable for lawn mower engines. Ethanol content must not exceed 10%.

It can be difficult to solve sputtering problems if you use the wrong gas or if it’s old.

After 30 days, gas breaks down and is not efficient. It is expected that the ethanol in your gas will attract moisture, resulting in it sinking to the bottom.

If the water and fuel are separated, it might be causing your sputtering problem. Use a flashlight to check.

Maintain a secure fuel tank cap, and store all gas indoors to prevent water from entering.

In my fuel, I add Sea Foam Engine Treatment to stabilize gas and prevent moisture buildup. Find out more in “Why Use Sea Foam Fuel Additive in a Lawn Mower?”

Whenever you find water in your fuel tank, drain the fuel into an approved container. Added Sea Foam to fresh gasoline will help.

Let the mower run until it no longer sputters or smokes from water with gas and Sea Foam in it.

Lawn Mower Carburetor Dirty

Carburetors produce combustion by regulating the mix of air and fuel in your lawn mower’s engine.

The right amount of fuel-to-air mixture is not delivered to the lawn mower when the air is dirty, and that can cause the mower to sputter.

Cleaning your carburetor is the most effective solution to remove the deposits that have built up. This page contains instructions for cleaning carburetors.

Carburetors have many small parts. These include the float needle, springs, and gasket. Carburetors need to be rebuilt or replaced if any of these parts are damaged.

Is It a Good Idea To Fertilize Cool Season Grass During The Summer?

In colder climates, yard care activities might not be possible or necessary during winter. Maintaining cool season grasses during winter is like preparing for and recovering from that season.

It is in the spring and fall that plants grow most actively. The plant will enter dormancy in the autumn and winter, so your fertilization schedule should FOCUS on those time periods.

Can I fertilize cool-season grass in the summer?

Fertilizing cool-season grass in the summer is not necessary because growth doesn’t occur during this season. A touch more nitrogen from your summer fertilizer isn’t likely to hurt, but too much phosphorus or potassium will stress dormant plants, which are currently in an energy-saving state.

Cool-season grasses as well as warm-season grasses are grown in spring, but cool-season grass becomes dormant in summer, while warm-season grass thrives. The color and density of grass blades are generally improved by nitrogen fertilization during hot seasons.

It is possible that cool-season grasses are stressed under hot, dry soil conditions and could benefit from a little nitrogen fertilization.

Do squirrels eat grass seed?

A cousin of chipmunks and prairie dogs. They adapt well to various climates and eat fat-rich diets to survive the winter. While squirrels don’t necessarily hibernate, they store food for the winter, and seeds are suitable for storage.

The squirrel eats herbs. They are omnivores. As well as insects and birds’ eggs, they eat fruit, seeds, roots, leaves, berries, nuts, and fungi.

Squirrels can also be seen rummaging through trash or eating pet food from the porch. Because squirrels are omnivores, their diet is not well defined, so they eat what they think is most nutritious and energetic

Conclusions

Grass or dirt in the system often causes the lawn mower to sputter. The problem can be diagnosed quickly and less invasively if one knows what to look for. By resolving these issues earlier, you can prevent further damage to the lawn mower. Check all components before sending your lawn mower in to be looked over by a professional if you find it spitting, as the solution is often quick and easy

The lawn mower shouldn’t sputter. There are several causes. As soon as you identify the issue, fix it How to solve lawn mower sputtering issues.

Lastly, don’t be ashamed to seek professional help. Professional repair is always a better idea than doing it yourself.

A simple problem might be a cheap repair rather than a new one.

Why Does My Lawn Mower Sputter When Blades Are Engaged?

Lawnmowers, for many homeowners, are like a best friend. They’re tools we rely on! That’s why a sputtering mower can be a nightmare for people who get attached to their lawncare equipment.

If a lawnmower sputters when blades are engaged, the most common issues include low gasoline levels, damaged belts, stuck pulleys, and broken safety switches.

Though it’s common to worry about a favorite mower being “beyond repair” due to this issue, the truth is that most lawnmower problems are reparable—this one included. Here’s what you need to check for when you notice a sputtering issue.

What Causes A Lawn Mower To Sputter?

Whether blades are engaged or not, there’s only one real portion of a lawn mower that can cause sputtering to happen. That area is the motor, which means that the reason for your mower’s malfunction lies somewhere in the motor.

How Common Is This Problem?

Generally speaking, seeing a motor that sputters out isn’t that uncommon. Though sputtering the moment blades engage is somewhat uncommon, it’s still not that unusual compared to other motor problems you could encounter.

The vast majority of these situations happen with mowers that are several years old or older. This often signals to people that it may be time to get a new mower.

The Most Common Culprits

Most lawn care experts note that a lawnmower that sputters and shuts down the moment blades are engaged has a motor that’s dying. In many cases, it boils down to one of four main issues.

Low Gasoline Levels

One of the less common (but easiest to fix) reasons why a motor might sputter out during its lawn trimming time deals with fuel. Many mowers are designed to sputter and shut down if there isn’t enough fuel to handle the work needed to cut the grass.

