Here’s What To Do If Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start. Husqvarna push mower spark plug

Husqvarna Self Propelled Lawn Mower Troubleshooting (Detailed Guide)

Since 1620, Husqvarna has been prevailing in the industry. And in the year of 1995, the Husqvarna self-propelled lawnmower has emerged. Many of us choose this mower for its good features.

However, it can also grow some problems with time, just like any other machine. Steering problems, vibration issues, power issues – these can be seen.

Here in this article, I am going to discuss the Husqvarna self-propelled lawn mower troubleshooting. Let’s see the most common problems users face with it and their probable solutions.

Most Common Problems and Solution of Husqvarna Self Propelled Lawn Mower

Mower Does Not Start

A number of factors can cause your mower not to start. The very first reason can be an empty fuel tank. The mower can’t propel without fuel. So, fill the tank in that case.

Besides old or bad fuel, water mixed fuel can cause damage to the fuel system and prevent your mower from starting. If that is the reason, empty the fuel tank first and then fill it with fresh, clean fuel.

Apart from the fuel thing, a plugged air filter can prevent airflow, eventually resulting in this problem. Clean the air filter or replace it if it is in bad condition.

The mower can’t start if the spark plug is excessively dirty and damaged or the spark plug wire is not connected properly. Replace the spark plug and connect it securely with the proper gap according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

The other reasons can be a loosened blade or broken blade adapter. Tighten the blade bolt and replace the adapter if it is broken.

If the battery and charging system doesn’t work properly, your mower won’t get power to start. Hence, you need to keep them in check.

Finally, if the control bar is defected or the fuse is blown, replace them.

If you can’t identify the specific failed component, take help from the local Husqvarna dealer.

Poor or Uneven Cut

Most of the time, it happens due to mower deck failure. The Clogged or unlevelled mower deck or damaged deck shell can cause an uneven cut.

Always set all wheels at the same height, keep the pressure the same in both tires and operate the mower properly to prevent unusual cuttings.

Excessive Vibration

Sometimes your Husqvarna mower shakes, and it can happen due to having some broken parts or because of the debris stuck under the pulleys or around the spindle.

Replace the damaged blades if there are any and tighten the blade and engine bolts and replace the missing ones.

Remove all debris from the mentioned components and replace them if necessary.

Replace the clutch if it is damaged. If the reason is a bent engine crankshaft, you need to contact Husqvarna or other qualified service centers.

Loss of Power

Your Husqvarna mower can die while mowing when the fuel system or the air filtration system is clogged.

If the reason is bad fuel, refill the fuel tank with fresh fuel after draining it.

Check the air filter and clean or replace it. Dirty carburetors and dirty or broken cooling fins can also cause this.

Clean all related components with carburetor and cooling fins and replace them if they are broken. If the fuel line is clogged, use a carb cleaner and compressed air to clear it.

Mower Won’t Steer Correctly

Sometimes the mower cannot drive straight and veer off to the right or left. Several reasons can be behind it. In most cases, incorrect tire pressure is the culprit.

So, check the tire pressure and keep them filled to the manufacturers’ specs.

Always keep the pressure equal in both tires. Worn components in the steering system should be replaced.

If one tire is moving faster than the other, adjust the speed adjustment bolts to change the rotation speed of the tire. Follow the manual for this.

Mower Is Smoking

This is an alarming problem when you see smoke coming from your mower. It happens when your engine runs too rich that it burns off more fuel than air.

Oil leaks, insufficient engine oil, and internal engine problem can also cause smoke.

If the engine oil level is too low or too much, make it to the recommended level.

If it is related to an internal engine problem, take your mower to a nearby service store. Don’t forget to check whether the air filter is clean or not.

Mower Is Not Moving

This is a very common problem that most users face. The mower won’t self-propel for various reasons. One probable reason can be worn drive belt.

The mower cannot move if the drive pump belt is fallen off or worn.

So, make sure the belt is in good condition and properly secured around the pulleys.

