Lawn mower engine stutter. Lawn mower engine stutter

Lawn mower engine stutter

Many power tools with petrol engines are pure seasonal workers. Work starts in March, summer is the daily peak season and October marks the beginning of the annual winter rest. Mothballed, the machines are then ideally freshly washed, cleaned and preserved. Despite all this care, it is often the case that the engine has starting problems or an annoying stutter in the spring – even though the machine was running excellently before the winter rest. What is to blame? Roman Mühleck, Product Manager at AS-Motor knows what to look out for in terms of fuel during storage to ensure a smooth start in the spring.

After preparing the machine for hibernation, the first question to ask is where and how to store it over the winter. The expert from the high grass mower specialists recommends a storage place that is dry and not too warm. It is also important that the place is level so that the machine can stand as horizontally as possible. With two- and three-wheeled devices, it should be ensured that they cannot tip over so that oil and fuel do not leak out.

Our expert: Roman Mühleck, Product Manager at AS-Motor

Store with a full tank

Ideally, the tank should be completely filled before storage so that as little air and thus humidity as possible remains in the tank. Depending on the outside temperature, the air humidity can condense into water and settle in the tank, which can have a negative effect on the engine start in the spring during initial operation. This is often the fault of a white, sticky substance in the carburetor and fuel filter that forms from the condensation and evaporation of fuel over the winter months. Deposits can also be caused by corrosion.

The standard road fuels comply with the currently valid standards DIN EN 228 for petrol and DIN EN 590 for diesel fuel. They are designed for a typical storage time in the storage tank at the filling station of three to six months under ideal conditions. With an average wintering period of around five months with strong temperature fluctuations in the equipment shed, this minimum shelf life is quickly exceeded.

Through his many years of experience, Roman Mühleck knows that starting problems in the spring occur particularly frequently when using the standard fuel E10. The reason for this is the increased ethanol content of this fuel type in conjunction with less than ideal storage conditions and a long retention time in the tank. Since ethanol is hydrophilic, i.e. it loves water, E10 absorbs atmospheric moisture better and the water content in the fuel increases. For regular operation in summer this plays only a minor role, but for the winter break this fuel is therefore only suitable to a limited extent. In principle, it should be clarified in advance whether the engine manufacturer has generally approved operation with E10.

The storage place for the winter rest should be dry and not too warm

The right fuel

For a good start of the season without stuttering, the AS-Motor expert recommends the following fuels for the last tank filling before the winter break:

• Gasoline for appliances (alkylate gasoline): Gasoline for appliances is a special fuel which, due to its chemical composition, is particularly stable to oxidation, i.e. stable to ageing. This fuel is used by various engine manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers as an initial filling fuel in order to bridge any longer storage times that may occur before initial commissioning by the end user.
• Premium fuel (e.g. 99-102 octane) from brand manufacturers: These fuels are equipped with special additive technology that cleans and protects the engine at the same time. This ensures better performance compared to standard fuels. Many users report that they have no starting problems when restarting seasonal vehicles, such as mulching lawn mowers.
• Standard fuels E5 from brand manufacturers are often also equipped with additive technology. Here, too, there is a protection of the fuel system. Therefore, this fuel is also suitable for the winter break under ideal storage conditions.

The right fuel for the last filling before the winter break is one of the decisive factors for a good start to the new season.

Oil change before winter rest

The fuel properties mentioned also apply to the 2-stroke mixtures mixed from them. Many piston seizures of 2-stroke equipment happen during the first use in spring due to old, demixed oil/fuel mixtures. “Please always use fully synthetic 2T oils for the mixture or ready-made 2T alkalytic mixtures,” is therefore the expert’s urgent appeal. Outdated, mineral 2T oils have had their day.

In order to take full advantage of the recommended fuels during winter storage, the last refuelling should be carried out with an empty tank and the tank completely filled. Since used oil contains acidic ageing residues that can lead to deposits or corrosion over the service life, it is advisable to also change the oil before the winter break. Afterwards, the engine should be restarted so that the oil comes up to operating temperature. This activates the protective additives and the engine can be shut down for the winter. A new oil change in the spring is then no longer necessary.

Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies – Here’s the Fix!

Is your lawn mower starting up just fine and then quitting? When your lawn mower starts then dies, it not only delays the completion of your lawn care chores—it can also be kind of embarrassing. Imagine your neighbors glancing over curiously, wondering what on earth is up with you and your problematic mower.

Worse still, a lawn mower is a complicated machine, so at first glance, you might not have any idea how on earth to solve the problem. You might be tempted to just write the whole thing off and buy a new one. However, you shouldn’t throw in the towel yet, because there are a number of possible causes for why a lawn mower starts then dies—and you can actually resolve some of them fairly easily, giving you plenty more mowing sessions with that lawn care machine.

Determine the Fuel Status

First—and this may seem like a no-brainer, but bear with us—check the fuel levels. You may have been absolutely certain that the mower still had gas in it the last time you started it up, but perhaps someone else has run the mower since then, or maybe there just wasn’t as much fuel in the tank as you thought.

Whether you’ve got a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower, a Toro lawn mower, or some other type of gas mower, checking the fuel should be fairly simple. Some lawn mowers have an actual fuel gauge, while others do not. For those that don’t, you can take a quick peek inside the tank. You should also check the fuel line for clogs and take a look into the carburetor bowl to ensure that fuel is reaching that part of the engine.

If there appears to be enough fuel, and it’s flowing through the fuel line, you would move on to other potential sources of the problem. However, if your fuel is low or it looks thick and sludgy, your first step is to drain off the old fuel (being mindful of local regulations for disposal of such waste products) and add fresh fuel. You may find that a gas refill or replacement solves the problem.

Gasoline can go “stale” and start to “varnish” or sour within just two or three weeks of being left idle, so it’s a good idea to drain it off whenever you plan to stop using your mower for a while.

Check for a Clogged Carburetor

Has it been a while since you last started up your lawn mower? Maybe it’s been sitting in the garage or in a shed for a while, unused, while you were on vacation or over the cold winter months. That period of disuse can be one reason for the lawn mower’s malfunction.

As time passes and the mower sits idle, some of the more watery components within the fuel can evaporate. That means the rest of the fuel congeals into a sticky, thick mess. When you finally start up the lawn mower again, that thick, gooey fuel does not flow through the engine properly or burn as it should. Instead, it clogs up the carburetor. So the engine starts, but then it stalls.

It is not possible to thoroughly clean a carburetor without removing it. But still, if you want to try, you can skip to the next part.

Removing the Carburetor to Clean It

If the problem with your lawn mower is the carburetor, you may need to take it out of the machine in order to clean it. The location of the carburetor can vary depending on the type of lawn mower. However, it is typically attached to the engine’s side or top. It is also generally located below or behind the air filter and linked to the gas tank.

Before you start, you’ll want to gather the following tools:

When you’re working over the carburetor, be sure to follow proper safety protocols by wearing gloves and safety glasses.

Step #1

Remove the air filter cover and filter.

Step #2

Remove the air filter housing.

Step #3

Remove the fuel hose from the carburetor and then take off the screws, nuts and clamps holding the carburetor in place.

Step #4

Remove the fuel linkage. Carefully rotate and pull the carburetor until you are able to get it free.

Step #5

Now you’ve got a detached carburetor. You’ll need to remove the screws and pin that secure the float valve; take it easy on them since they could become stripped. The gasket can also be fragile, so you should be careful while working with it.

At this point, some carburetors will have splash plates you need to disconnect and set aside. Take off any other screws, gaskets, O-rings, or hardware remaining on the unit, including the choke if it is removable.

If it is a Quantum mower, typically there are three parts that you will want to replace:

Step #6

Now you’ll need a can of carburetor cleaner or a can of Coke. Coca-Cola is great at removing rust because of its citric acid. You can pour it into a basin and soak the carburetor and its components in the Coke for a few hours. Before using any harsh chemicals, you should try this method first. You will be impressed with the result!