If you haven’t refueled your lawn mower recently, add some fuel before your mowing session. If that doesn’t work, then you might have a more difficult problem on your hands.

Bad Belts

Both tractor mowers and push mowers can have belts that go bad. Here’s what to do:

• To check for this issue, lower your mower’s deck to the lowest setting and remove the belt guard. Referring to your mower’s manual can help you open it up.
• If your belt is stuck, worn out, broken, or poorly routed, replace your belt. Your manual will show how to re-route a belt, if that’s the issue. If your belt shows signs of damage, you will need to order a replacement.

Broken Motor Safety Switches

Motor safety switches are there to help prevent serious accidents from happening. When the switch is tripped, the motor immediately gets the signal to shut down. It’s pretty clear how having a bad safety switch can cause a motor to sputter out when blades are engaged.

If you have reason to believe that the safety switch is the culprit, open your mower and check to see if the switch is properly plugged in. If it is, inspect it from damage. If it looks worn out, replacing it can fix the issue.

Broken or Worn Pulleys

Still not having much luck? Check your lawnmower’s pulleys, which should be located close to the belt. Much like the belt’s positioning, having poorly positioned or faulty pulleys can easily cause a motor to sputter the moment a mower hits grass.

The Less Common Culprits

Though “the Big Four” are the most common reasons for a sputtering motor, there are other causes that could make a motor run foul. Some of these causes can include…

Clogged Mower Parts

Sometimes, motors just get a lot of buildup from all the grass, mud, dirt, and grime they push through. Though there are measures to prevent grime from getting into key parts of your mower, it’s possible for grit to still show up from time to time.

Did you recently mow through some dust or some particularly sticky weeds? In many cases, thorough cleaning of the mower can get rid of the stalling and sputtering problems you’re experiencing.

Dirty Air and Fuel Filters

In a lot of ways, troubleshooting a mower is a lot like troubleshooting a car. In both cases, people tend to forget how important it is to keep filters maintained. Those filters aren’t just for keeping things environmentally friendly; it’s also a matter of ensuring that your mower can run.

Though it’s rarely the primary reason why motors die, it can be a contributing factor.

Improper Use

If you’ve been using your lawn mower regularly for the past couple of years, it’s safe to rule this potential cause out. However, if you are new to a mower, it could be that you’re operating it in a way that triggers an automatic shutoff or that places undue stress on its motor.

When Should You Call In A Professional?

It’s worth pointing out that most lawn mower problems are fixable, so there’s no need to buy a new mower if you don’t want one. However, not all mowers are going to be fixable on a DIY basis. If any of these are true, you may need professional help:

• You tried all the troubleshooting tips and you still have trouble keeping your mower on. If you’ve already tried everything you can think of, asking for some additional help could be the only way you can get it fixed.
• There’s something caught in the mower that you can’t remove on your own. This can happen, and when it does, having a pro look at it is the best move. It’s better to pay a professional to remove it rather than pay for a new mower if you break it.
• You hear an alarming grinding or squealing noise when your mower sputters. This suggests that the actual gears in the motor could be dying. Replacement might be necessary if it’s not professionally fixable.
• The mower that you have is heavily computerized. Several professional-grade mowers are now equipped with computers that control the lion’s share of the mower’s functions. If it’s a computer or electronic issue, you will not be able to fix it without taking it to a professional shop.
• Convenience is an issue. If you don’t have the time to fix it, getting someone else to do it for you just makes sense.

Our Final Take

Having a lawnmower that sputters out the moment blades start being put to use is annoying, but it’s a common and fixable issue. We wrote a guide about what to do when your mower’s blades won’t engage.

In most cases, you can expect it to be an issue involving maintenance, belts, safety switches, pulleys, or just a clogged mowing area. Most of these causes can be easily fixed through DIY repair means—if you want to fix it.

However, there’s always a chance that it could be a more advanced problem. If your troubleshooting hasn’t worked out, or if you notice additional problems that require attention, calling a professional is a Smart move.

Of course, it’s worth pointing out that many people take this as a sign that it’s time to start looking for a new mower. So, if you’re not too attached to your mower, maybe it’s time to check out what new models would work for your home’s needs.

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Lawn Mower Spitting and Sputtering

Why is My Lawn Mower Sputtering? And How to Fix It

Lawn mowers are very simple machines. They’re designed to start right up and get the job done when you need it.

But, if your mower is getting old or you’ve neglected to maintain it properly, you can run into real trouble. A rough running or sputtering lawn mower is one of the most common problems people run into with their lawn equipment.

Thankfully, since these machines are relatively simple, the solution to a sputtering lawn mower is often very simple. Keep reading for a closer look at how lawn mowers work and some simple ways to get yours running again.

How Does a Lawn Mower Engine Work?

If you want to figure out why your lawn mower is sputtering or running poorly, it helps to understand how the engine works. As complex as it may seem from the outside, a lawn mower motor is actually very simple.

Your mower’s engine is basically just a smaller, much simpler version of the motor in your car. Unlike your car, a lawn mower just has a single cylinder and spark plug.