Sometimes mower doesn’t move if it is in the wrong position. The bearing in the tensioner pulley may also fail. Replace it if it is the reason.

Some Husqvarna mowers have a small key in the axle. If it falls out of place, the mower won’t move. Replace the missing key in the axle. The same goes for a missing or broken idler spring.

Besides, low or old hydraulic oil, hot hydraulic fluid, and air in the hydraulic system can also be behind this problem.

Take the respective measures to fix it; change the oil regularly, let it become cool, and follow Husqvarna’s procedures for changing the hydraulic fluid and bleeding air from the system in your owner’s manual.

These reasons are related to hydraulic transmission. That’s why they can cause weak hydraulic transmission too. The remedies are the same.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why Does My Husqvarna Mower Sputter Then Die?

If it happens, then either the carburetor is ditty or the gas is bad. So clean the carburetor and fill the fuel tank with clean gas. Make sure the gas is not old or stale.

Will A Normal Husqvarna Mower Smoke?

No, if your mower is in good condition, its engine won’t smoke. Black smoke gets emitted when the engine is getting too much gas. Clean or replace the air filter to fix that. If the smoke is blue or white, there is excessive oil in the engine. Refill the oil to the recommended level.

Why Isn’t My Mower Self Propelling?

The reason for this can be manifold. Check the V-belt if is worn or not adjusted well. Worn drive pulley, gear box or defective transmission can also be the culprit. Also, don’t forget to check the self propel cable. Once you’ve figured out the failed component, repair it or fix it.

Here’s What To Do If Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

Family Handyman

Introduction

Most of the time when a lawn mower won’t start the cause is a problem with the gas or the lawn mower carburetor.

Whatever kind of lawn mower you’ve got, the last thing you want once winter finally lifts and spring has sprung is a lawn mower that won’t start.

If you’ve taken the proper steps to winterize your lawn mower, you’re far less likely to be dealing with such issues. It’s also why you should tune up your lawn mower at the start of every season. However, it’s not out of the ordinary to find your gas-powered lawn mower not starting from time to time, so it’s important to know why your lawn mower isn’t starting and how to fix it.

Project step-by-step (6)

Check the Gas Tank

Let’s start with the obvious. Before you have a heart attack pulling on the rip cord, you’ll want to check the fuel. Like any gasoline-powered engine, lawn mowers run out from time to time. Maybe you forgot it was running on fumes when you finished mowing last time. It sounds simple, but we’ve all overlooked the gas tank from time to time.

Even if there is gas in the mower, if the fuel’s been in there more than a month, that could be the problem. Gas sitting around too long in the tank can get contaminated with dirt and extra moisture.

So if your gasoline has been in the mower for more than month, drain the gas properly, dispose of it correctly, and fill up the mower with new gas. It may take quite a few pulls to suck the new gas into the lawn mower carburetor, so be prepared to clean and dry the plug a few more times.

Add fuel stabilizer when you fill up the tank to help protect the gasoline in there from dirt and moisture.

Family Handyman

Check the Spark Plug

Start by making sure the lawn mower spark plug cable is connected to the plug itself. It’s quite possible that it got pulled off there over the winter while the mower was being stored in the garage.

If that’s not the issue, the next step is to remove the spark plug to see if it’s wet. There’s no way the engine will start if it is. So clean the plug with carburetor cleaner and let it dry. Cleaning it with compressed air isn’t enough; you need a solvent to remove oil residue. If it’s really grimy and dirty, it might be best to change the spark plug.

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To obtain the best life out of your engine, make sure you check the air filter for built-up dirt or debris. A dirty air filter can allow the filter to let sediment and debris pass through and into the engine. Dirt ingestion can damage an engine fairly quickly, so make sure you always have an air filter equipped and check to make sure it’s clean.

Replacing The Air Filter

To obtain the best life out of your engine, make sure you check the air filter for built-up dirt or debris. A dirty air filter can allow the filter to let sediment and debris pass through and into the engine. Dirt ingestion can damage an engine fairly quickly, so make sure you always have an air filter equipped and check to make sure it’s clean.