Then you should scrub with a brush. Some compressed air is also helpful for blowing gunk out of hard-to-clean areas.

Step #7

An important part to mention is main jet. It is the most common reason a lawn mower starts and then dies. That is why you should carefully clean it. Poke a bread tie wire through the small hole of the main jet and clean it up. Also, you need to be careful not to overtighten this bolt.

Step #8

It’s worth double-checking to make sure the hose doesn’t have any leaks or cracks. If you do find damage or wear, it’s important to replace that fuel line. You’ll also need to clear out and replace the old fuel within the machine’s tank before you start up the mower again.

After you’ve thoroughly cleaned the carburetor, put it back together as it was. If you don’t have instructions for the lawn mower, be sure to take photos throughout the disassembly process, so you know exactly how everything is supposed to fit back on.

Using Spray Cleaner for the Carburetor

You could also try a spray version of the cleaner. If you’re hoping to resolve the problem without removing the entire carburetor, you can try the carburetor aerosol spray cleaner with the carburetor still installed.

Before you start cleaning, be sure that the lawn mower’s engine has cooled down. Once that’s done, take off the machine’s air filter cover and the filter itself, along with the external cover of the carburetor. Leave these parts aside and wait until the carburetor’s parts have all dried out thoroughly.

Now that the carburetor is dry, start up the engine again. You’ll be able to see the moving parts inside the carburetor. Be very careful as you place the spray tip of the cleaner can into the carburetor and begin to spray. The natural movement of the carburetor as it’s running should help to carry the cleaner throughout. Keep spraying until you feel that you’ve added enough cleaner.

Turn off the engine again and then find the choke shaft of the carburetor. Spray some extra cleaner there. If, at any point, the instructions on the spray cleaner contradict these steps, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use.

Once you’ve completed the cleaning steps, put the exterior cover of the carburetor back on, and reattach the air filter and its cover. You may need to swap out the air filter for a new one if it looks dirty or damaged. Before you try running the engine again, make sure that you’ve drained the old fuel and introduced fresh fuel into the tank.

Identifying Carburetor Corrosion

There’s one other thing that might be wrong with the carburetor besides a clogging issue. When you check the carburetor, do you notice a powdery or chalky residue all through the inside? That white corrosion is a very bad sign. In fact, it usually means that you will need to replace the carburetor entirely.

Some users suggest that you may be able to revive the carburetor for cases of mild corrosion by boiling it in vinegar for about 30 minutes to cleanse the corrosion. There will still be pitting and damage afterward, but if the damage isn’t too extensive and the corrosion hasn’t progressed too far, you may still be able to reinstall the unit and continue to use it without having to purchase a replacement.

Test the Fuel Cap

As the fuel level within the lawn mower’s tank drops naturally during use, the air is allowed to seep into the tank through a tiny vent in the fuel cap. The inflow of air into the tank is important to prevent a vacuum from forming inside the tank since that could hamper its correct function. This type of vacuum is known as a vapor lock.

If the fuel cap vent becomes clogged or blocked, air can’t get into the tank and the vapor lock forms. So when you try to run your gas mower, it starts and then shuts down.

It’s easy to test whether or not the fuel cap is at fault. Just loosen it a bit to allow a small amount of air to seep in. Then restart the engine again and see if it keeps running. If the lawn mower continues to function well as long as the cap is loosened, the problem is a blocked or damaged vent in the fuel cap. All you need to do is replace the fuel cap, and your mower should start functioning properly again without any more issues.

Replace the Spark Plug

If your lawn mower starts then dies right away, another possible culprit for the issue is the spark plug. A spark plug problem will result in the mower being more difficult to get going, and in some cases, the faulty spark plug may prevent it from starting at all. Signs of spark plug issues include the following:

• A stuttering motor
• The mower requiring multiple cords pulls to get going
• The repeated key turns to start
• Engine function cutting out unexpectedly
• Power loss requiring a restart
• Slow acceleration
• Excessive consumption of fuel by the mower
• A strong smell of burning fuel

If you’re noticing any of these signs, in addition to the mower being hard to start, the spark plug is likely the culprit. The spark plug enables that initial ignition spark that lights the fuel and gets the engine going.