Air and fuel are pulled into the lawn mower engine with the carburetor and ignited in the combustion chamber by the spark plug. Each time this happens, the engine’s cylinder is compressed. This motion turns the crankshaft which then turns the mower’s blade. If you have a self propelled lawn mower, the crankshaft also turns the drive wheels when engaged.

Why is My Lawn Mower Sputtering?

Old Fuel

If your mower isn’t running right, start with the simplest solution. Fuel is one of the simplest things to check, so start by determining how old your gas is.

Believe it or not, gasoline does have a shelf life. If you’re trying to start your mower for the first time this spring and are using fuel you bought last summer, think again. Old gas can make your lawn mower run poorly and create extra build-up internally that will give you more problems in the future.

Old Fuel: The Solution

This one is pretty easy. Drain the old gas out of your mower into an appropriate container and refill the mower with new gas

If bad fuel was the problem, your lawn mower should run better right away.

The Wrong Fuel

Most fuel available at gas stations contains about 10% ethanol. Ethanol is a fuel made from corn that burns just fine in most modern cars, but not in smaller carbureted engines.

I have personally seen gas with ethanol destroy small engines with repeated use.

The Wrong Fuel: The Solution

While it’s rare, you can find gas stations that sell “pure” gas with no added ethanol. If you can find a station near you that does this, make sure to fuel up your mower there.

If you don’t have a station like this near you, most home improvement stores sell fuel specifically designed for small engines. While it is more expensive, this type of fuel will help your mower’s engine last much longer.

Dirty Air Filter

Your lawn mower needs air and fuel to run properly. If either of these is restricted, the mower will not run properly.

Over time, a lawn mower’s air filter will get dirty. As the filter gets dirtier, airflow becomes more restricted.

Dirty Air Filter: The Solution

A quick fix for this problem is to remove the filter from the mower and shake off the excess dirt and debris. This will often help your mower run better for a short time.

If the filter is old and excessively dirty, it probably just needs to be replaced.

Lawn mower air filters are usually located beneath a cover that can be quickly removed with no tools, making this a very simple repair.

Worn Out or Dirty Spark Plugs

One of the most common causes of a sputtering lawn mower is worn out or dirty spark plugs. Spark plugs corrode and wear out with use, and will not work as well as the wear gets worse.

Worn Out or Dirty Spark Plugs: The Solution

To fix this problem, you’ll need to check the spark plug in your lawn mower.

Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plug safely. With the spark plug removed, check it for excessive build-up and wear.

If the spark plug looks overly dirty, go ahead and replace it. Spark plugs are very inexpensive and simple to replace on a lawn mower.

Dirty Carburetor

A dirty carburetor is another common cause of a sputtering or poorly running lawn mower. Small engine carburetors can get dirty pretty quickly especially when they’re used in less than clean environments — like your yard.

A dirty carburetor makes it difficult for the engine to get the right fuel and air mixture. This can make your mower sputter and run poorly.

Dirty Carburetor: The Solution

This problem can be solved very easily with carburetor cleaner. Carburetor cleaner comes in an easy-to-use aerosol can and is usually designed to spray directly into the carb while the engine is running.

The air filter — and sometimes the air filter housing — will need to be removed first, then simply spray some carburetor cleaner into the open carb while the mower is running. The mower may run a little roughly while it burns up the cleaner, but should then smooth out once the carburetor is clean.

Grass Build-Up in the Mower Deck

If you let your grass get too long or are trying to mow wet grass, dirt and grass can build up quickly in the mower deck.

The mower deck is the area under the mower where the blade rotates. If too much grass builds up in the deck, the mower’s engine will have a hard time turning the blade, causing your mower to sputter and possibly stop running completely.

Grass Build-Up in the Mower Deck: The Solution

If you suspect that grass is building up in the lawn mower deck while you are mowing, try stopping and back up a few steps. Simply backing up will often break the grass build-up free and allow your mower to mulch the grass or bag it. You can also try leaning on the handle and lifting the front of the mower slightly while backing up.

If backing up doesn’t work, shut the mower off and lift the front of the mower or turn it on its side to clean off stubborn build-up.

Dirty Fuel Filter

A dirty fuel filter can restrict the flow of gas to the engine, which could lead to a sputtering lawn mower.

Dirty Fuel Filter: The Solution

Check and change your mower’s fuel filter regularly to prevent problems. The fuel filter is usually found right on the lawn mower’s fuel line, making it very easy to change.

Bad Gas Cap

While it’s not very common, a loose or bad gas cap could also make your lawn mower sputter.

Bad Gas Cap: The Solution

Check your lawn mower’s gas cap regularly to make sure it still fits properly. If the gas cap is loose, you should be able to find a new one very inexpensively.

Your Turn

If you’re wondering “why is my lawn mower sputtering?” the answer is often to simply make sure your mower is clean and properly maintained. Routine maintenance, like changing spark plugs and filters, and a little cleaning will keep your lawn mower running smoothly for many years.