Husqvarna push mower won’t turn over

So my Brother isn’t very bright and left his Husqvarna push mower outside for about a week and it got rained on a lot in that time. He said he cleaned the gas out cleaned the carb got a new spark plug and it wouldn’t crank. He then said he sprayed starter fluid in the intake and it also wouldn’t turn over. Any ideas on what else I could try and help him with to get it going when I go over there this afternoon?

Sounds like no spark. Have you checked that yet? Being out in the rain for a week the magnets on the flywheel could have rusted over causing weak or no spark. First thing would be check the spark with a known good spark plug by grounding the threads of the plug to one of the head bolts and pulling the rope. You will be looking for a nice blue spark. If no spark pull the blower housing and check to see if magnets on the flywheel and coil legs are rusted. If so remove the rust with sandpaper.

LawnRat

I leave push mowers in the rain for years without major problems. till they rust out. Then I pick up a new one at a yardsale for 10 and repeat (I only use them for the dog pen).

Sounds like you have no spark as Forshee said. Check the simple things like the plug first. One of the first things to rust and stick on many outside kept mowers is the engine brake. When you release the brake by pulling the thing at the handle (which also allows spark on most) check to make sure the brake handle is actually pulling the cable and moving the little lever on the left side of the engine. Hold the brake down and then see if you can move that lever a bit more by hand. 1/8″ too little and she won’t start.

I don’t find many problems with rusty coil legs on modern engines, but it is a possibility. Some coils are beneath the flywheel which can be a pain to get to. but that type usually don’t get wet and go bad.

If it has an on-off switch, unplug it and check again for spark. Those switches just ground the coil to kill spark and can fail, although rarely.

ryanb1818

So update, I went over to his house on my lunch break and checked the Spark and it was fine. I tried the starting spray and got it to turn over and turn on but it would then would shut off. I checked all over and couldn’t find any rust, he said it was left outside for three days. So I told him I’d come back over after work and see what might be the problem.

If it has spark the rain is a red herring, UNLESS water got into the fuel. Most mowers won’t allow water past the vented cap, so I’ve never seen this. You can try dumping the gas but I’d be surprised if it works.

Your new symptoms sounds like a very common clogged main jet. Pull the main jet out of the bottom of the carb. It’s a 1/2″ “bolt” on the bottom of the carb bowl if the engine is a BS, others use 10mm. Don’t lose the gasket on this bolt (it may stick to the bolt or bowl, if so leave it there). Make sure the tiny holes are clear of dirt! This is the #1 problem with these engines and why they get thrown out, but it’s a 5 minute fix. Usually can do it with the carb in place but you may have to remove the filter housing.

When you pull this jet out it will also drain the gas tank. Water is heavier than gas so it will flow out first. Water will have droplets, gas won’t so it’s easy to tell.

That bolt/jet holds the bowl on the carb. The bowl will usually stick in place when it’s removed. You can leave it in place, clean the jet and put it back in to test. I always remove the bowl and clean out the crud, but I don’t know how handy you are. Sometimes on older engines the rubber bowl gasket swells and is hard to re-install. That’s up to you.

Husqvarna Spark Plug NGK CMR7H OEM #506615101

here, your, lawn, mower, start

This part replaces obsolete part #: 521233401, 5212334-01, 544260901 and 5442609-01.

Description: This is an authentic Husqvarna replacement part, it is not an aftermarket equivalent. It is used with a variety of lawn and garden equipment. A spark plug is used to supply electric current to an internal combustion engine. Over time spark plugs will get dirty or fouled requiring replacement. Please note, this item is sold individually. You will need a spark plug wrench or a socket wrench to complete this repair.