How Often to Replace a Spark Plug

Some lawn care experts recommend changing a lawn mower’s spark plug once a year, or once per season, or once per 25 hours of use. You can push these boundaries a bit in order to get more use out of each new spark plug and cut down on replacement costs, but you definitely need to keep a close eye on how well your mower is functioning as you near that season’s end mark, or as you get closer to a full 25 hours of use.

Cleaning the Spark Plug

Sometimes, all you need to do is clean the spark plug. Maybe it has simply gotten gunk on it from regular use, and it’s too wet to do its job of sparking and igniting the fuel. Check it for gas or oil buildup before you buy a replacement.

Take a careful look at the plug’s center electrode, which is the bit that yields the spark. Its tip should be a flat, even surface. If you notice that it is more round than flat, or if it looks worn down or corroded, you need a replacement.

However, if the structure of the center electrode is intact and the plug simply looks messy or dark and oily, try cleaning it up. You can clean a spark plug with a little bit of starter fluid or brake cleaner. Let it soak in that fluid for 10-15 minutes, and then use a rag to wipe off any excess and polish it up.

Check it again for corrosion or wear and tear before putting the plug back into the mower. You can also take a look at the spark plug threads to ensure that they look clean and undamaged.

Replacing the Spark Plug

If your spark plug is beyond repair, take a photo of it or take the actual device along with you to your local hardware store or tool supply shop, so you can be sure you’re getting an exact replacement.

The same principle applies if you’re ordering a new plug online; you must be sure that the replacement spark plug is precisely the same as the original. The wrong kind of spark plug can actually damage your lawn mower’s engine, necessitating a serious and costly repair or possibly forcing you to replace the entire unit, so make sure you get it right.

When you’re replacing the spark plug, be sure you clean the entire area where it connects so the new plug is seated correctly. If you have trouble removing the old plug, use some lubricant and let it rest for about 10 minutes, then take out the old worn plug with a wrench or a socket driver.

Double-check the electrode behind the plug to make sure it doesn’t look too damp or corroded since those signs could indicate an engine choke problem or a carburetor issue, respectively. When you place the new spark plug into the correct spot, be careful not to overtighten it. You just want it to fit snugly before you reattach the spark plug wire.

Causes of Spark Plug Failure

It’s worth noting that you should also think about the reason behind the spark plug’s failure. Why did your mower’s spark plug fail in the first place? Was it just because of regular wear and tear and use, or could there have been another reason?

Sometimes these spark plugs can become worn or damaged due to other problems with the mower’s engine. If that’s the case, and you replace the plug without identifying the root cause of the damage, your new spark plug is likely to suffer the same fate.

Think about possible root causes of the spark plug failure, such as a dirty air filter, a faulty or filthy fuel injector, damage to the distributor case, or some problem with the mixture of fuel and air within the gas mower tank.

Check all of these potential issues to ensure that your mower is in good shape. Just like your car, the mower needs an occasional tune-up, and this is as good a time as any to make that happen.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t want to go through the entire process of troubleshooting the problem, cleaning the carburetor, or enacting any of the other fixes or repairs, you don’t have to do any of it.

You could take the lawn mower to a repair and maintenance shop and have the experts take a look. They can identify why the lawn mower starts but then dies and then fix the issue for a fee. However, before you visit a lawn mower repair shop, be sure to check online and ensure that they have good ratings and reviews and that they are known for being fair and honest with their customers and not overcharging for unnecessary services.

Josh Hurd has been freelance writing since 2006. He attended the University of Akron, graduating with a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing.

Lawn mower stutters. what to do?

