Lawn mower suddenly stops. Lawn Mower Stalls When Tilted – What To Do

Lawn Mower Stalls When Tilted – What To Do?

When mowing your lawn using a mower, you could run into the problem where the mower won’t start after it has been tilted. When users tilt lawn mowers to replace blades or do some other maintenance, it is normal for the mowers to cease working. If you are facing this problem, there is no need to panic as we have consulted with experts for solutions, and here is what they have to say.

Check if your lawnmower suddenly stops working when you’re trying to tilt it. If the carburetor runs low on fuel or air, you’ll have to do some cleaning. If you notice that the mower only stalls when the gas tank is tilted, you may need to move or replace the gas line in the tank.

Keep reading to learn more about other problems that might make your mower not work when tilted and how you can stop it from stalling.

Why Does My Lawn Mower Stall When Tilted?

Once in a while, a lawnmower will start and run for a short period and then stop when tilted. For your benefit, you need to understand the potential sources of the problem and the alternative solutions to try. Here are some of the causes.

Air Filter Problem

The carburetor’s breather tube has oil in it. Oil can soak into the air filter and cause the lawnmower to not start after tilting or running full of fuel. Because of this, the lawnmower may be emitting black smoke.

Because you can’t tilt the lawnmower, the air filter is facing downwards instead of upright. When tilting the mower, ensure the air filter always faces upward. Because the air filter has become saturated with water, there is nowhere for the air to enter; hence the mower will not start. When this happens, you can change the filter in the mower.

Malfunctioning Fuel Cap

The lawn mower’s fuel tank cover is called a fuel cap. Air cannot enter the gasoline tank if it is not properly vented. For the tank to drain properly, the gap it leaves must be filled with air.

Vacuums are created when the gas stops flowing because no air can fill them. To determine if the gasoline cap is working properly, fill the gas tank and reinstall the cap. Then you will need to prepare a bucket and unhook the fuel line from the fuel tank.

Immediately after the gasoline line is disconnected, the gas will begin to flow into the bucket. Not venting the fuel cap will cause the gas to slow down or stop before emptying the tank.

When you take off the cap, you should check the gas level inside, and you should also observe whether or not extra gas comes out when you do this. Remove the old fuel cap and replace it with a new one.

Carburetor Issues

For those of you who have a lawn, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the use of a lawnmower. It is simple to operate and requires little upkeep. But even with regular maintenance, one issue many people run across is figuring out how to fix it when the lawn mower doesn’t start after it has been tilted.

Carburetor problems are the most typical reason a lawn mower fails to start. Fuel leaking from the carburetor could cause engine and air filter problems.

The lawn mower would not start when it was tilted because it was flooded. It is also possible that something has become lodged in the lawn mower’s carburetor, which keeps it from starting after its use.

At this time, the exhaust from the lawnmower is beginning to reach quite high temperatures. The noise that the lawnmower makes will then be significantly more unpleasant. You can resolve this issue by allowing the carburetor to dry out on its own or replacing it.

Faulty Spark Plug

Spark plugs are essential in all engines. There is no combustion in the engine if the spark plug isn’t operating, and that’s what keeps it running. Remove the spark plug wire to inspect the spark plugs.

Remove the spark plug by unscrewing it using a spark plug tool. Simply by looking, you can tell if the spark plug has been damaged. If the porcelain insulator or electrode is broken or damaged, a replacement spark plug is necessary.

After ensuring the spark plug is undamaged, you can retest its operation by reattaching the spark plug wire and starting the mower. A strong blue spark should appear if the spark plug is functioning properly. Replace it if necessary.

How Do I Stop My Lawnmower From Stalling?

It would be best if you inspected your lawnmower every year to keep it running smoothly and extend its lifespan. Your lawn mower’s oil, spark plugs, and air filter should be changed periodically.

It is best to consult your owner’s manual for exact instructions for your model. Make sure you don’t cut corners on these maintenance activities to keep your mower running smoothly and free of issues.

Can a Bad Battery Case a Lawn Mower to Stall?

Yes, it can. Battery-powered wireless electric lawn mowers require a power source to recharge their lithium batteries. If your battery is completely dead, you’ll need to plug it in and let it recharge for two to three hours before using it again. Then, you’ll be able to mow your lawn.

You can get a new one for those whose lithium battery has failed and can no longer be charged in their lawnmower. A few electric lawnmower manufacturers sell battery replacements on their websites. Check out this MMG Lithium ion sealed battery on Amazon.

