Husqvarna lawn mower smoking. Husqvarna Lawnmower Starting Problems: Troubleshooting with fixes

Lawn Mower Smokes When Blades Engaged – Here’s What You Should Do!

Why does a lawn mower smokes when blades engaged? In most cases, overfilled oil or somehow oil spilled on the lawn mower’s engine spew smoke. But there are other reasons out there too which can cause smoke or a burning smell.

However, smoke coming out from your riding mower is never good. So, if your lawn mower smokes when blades are engaged, try to identify the exact reason behind it. And solve the issue as soon as possible.

Now, scroll down to figure out what’s going on in your riding mower and how you can fix it. So without wasting anymore, let’s jump into the details.

Reasons Why Lawn Mower Smokes When Blades Engaged!

The most exciting part is you don’t need to be a technician to identify the source of the issue. Whether the mower emits black, white, or blue smoke, you can quickly determine the reason by gauging the smoke color.

Such as oil spilled over the mower engine or an overfilled oil reservoir may cause blue or white smoke. On the other hand, burning too much gasoline is the reason behind emitting black smoke.

However, let’s check out all the possible reasons and their solutions given in the table below.

Now let’s dig into the explanation of why a riding lawn mower smokes when blades engaged. You can also try the fixes, as many have found them useful. If it still doesn’t help, you should better consult a mechanic or take your mower to the repair shop.

Oil Spilled On Engine

One common reason behnd lawn mower emitting smoke is the oil somehow being spilled on the mower’s engine. It can happen when you change or add engine oil or overfill the oil reservoir.

Mowing on the slopes more than 15 degrees or tipping your lawnmower upside down can also cause this trouble. However, you can easily fix this by running the mower until the spilled oil burns off.

Carburetor Issue

A clogged air filter leading to a clogged and faulty carburetor is another main reason behind a smoking mower. The dirty air filter does not allow enough airflow in the carburetor. And it results in emitting black smoke.

But if you find the carburetor is clean but still, your riding mower smokes when blades engaged. The carburetor might not be adjusted properly.

So check if any debris or dirt has blocked the air filter and carburetor. Clean the carburetor and repair the air filter. Then adjust the carburetor appropriately.

Jammed Blade

Cutting the wet and harsh grasses can result in jamming the mower blade. And this jammed blade can cause your electric mower to smell burning or smoke.

Clearing the blockages and carefully mowing wet and harsh grasses will fix the issue.

Overfilled Oil Reservoir

Always make sure you don’t overfill the oil reservoir. There is a dipstick located on the reservoir by which you can check the engine oil level. Too much engine oil can damage your mower’s engine.

Rather than emitting smoke, an overfull oil reservoir can cause poor running, oil leakage, engine damage, no running, etc.

However, it emits white and blue smoke by combusting the extra oil spilled in the cylinder. Keep running the mower to burn the excess oil for a few minutes. Then the smoke will not appear anymore.

Mower Tipped Over Incorrectly

Sometimes oil enters the cylinder when you turn over the mower to clean the deck or for other purposes. So when you start the mower and blades are engaged, the excess oil starts combusting and results in white smoke.

In most cases, oil leaking from the engine muffler also causes smoke. You can simply fix the trouble by the idle engine running and let the excess oil burn until the smoke clears.

Overheating

Over-using engines and improper maintenance can cause overheating problems. A clogged carburetor or air filter can also overheat the engine. And it makes your lawnmower smoke and emits a burning smell.

Add necessary engine oil or clean off the blockages and debris to cool down the engine oil. Replace or repair the damaged parts.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Why does my riding mower smoke when engaging the blades?

A riding mower may emit black, blue, or white smoke because of many reasons. Such as carburetor issues, overheating engine, overfilled engine oil or using the wrong grade of engine oil. Besides, faulty wiring, jammed blade, and mower tipping over incorrectly can also result in a burning smell or smoke.

What is the issue when your lawnmower blows white smoke?

If your lawnmower is blowing white smoke, there is oil spilled over or onto the engines. So, when you restart the mower, the excess oil starts burning and creates white smoke. It mainly happens after changing or pouring the oil or overfilling the oil reservoir. It can also occur if your mowing angle is greater than 15 degrees.

How to fix white smoke from lawn mower?

To fix the smoking problem in your lawnmower, identify the exact reason at first. Check if there is any excess oil spilled over the engine and burn it down by keeping your engine idle. Do not overfill the oil reservoir.

Final Words

So, that was all about what you need to do if your lawn mower smokes when blades engaged. A smoking lawn mower is one of the most usual incidents that every lawn owner has experienced.