A dirty carburetor is the number one cause of a stuttering lawnmower. Constant contact with earth, grass, leaves and twigs causes deposits in the engine so that it runs unevenly. By ordering a general cleaning of the carburetor, you can bring the fluctuating engine speeds back into line. How to proceed professionally step by step:

• Close the fuel tap or empty the tank
• Remove the carburetor, air filter and spark plug according to the instructions in the manual
• Replace worn seals with new ones
• Pour petrol into a vat and insert the removed carburetor
• Clean the air filter and spark plug

also read

• Lawn mower keeps going off. what to do?
• Lawn mower runs unevenly and smokes. what to do?
• Adjusting the carburetor on the lawnmower. this is how it works

Let the carburetor soak in benzine for about 60 minutes. Rub the module dry with a cloth and install it. The clean air filter and the cleaned spark plug also take their place. Reconnect the plug and spark plug, fill the tank with petrol or open the petrol tap.

Readjust the carburettor on the petrol mower. brief instructions

After a thorough cleaning, a carburetor must be readjusted so that the lawnmower runs smoothly. When all components are back in their place, start the engine. Adjust the settings with a screwdriver while idling. Most commercial petrol mowers have two adjusting screws for regulating the engine speed and the amount of fuel. How to proceed:

• Screw in the adjusting screw for the speed a little
• In response, the engine speed increases
• Adjust the adjusting screw for the fuel until the engine runs smoothly

The brief increase in speed in the motor is fine-tuned in the last work step. To do this, unscrew the adjusting screw a little until you are completely satisfied with the lawnmower running.

Tips

Petrol lawn mowers have a weak point that can cause the engine to stutter, even on ultra-modern models. Always tilt your lawn mower to one side with the spark plug and air filter facing upwards. Otherwise, leaking oil and gasoline can clog important components.

My Lawn Mower Loses Power When Cutting – Why?

You count on your lawn mower to help keep your yard in good shape. It’s like your right-hand man. So when you’re out there making your passes up and down the yard as per usual and the engine starts stuttering and losing power, it’s a problem. And most of the time this type of issue isn’t just going to “go away”. There’s usually a clear cause and you need to identify it and fix it to get your mower firing on full cylinders again.

If your lawn mower loses power when cutting, the most common causes are a clogged air filter, stale/contaminated gas, blocked fuel filter, too much/too little engine oil, dirty/damaged spark plug, blocked carburetor, clogged cutting deck or a dull blade.

Causes of Gas Lawn Mower Losing Power When Cutting

We need to differentiate between gas and electric here as some of the causes of a gas lawn mower that loses power when cutting wouldn’t apply to electric mowers.

A gas lawn mower engine needs 3 things to be “happy” and run efficiently to help you cut your lawn:

If you remove or restrict its access to any of these things, that’s when problems arise. Your mower may lose power or it may cut out altogether.

Here are a few common causes of a gas mower engine losing power:

Dirty/Clogged Air Filter

Your air filter is responsible for letting in the right amount of air into the engine for combustion to take place, while at the same time filtering out dirt and dust that could do the engine harm.

When was the last time you inspected it? It’s possible that it’s well overdue a good cleaning. Over time, the dirt and dust that it filters out can really start to build up and affect how it functions. When this happens, the amount of air that can pass through it into the carburetor is less than what is required, and this is when the engine might start to lose power or struggle.

Another possible cause is that you tipped your lawn mower the wrong way when doing some maintenance on the blade or cutting deck (maybe you were cleaning it or the mower blade was loose). This can cause problems with engine oil leaking out of its reservoir in the crankcase, and gravity brings it all the way to the air filter. And a lawn mower air filter soaked in oil is definitely not going to let sufficient air pass through it.

Solution: In the case of a dirty air filter, a thorough cleaning will likely be enough. Knock the debris off and replace it in its casing. If it’s extremely dirty, replacing it might be a better option. In the case of an air filter soaked in oil, a lot of the time a replacement will be necessary.