Why Does My Lawn Tractor Stall When Mowing Uphill?

There are many reasons your lawnmower could stall while mowing uphill, but the most common is that it doesn’t have enough power to get the job done.

Another possible reason for this to happen is due to engine problems. Also, old or tainted fuel can build up in the engine of a lawn mower if it isn’t used for an extended length of time or if gas isn’t added regularly.

Should a Lawn Mower Fuel Filter be Full?

It is important to ensure that the fuel filter on your lawnmower is full to stop air from getting into the combustion chamber through the fuel line.

If air is allowed to pass through the fuel filter, the lawnmower’s engine will erroneously burn the fuel, resulting in overheating and smoke. You will need to bleed the line to remove surplus air from the fuel filter.

Why is My Riding Mower Losing Power?

Clogged air filters, filthy spark plugs, clogged carburetors, dull blades, and worn-out or tainted gas are the most typical reasons for the power loss of riding lawn mowers. Other potential causes include unclean gas and blocked fuel filters.

Is It Okay to Hose Down a Lawn Mower?

After each usage, metal parts can be eaten by decomposing grass if not cleaned thoroughly. Using a hose to clean up your lawnmower is okay, but you should never use a pressure washer or saturate the engine with water.

Why Does My Lawn Mower Backfire While Running?

If the gas in the lawn mower combustion chamber backfires, you’ll hear a loud explosion since the gas was ignited in a place where it wasn’t supposed to be. Starting, running, or shutting off the lawnmower all have the potential to result in this.

An incorrectly adjusted carburetor or a sheared flywheel key can cause a lawnmower engine to backfire. Other typical causes include abruptly shutting down the mower’s engine or using the wrong type of gasoline.

Will The Riding Mower Run Without Battery?

Yes, it will. The engine of riding lawnmowers is started with a battery contained within the mower. If your battery dies, you’ll need to jumpstart your engine to get your mower started again.

In addition, there must be sufficient charge in the battery for it to be able to deliver a strong spark to the spark plug. If it does not, the engine will either operate roughly or not. If your battery is old and seems to have died fast, it is probably advisable to replace it rather than try to revive it.

You should make an effort to recharge your battery before you decide to replace it, even if doing so is likely to take some time. If you need to mow your lawn immediately and can’t wait for the battery on your lawnmower to charge, you might want to try jumpstarting your lawnmower.

To Wrap Up

The most important thing to remember while inspecting your lawn mower is to be thorough. Keep an eye out for any malfunction that can be readily fixed. A well-maintained lawn mower has a far longer lifespan and is less likely to develop problems in the future if you give it regular attention and maintenance.

For more on garden equipment, check out these interesting posts:

Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies – Troubleshooting

Lawn mowers can be hard to troubleshoot. If your mower is starting and then stopping, what should you do?

We’ve all been there. One day as you are pulling your lawn mower out of the shed to cut your lawn to the proper height, the engine suddenly stops working. When your mower dies on you like this, it’s not only a nuisance, it ruins your entire weekend plans.

What could cause your machine to behave in this manner?

There are four possible culprits who could be robbing your lawn of its mowing session. And this article will go over all four of them. We’ll go over each potential issue and what causes it, as well as how to fix it so you can get back to work.

Old Gasoline

Obviously, your lawn mower won’t run without gasoline. But, for the sake of argument, suppose you forgot to drain the gasoline before storing the lawn mower for the winter. Or perhaps you had to evacuate due to a hurricane (as I recently did) and were gone for an extended period of time.

That gasoline, however, evaporates over time and loses not only its potency but also forms a residue that can accumulate on the inside of the tank. This residue has the potential to clog the working parts of your lawn mower.

These clogs restrict the gas flow through the machine, causing it to start and die or not start at all.

How to Fix the Problem

You’ll need to do one of two things depending on your fuel level. If the tank is less than half full, try adding some fresh gasoline to dilute the impurities and free up the gas flow.

If your tank is more than half full, you must drain the old gas and refill it with new gasoline.

Whatever option you choose, you’ll need to mix a fuel stabilizer into the gasoline. For up to two years, a fuel stabilizer prevents the residue that caused the clogging in your lawn mower’s engine from accumulating. The stabilizers cost between 10 and 15 per bottle and are well worth the investment in order to keep your mower running.

An Issue With the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are the components that ignite the air/fuel mixture in your lawn mower’s engine and start it up. There is no combustion without the spark. Your lawn mower will not move without combustion.