Compatibility This part is compatible with the following machines:

Husqvarna 226 HS 75 S (2008-02) Hedge Trimmer 226 HS 75 S (2008-02) Hedge Trimmer 226 HS 99 S (2008-02) Hedge Trimmer 226 HS 99 S (2008-02) Hedge Trimmer 130BT (2007-01) 965102204, Backpack Blower 130BT (2008-10) Backpack Blower 150BT (2007-05) Backpack Blower 150BT (2008-10) Backpack Blower 170BF (2006-03) Backpack Blower 170BF (2008-10) Backpack Blower 170BT (2006-03) Backpack Blower 170BT (2008-10) Backpack Blower 180BF (2008-02) Backpack Blower 180BF (2008-10) Backpack Blower 180BT (2008-02) Backpack Blower 180BT (2008-10) Backpack Blower 350BF (2009-03) 50.2cc Backpack Blower 350BT (2009-03) 50cc 2-Cycle Backpack Blower 370BTS (2009-03) 64.9cc Backpack Blower 380BFS (2009-03) 72cc Backpack Blower 380BTS (2009-03) 72cc Backpack Blower 560BFS (2011-10) 65cc Backpack Gas Leaf Blower 560BTS (2011-10) 65.6cc 2-Stroke X-Torq Gas Backpack Blower 570BFS (2011-05) 65.6cc 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower 570BTS (2011-05) 65.6cc 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower 580BFS (2011-05) 75.6cc 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower 580BTS (2011-05) 75.6cc 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower 530BT (2012-10) Lightweight Backpack Blower 233RJ (2009-01) Brushcutter 243R (2011-08) Brushcutter 243RJ (2009-03) Brushcutter 243RJ (2011-08) Brushcutter 253R (2011-08) Brushcutter 253RB (2010-03) Brushcutter 253RJ (2009-04) Brushcutter 253RJ (2011-08) Brushcutter 150BT (2009-10) Backpack Blower 426LST Trimmer/Edger 426LST Trimmer/Edger 150BT (2018-02) Backpack Blower 578BTF (2014-09) Blower 360 BT Blower 553 RBX (2018-06) Brushcutter 553 RBX (2018-02) Brushcutter 553 RBX (2012-08) Brushcutter 553 RS (2011-08) Brushcutter 226 HD60 S (2009-01) Hedge Trimmer 226 HD75 S (2009-01) Hedge Trimmer 150 BF (2008-10) Blower 150 BF (2007-05) Blower 543 RS (2011-08) Brushcutter 543 XP (2017-08) Chain Saw 543 XPG (2017-08) Chain Saw 426 EX (2010-01) Trimmer 580BFS MARK II (580BTS Mark II) Blower

Jonsered BB2250 (2009-09) Blower

Does the Mower/Engine Brand Affect Spark Plug Location?

Lawn mower manufacturers use a similar but unique approach when it comes to the design of their equipment. What this means is that different mower and engine brands put their spark plugs in slightly different locations. Because of this, I’ve taken a quick look into the most common spark plug locations on a few of the most popular brands and will describe them below.

Where is the Spark Plug on a Craftsman Lawn Mower?

Craftsman tends to orient the engines on their push mowers so that spark is delivered to the cylinder from the front. I found that the spark plug is usually at the middle of the front side or just below. If you have a Craftsman lawn tractor, the spark plug will usually be on the front right side. And if you have a Craftsman zero turn mower, check the rear sides on the engine for spark plug cables.

Where is the Spark Plug on a Toro Lawn Mower?

Toro models generally place their spark plug on the side of the engine. This is especially true for their lawn tractors. To access the engine and find the spark plug on a Toro lawn tractor, you’ll first need to open the hood of the mower. After doing this, look on the sides of the engine for the spark plug hood and cable. Most of the time Toro will put their spark plugs on the right side of the engine.

Where is the Spark Plug on a Husqvarna Lawn Mower?

When it comes to Husqvarna models, I’ve found that they have pretty specific spark plug locations: the front left side of the engine on lawn tractors, the back sides of the engine on zero turn models, and front and center on their push mowers. Check these locations out first before looking elsewhere.

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!

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