Contaminated or Stale Gas

This is a common problem with gas mowers, as a lot of folks don’t realize that gas goes stale and starts to break down in as little as 30-days if not stored correctly (also depends on the type of gas). Engine problems caused by gas are often experienced in the spring, when you dig the mower out from winter storage and use it for the first time. Especially if you forgot to winterize your lawn mower.

If the gas has gone stale and broken down, it may have left behind a gummy residue that may have clogged up the carburetor or coated internal components of the engine. And if you use gas that contains ethanol, it’s possible that you have water in your gas mower. This is because ethanol is like a magnet for moisture. It absorbs water and draws it into the fuel tank. If left for extended periods, this can cause corrosion in the tank, carburetor and internal engine. All over basically, and this can most definitely result in a lawn mower that loses power when cutting. It may even prevent it from starting up altogether.

Solution: There’s only one solution here. You’re going to need to remove all of the gas from the fuel tank (this will likely require you to detach the tank and give it a thorough clean) and refill it with fresh gas. To be on the safe side, you may also want to flush your fuel lines and clean the carburetor too.

Spark Plug is Dirty/Contaminated

We’ve talked about issues relating to air and fuel – now let’s talk about the third key ingredient to a “happy engine” – the spark.

It’s the spark plugs job (surprise, surprise) to generate this spark, and this is a component of every gas mower that needs to be regularly checked on and carefully maintained. As without that spark, nothing happens. And if it’s only firing at 50%, that could be why your gas mower loses power when cutting.

Over time they become dirty through use. That’s just part of the life of a spark plug. And if you’ve had a flooded lawn mower engine at any point, the gas could have contaminated the spark plug.

Solution: Carefully remove your spark plug and inspect it (let the mower cool down first if you’ve used it). Make sure it’s dry and if covered in carbon deposits, ash or oil build-up, give it a thorough clean with a wire brush. If it appears damaged or still doesn’t work after re-installing it, you will need to source and fit a replacement.

Too Much or Too Little Oil

It’s extremely important to only add as much oil to your mower as the manufacturer recommends. Far too many folks are really very blase about this, calculating this roughly by sight. My wife says I’m too much of a control freak, but believe me, when adding oil to a mower it really pays to be.

Running a mower with not enough oil is going to cause problems as the oil is there to lubricate all of the internal components of the engine. If they are not kept sufficiently lubricated, this can cause temporary seizures and increased friction between internal components, which causes the mower to lose power when you’re cutting. Too little oil for long enough will likely lead to your engine seizing up completely. And then you may as well send your mower to the scrap yard!

Adding too much oil isn’t any better for your mower though. This can lead to “frothing” with air entering the oil and reducing its effectiveness in lubricating the engine components.

Solution: This really is very simple. You add the amount of oil that the manufacturer recommends in your mower. No more, no less. Obviously, if you have been running your mower with too little oil, it’s just a case of adding a bit more. If you have too much oil in your mower, you’ll need to remove some to bring it down to the recommended level.

Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter functions much the same as the air filter, except for gas instead of air. Its job is to prevent dirt and other contaminants from reaching the engine. But over time, as this filter does its job, it will become clogged, meaning less and less fuel will pass through to the engine. At some point, this restricted fuel flow will start to affect the engine’s ability to function normally, and that’s when it could start causing it to lose power while you’re cutting.

Solution: The fuel filter is another important part of your lawn mower that needs to be inspected on a regular basis and changed when necessary. Check yours now and see if it’s clogged up with dirt.

Blocked Carburetor

Issues such as an oil leak or gas going bad can cause a blockage in the carburetor which will then restrict the flow of fuel and air to the engine. And by now you already know what that means – poor engine performance. It may be that your lawn mower loses power when cutting, or you may not be able to start it at all.

Solution: The carburetor needs cleaning! Simple as that. First, you can just try spraying some carb cleaner in the throat of the carb and starting your mower. This combination may be enough to clear a partial blockage. If it doesn’t, you may need to detach your carb to do a deep cleaning.