There are a few issues that can arise with spark plugs. They may be filthy, defective, or simply worn out. Whatever the case may be, you must replace the spark plugs or your lawn mower will become a lawn ornament, which you did not intend.

Worn Out Spark Plugs

If you’ve had your spark plugs for more than two years without changing them, they’ve probably just worn out on you.

The plugs should be easy to find, particularly on a walk-behind mower. A spark plug cable should be located near the front of your lawn mower. To remove the spark plug, you’ll need a wrench or socket wrench that fits the spark plug.

After you’ve removed it, simply replace the spark plug and reconnect the cable. If the problem was worn-out spark plugs, the engine should start right up.

Dirty or Defective Spark Plugs

Engines powered by gasoline are not the cleanest of machines. Over time, the various parts and pieces collect all kinds of gunk, residue, and buildup. Your spark plugs are no exception. So, if you remove your spark plugs and discover that they are dirty but not filthy, cleaning them with the appropriate cleaner and a wire brush may save you from having to buy new ones.

Simply take a wire brush and some WD-40 and get to work. However, if your plugs are extremely dirty or have a dark carbon residue buildup, it’s probably best to just buy a new spark plug.

If you need to replace the spark plugs, you should also change the oil, oil filter, and air filter while you’re at it. The entire package should cost no more than 30. It will also help to extend the life of your lawn mower.

Clogged Carburetor Bowl or Dirty Carburetor

When your lawn mower starts then dies, there is a good chance that a faulty carburetor is involved in some way. And, like the spark plugs, the carburetor is an important component of your lawn mower engine. It’s in charge of combining just the right amount of oxygen with the fuel in the gas tank to produce just enough combustion to power the engine while not blowing your lawn mower 50 feet into the sky.

This process can be hampered if your carburetor is clogged or dirty. And, as you are aware, without combustion, your lawn mower is nothing more than a lawn ornament.

How to Fix the Problem

Because the carburetor is one of those internal parts that is critical to the engine’s performance, you will need to clean it. To complete the task, I recommend using Gumout Small Engine Carb Cleaner. It has the power of an aerosol spray and a straw attachment for directing the spray into smaller areas.

Begin by removing the carburetor bowl from the engine by unscrewing it. Once you’ve removed it, clean it thoroughly with your preferred product. Make sure to clean the screw as well as the hole where the screw goes. This is where the directional straw comes in handy for these smaller areas.

When reattaching the carburetor bowl to the engine, be careful not to overtighten the screw and strip it. You may end up jeopardizing the seal.

Another useful tip is to spray your cleaner into the air intake hole of the engine. When you start the engine, the intake will suck the cleaner into the engine and clean up any residue that has accumulated in the intake. On most lawn mowers, the intake is located behind the air filters.

Too Much Oil in the Oil Reservoir

Too much oil in an engine is analogous to too much water in a human. It may appear to be a good idea at first, but too much oil in an engine or too much water in a human can cause the entire machine to fail.

When there is too much oil in the engine, the telltale sign is white smoke emitting from the exhaust.

How to Fix the Problem

Too much oil in the tank causes engine stalls and is a fairly simple fix. Simply take an oil dipstick and measure the engine oil level to determine how much to drain. The excess oil should then be sucked out. While siphoning, keep checking the oil level with the dipstick to see when it reaches the proper level. Allow the oil to settle for a few moments before attempting to start the engine.

You’re in good shape if you’re no longer seeing plumes of white smoke and the engine doesn’t stall. Go ahead and cut the grass.

Seek Professional Help

Hopefully, your issue falls into one of these four categories, which you can resolve on your own. If none of these work, you may need to seek the assistance of a professional small engine mechanic. Because things like a clogged fuel line, a faulty choke, or a worn-out carburetor may require replacement. And these are best examined by a professional.

Jeffrey Douglas own a landscaping company and has been in the business for over 20 years. He loves all things related to lawns or gardens and believes that proper maintenance is the key to preventing problems in the first place.

Lawn Mower Starts With Starter Fluid Then Dies: Fixes

It becomes worrying when your lawn mower starts with starter fluid then dies. especially if you think that getting your lawn mower to start using a starter fluid might do the trick. Problems related to the air filter, carburetor, spark plugs, fuel, fuel cap, and oil are the most common causes that make your mower suffer from this malfunction.

Given that there are plenty of things to consider when diagnosing the issue, we will help you in this article by covering the possible problems in detail and then aiding you in troubleshooting this issue by providing the solutions needed for you to fix it.

• Why Does Your Lawn Mower Starts With Starter Fluid Then Dies?

• – Clogged or Dirty Air Filter
• – Carburetor Issue
• – Old Gas
• – Defective or Dirty Spark Plug
• – Oil Level Issue
• – Blocked Fuel Cap

• – Clean or Replace the Air Filter
• – Remove and Replace the Fuel
• – Change the Spark Plug
• – Fix the Oil Level
• – Clean the Fuel Cap

Why Does Your Lawn Mower Starts With Starter Fluid Then Dies?

Your lawn mower starts with starter fluid then dies because of a clogged or dirty air filter, a carburetor issue, old gas, a defective or dirty spark plug, oil level issues, or a blocked fuel cap.

It is important to identify the root cause before administering a solution.

Here are the common reasons why your engine only starts with starter fluid then dies, let’s begin to tackle them one by one and discover what is really happening with your lawn mower.

– Clogged or Dirty Air Filter

Issues with the air filter commonly cause a lot of different troubles for lawn mowers. However, this issue is not difficult to identify. Having a dirty or clogged air filter will result in an inadequate amount of air that can enter the engine, such that your mower won’t start.

Commonly, air filters can be clogged by oil due to incorrect tilting of the lawn mower or when your mower is filled with dirt and debris that have accumulated over time.

– Carburetor Issue

One of the common reasons why a small engine turns over when you are using a starting fluid and then dies is a fuel supply-related issue. However, this is not uncommon. What is really happening is that the starter fluid is enough that your lawn mower starts at first, but since the carburetor is not supplying the right ratio of air and fuel, the engine suddenly stops after a while.

So, issues that have to do with a dirty carburetor can be considered as one of the culprits. This happens when your lawn mower is not used often and is allowed to stay running for a long time. When this happens, the gas in the bowl of the carburetor becomes gunk over time.

– Old Gas

When old fuel turns to gunk in the carburetor, the same thing happens in the fuel tank. Though not all types of gas easily turn bad as time goes by, it is recommended to add a fuel stabilizer to prevent your fuel from getting old and going bad for a longer period of time.

Keep in mind that you should always check the carburetor and the fuel before using the lawn mower. especially if you had not used the machine for a couple of years.

– Defective or Dirty Spark Plug

If you have already checked the fuel and the carburetor and both turned out fine, then maybe those problems are not related to the gas supply but rather in igniting the gas. So this is the time when you have to look at the spark plugs.

There are a lot of reasons why spark plugs cause issues, but if your engine starts with starter fluid then dies. a faint spark is probably the reason. You can easily inspect the spark plug and replace it once you ensure that it is already damaged. If not, you can give it a good cleaning if dirt has already accumulated on it.

– Oil Level Issue

Another thing you could check is the oil level. You can use a dipstick to do this. Alternatively, you can observe whether your mower releases white smoke if you try to turn the engine over.

This white smoke could mean that there is oil that is burning in the mower engine. In contrast, if you own a two-cycle mower, observe if there is unburned gas that is released when you try to start the engine.

– Blocked Fuel Cap

The carburetor bowl has a screw placed on its feet that has a narrow opening that supports the bowl. This hole has a chance of getting clogged up and can be a reason why your engine start with a lawn mower starter fluid then dies.

How Can You Fix Your Lawn Mower Starts With Starter Fluid Then Dies?

To fix your lawn mower starts with starter fluid then dies, you can try cleaning or replacing the dirty air filter, removing and replacing the old fuel, changing the spark plug, fixing the oil level, or cleaning the dirty fuel cap.

Upon knowing the possible issues that your lawn mower might be having, let us now discuss how we can fix it through the list below.

– Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Replacing the air filter is the easiest thing to do and won’t take too much of your time, so if this is causing the issue with your mower, consider yourself a bit lucky. First, you have to closely examine your air filter. From there, you could tell if it needs replacement or just a good cleaning. Replace it once it is already full of oil and if there is too much gunk there.

Doing this step may sound difficult and complicated, but surprisingly, it’s not. You can use a carburetor cleaner. Use one with a narrow straw in it to easily spray it exactly on the area where you want it.

After that, remove the air filter, set it aside, and then you will see the air intake. Put the carburetor cleaner there as this will be drawn into the carburetor by the time you try to start the engine, and it may clean off some of the dirt buildup.

Reattach the air filter and then you can turn over the engine. If this method did not work, you can detach the carburetor and give the jets and bowls a good cleaning. However, if you are unsure, you may contact a small engine specialist.