Other Causes of a Lawn Mower Losing Power When Cutting

The causes that I’m going to outline below are not specific to gas mowers. These could also be reasons for an electric lawn mower that loses power when cutting.

Dull Lawn Mower Blade

A lawn mower blade has to be kept sharp enough to cut the grass effectively. Over time, you could hit things like small rocks sticks etc, and the blade will become duller. Even if you don’t hit anything, over time through use it will dull. And when that happens, it becomes less effective at cutting the grass, and to compensate your mower’s engine has to work much harder to deliver the cut, as your blade is now “tearing” your grass rather than cutting it. This can cause the mower to lose power.

Solution: Shut off your mower and once it’s cooled down (if it’s a gas mower), tip it over so you can get at the blade (here’s how to tilt a gas mower the right way), and inspect the blade. If you notice it’s really very dull, this could be the cause of the mower losing power. You’ll need to remove the blade and either sharpen it or replace it. How sharp should a mower blade be? It shouldn’t be so sharp that you’d cut your finger on it. If in doubt, have a look at a new blade, as they’re sharpened just right.

Cutting Deck Set Too Low

The unwritten rule in the world of lawn care that says you should never remove more than a 3 rd of the height of your lawn in any one session is primarily for the benefit of the lawn’s health. But observing this rule can also be the solution to the issue of a lawn mower losing power while cutting.

You see, if you have the cutting deck set super low and your grass is quite high, you’re going to really overwhelm your mower’s engine/motor. It’ll try its best to continue, as lawn mowers are loyal servants like that, but it’ll likely lose power at the very least, and may stall or cut out entirely.

Solution: Try raising the cutting deck and observe the 1/3 rd rule. If you’re using a relatively cheap electric mower, you’ll likely see that this really does help, as the motors on those mowers aren’t very powerful and quickly bog down in thicker or longer grass.

Cutting Deck is Clogged

This is why cleaning your lawn mower deck to so damn important. I know it adds one extra step to a chore you maybe already don’t want to do, but it can really help to keep your mower in good working order and prevent it from losing power.

You see when the deck is caked in dried-on clippings, the efficiency with which clippings are circulated around it when you’re mowing your lawn is much lower. As a result, more strain is put on your mower’s engine/motor and this may cause it to lose power.

Solution: Like with the mower blade, you’re going to need to tip your mower over to do this. Once you have access to the underside of the deck, work your way around it and inspect it for dried-on clippings – this is the main enemy here. You’ll need a scraper blade, putty knife or something of that nature to clean the deck as clippings dry on like cement. Once you have it clear, it’s recommended that you rinse your deck after every session to remove clippings before you store your mower. There are also certain products that you can spray onto your deck to help keep grass from sticking under the mower deck, such as Fluid Film.

Finding Out Why Your Lawn Mower Loses Power When Cutting

Like with a lot of things in life, there are lots of reasons why your mower may not be performing as well as it used to. What I’d recommend doing if you’re having this problem is to check the things that are less involved first, such as:

• Height of your cutting deck
• Condition of the blade
• Whether the cutting deck is caked in dried clippings

These steps shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. If you’ve got an electric mower that’s losing power when cutting, one of these things is usually the cause.

If you’ve got a gas mower, check all those things and if you are still experiencing a loss of power, check the following, one by one:

• Is the air filter dirty or clogged?
• Look in the fuel tank – any signs of corrosion or contamination (if you have water, it’ll look like there are bubbles in the gas)
• Is the fuel filter blocked?
• Is the spark plug dirty or broken?
• Do you have too much or too little oil?
• Is the carburetor dirty?

In my experience, 95% of the time the culprit is one of these things and often it’s just a part of routine maintenance that you’ve neglected.

About Tom Greene

I’ve always had a keen interest in lawn care as long as I can remember. Friends used to call me the lawn mower guru (hence the site name), but I’m anything but. I just enjoy cutting my lawn and spending time outdoors. I also love the well-deserved doughnuts and coffee afterward!

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.