– Remove and Replace the Fuel

If your mower has sat for a long time without running, the fuel may have aged and is no longer as good as it was before. Inspect the gas in the tank, and observe its color. A dark-colored fuel might mean it has already gone bad. The smell should not be pungent or sour and instead should be a normal fuel smell.

Lastly, inspect the fuel closely to see if there are any particles that are floating in it because that will determine that it is not good. If this is the case, you have to remove the bad fuel by draining it out completely using a siphon and replacing it with fresh gas.

– Change the Spark Plug

In order to inspect and replace the spark plug, you have to remove a few parts to get into it. First, unscrew the wirings of the spark plug then observe the electrode and inspect it if it is filled with oil or fuel or has turned black due to carbon. Clean it if it is not extremely dirty or damaged like having cracks on it.

If it is too dirty or damaged, it is recommended that you simply replace it as part of your lawn mower’s maintenance. Also, it is not really that expensive. After getting the newly cleaned or brand-new spark plug, reattach it to the mower, along with the other parts that you have removed at the beginning. After this, you can do a test run.

– Fix the Oil Level

If you find out that your mower has a low oil level, top up the oil to the approved level. In contrast, if your mower has a high oil level, drain the excess off and try to measure it again.

If you own a two-cycle mower and you would not be able to inspect the oil range but think that you might have a higher level than the recommended, you can drain the gas, create a new oil or gas mixture, and finally refill it to the tank.

The bottom line is that proper oil level is crucial, so you should know how to identify the signs and symptoms of a lawn mower having low oil levels.

– Clean the Fuel Cap

When you have a clogged or a dirty fuel cap, cleaning it is the best thing you can do. Sprinkle the crevice with carburetor cleaner and reattach the carburetor bowl carefully to avoid a misshapen fuel cap.

Conclusion

A lawn mower that starts with a starter fluid then dies might mean that there are problems going on inside the engine, but keep in mind that this issue can be fixed easily with the key points from the article:

• A lawn mower that will start with starter fluid and then dies likely has a fuel supply-related issue.
• You can also take a close look at the air filter, fuel, oil, and spark plug to see if the carburetor is perfectly fine.
• Maintaining the cleanliness of the air filter, fuel cap, and sparkplug can save you a lot of trouble by preventing this issue.
• Oil levels should be monitored to avoid mishaps.
• Inspect every part of your mower, especially the fuel and the carburetor, if you haven’t used it in a while.

There are no problems that cannot be fixed when it comes to a lawn mower. Having it diagnosed properly and applying the right method to fix it would do the trick.

Why Does My Ryobi Lawn Mower Keep Shutting Off? (Solved)

Ryobi makes some fantastic mowers, and I have reviewed some of them here.

But I have seen one question come up fairly regularly from those who own them.

Why does my Ryobi lawn mower keep shutting off?

It does seem to be a common problem.

Thankfully it is one that can be resolved.

So we take a closer look at the possible reasons for it here.

Why Does My Ryobi Lawn Mower Keep Shutting Off?

The common recurrence of Ryobi mowers suddenly shutting off is usually down to a poor design of the handle affecting a safety switch that stops the mower from working. Often tightening up the bolts connecting the handles to the mower can fix the issue. If your mower is within warranty contact Ryobi who should be able to work with you to resolve the problem.

REASON #1: It is a Problem With the Handle

If you are having issues with your Ryobi mower randomly shutting off without warning, the number one place you want to look to resolve the issue is the handle of your mower.

It seems to be the source of most problems.

If your grass is too long and thick, and you go too long between mows the blade might get stuck on the accumulating grass clippings and stall.

The mower will automatically sense it is being overworked and intentionally stall the mower to prevent the motor from being blown.

Make sure you don’t leave your grass too long between cuts.

Final Thoughts

We’ve covered it in detail here, and on the infographic above, but if you are having problems with your Ryobi mower stalling the most likely cause of it is the handle and the safety switch.

They work in conjunction with each other and have been purposefully designed to ensure you can’t accidentally start your mower without the handle being properly engaged.

Unfortunately, the design ruins what are otherwise very good mowers!

If your mower is still within its warranty get in touch with Ryobi who should sort the problem out for you.

Or simply bear this in mind when you make future purchases, as it is a very frustrating problem to experience.

There are some great lawn mowers on the market these days, so you shouldn’t have to put up with a recurring issue like this.