Try the above fixes if you can identify any of the causes mentioned above. If you still struggle to figure out what’s wrong with your riding mower, consulting the mechanic or technician is recommended.

You Can Also Read:

Enamored with the world of golf Jack pursued a degree in Golf Course Management at THE Ohio State University. This career path allowed him to work on some of the highest profile golf courses in the country! Due to the pandemic, Jack began Inside The Yard as a side hustle that quickly became his main hustle. Since starting the company, Jack has relocated to a homestead in Central Arkansas where he and his wife raise cattle and two little girls.

Husqvarna Lawnmower Starting Problems: Troubleshooting with fixes

Often, lawnmower owners need help with their lawnmowers—the most noticeable and common issues related to starting the lawnmower. Husqvarna Lawnmowers are usually quite durable and offer long-term performance. However, taking good care of your lawnmower is the key to lending it a long shelf life for years without needing a major repair.

Husqvarna lawnmower starting problems. Troubleshooting with fixes

Troubleshooting a Husqvarna lawnmower that doesn’t start involves inspecting key fuel delivery and ignition system components, such as the carburetor, fuel lines, air and fuel filters, and the spark plug. Any clog, fault, or damage in these components can cause your lawnmower not to start. Sometimes, a broken flywheel key or damaged recoil may prevent startup. In battery-powered mowers, the fault typically lies in the connections of the start switch or the battery.

Let’s individually discuss the role of these components and their troubleshooting to assist all Husqvarna Lawnmower owners in keeping their machines up and running.

• 1 Husqvarna Lawn Mower Starting Problems: Troubleshooting with Fixes

• 1.1 1. Fuel-Related Issues:
• 1.2 2. Clogged Air Filter:
• 1.3 3. Fuel Cap Blockage:
• 1.4 4. Fuel Pump Leakage:
• 1.5 5. Carburetor:
• 1.6 6. Damaged Recoil:

• 2.1 1. Lawnmower Does Not Start?
• 2.2 2. Lawnmower Starts but Then Dies?
• 2.3 3. Husqvarna Lawnmower is Smoking?
• 2.4 4. Husqvarna Lawnmower Runs Rough/Misfires?
• 2.5 5. Husqvarna Lawnmower Has a Dead Battery?

• 3.1 1. Lawnmower engine doesn’t start.
• 3.2 2. Lawnmower Pull Cord Doesn’t Work?

• 4.1 1. Electric Lawnmower Doesn’t Start?

• 4.1.1 – Battery Problems:
• 4.1.2 – Starter Switch Damage:

Husqvarna Lawn Mower Starting Problems: Troubleshooting with Fixes

Husqvarna lawnmowers have enjoyed a better reputation amongst their owners. However, when a lawnmower doesn’t function smoothly, it depends on how it’s maintained.

The most common problem individuals face is the lawnmower not starting or starting but stalling afterward. Let’s highlight some major issues that can trigger lawn mower malfunctions.

Fuel-Related Issues:

Using low-quality fuel can often lead to specific problems with the engine of a lawn mower. It impacts the starting of a lawn mower as the low-quality fuel disintegrates into by-products that can clog the tank and form a sticky adhesive substance in the pipes that can restrict combustion.

Therefore, high-quality gasoline combined with fuel stabilizers can help prevent the engine from shutting down due to fuel issues.

Clogged Air Filter:

The air filter is essential to maintain an air passageway for combustion gases and other dissidents to pass out from the system quickly. Long-term use can impede the air filter with grass, dirt, or small pebbles. Therefore, occasionally checking and cleaning the air filter is mandatory for engine efficiency.

Fuel Cap Blockage:

A fuel cap is usually vented to allow petrol vapors to escape into the atmosphere and equalize vapor pressure. When the vent gets blocked due to dirt, it produces a vapor buildup in the tank, due to which the fuel supply to the engine gets affected. As a result, the engine shuts down. Hence, cleaning the fuel cap from dirt is needed to fix your Husqvarna lawnmower.

Fuel Pump Leakage:

As the name indicates, this pump propels the fuel to flow toward the engine. Any leakage or damage in the fuel pump will not generate enough fuel pressure and flow rate for the engine to start. Replace such pumps for the lawnmower to start.

Carburetor:

Carburetors are essential to look after when it comes to the longevity of a lawn mower. Carburetor is responsible for mixing the air and fuel vapors and feeding them to the engine for combustion. However, fumes from low-quality fuel often clog the carburetor, reducing the air and fuel mix supply to the engine for combustion.

Therefore, you need clean the carburetors with anti-alcohol agents, preferably using WD-40 or a carb-cleaning liquid

Damaged Recoil:

Self-propelled lawnmowers have a pull-start ignition method. If it breaks or damages, the engine won’t start. Excessive force could break the pulley, or the string might get loose. Replace these components for the recoil to function correctly again. However, if the recoil is damaged, it must also be replaced for the engine to ignite.

Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mowers:

Riding lawnmowers are a heavy-duty solution for mowing tough terrains easily and effectively.Husqvarna riding lawnmowers include some features that make mowing, hauling, or plowing more convenient and pleasant, such as:

• An electronic or automated locking rear differential will increase traction when cutting on slopes or damp grass.
• A hydrostatic gearbox that is pedal-operated and enables you to control the vehicle’s speed and direction while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.
• Cruising mode
• Movable, adjustable seat

Let us discuss some troubleshooting issues that might develop in Husqvarna riding lawnmowers and how to solve them quickly at home without needing a professional mechanic.

Lawnmower Does Not Start?

If a riding lawnmower doesn’t start, you should check the following:

• Fuel Quantity: Verify the gasoline level and that the tank is filled with new fuel. Starting issues might be caused by gasoline that is polluted or old. Drain the tank and replace it with fresh petrol if it is stale.
• Damaged Spark Plugs: Look for wear or damage in the spark plug. Replace the spark plug with a new one if necessary.
• Air Filter: To improve airflow and prevent starting problems, clean the air filter with a soap-water solution.
• Safety Switches: Check the operation of the safety switches, including the seat switch and the brake/clutch switch. If the switch is engaged, the lawnmower might not start.

Lawnmower Starts but Then Dies?

If a riding lawnmower starts but dies, the issues are similar to when it doesn’t start. If faced with this issue, you should do the following:

• Check the Carburetor: Look for dirt or obstructions in the carburetor. Make sure the fuel lines are unobstructed and the carburetor is clean.
• Check Fuel Cap: Verify that the gasoline cap is vented correctly. The engine may stall if a clogged vent causes a vapor lock in the fuel tank.
• Check Ignition Coil: Check the ignition coil for wear or damage. The engine may lose spark and stall due to a damaged ignition coil.

Husqvarna Lawnmower is Smoking?

A lawnmower that smokes excessively indicates that there is excessive fuel for combustion, or the engine oil is also burnt due to its leakage into the combustion chamber. The following are the causes of this:

• Chamber Oil Leak: White smoke could indicate a combustion chamber oil leak. Verify that the mower is not overfilled and that the oil level is correct. Check the engine for oil leaks and make any required repairs.
• Worn Valve Seals/ Piston Rings: If the piston rings are cracked or worn out, the oil from the crankcase can be drawn into the combustion chamber.
• Poor tuning: If the engine is tuned to a rich fuel mixture, it produces black smoke that causes burning in the eyes. To fix this problem, adjust the carburetor’s throttle settings (L, H, and I switches). Also, make sure the carburetor is serviced correctly.

Husqvarna Lawnmower Runs Rough/Misfires?

If a riding lawnmower runs rough, the engine isn’t getting a steady flow of the air-fuel mixture from the carburetor, possibly due to a clogged carburetor. In some cases, debris can get stuck in the blades causing it to run rough. Furthermore,

Check the spark plug, and if required, replace it. A bad spark plug wouldn’t sustain combustion in the engine. In some cases, misadjusted spark timing can also cause this problem. If the above steps don’t work, check the flywheel key and see if it isn’t sheared off. A misplaced key upsets the spark ignition timing.

Husqvarna Lawnmower Has a Dead Battery?

To troubleshoot a lawnmower with a probably dead battery, you must follow the following procedure:

• Rust or Looseness: Check for rust or silt at the battery connections. Using hot water, clean these connections from silt buildup.
• Utilizing a Voltmeter: Use a voltmeter to check the battery terminal voltage. If it is less than 12V, recharge it again. If it still falls lower than 12V, the battery has probably desulphated.
• Checking Charging System: Check whether the charging system/alternator is working and isn’t decoupled from the battery. A loose connection with the battery terminals may also cause a dead battery frequently.

Husqvarna Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers:

Husqvarna Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers are much lighter, more maneuverable, and cost less than their riding counterparts. They are also much easier to maintain.

Let’s discuss troubleshooting problems and fixes for a Husqvarna self-propelled lawn mower that doesn’t start.

Lawnmower engine doesn’t start.

If your lawnmower engine won’t start or the ignition dies abruptly, a blocked fuel cap vent, a faulty spark plug, a broken flywheel brake, or a clogged carburetor will likely be blamed.

You need to examine each component individually by cleaning the fuel cap and carburetor of dirt and debris, repairing the spark plug, and looking for and replacing a sheared flywheel key. In that case, your lawnmower would be up and running.

Lawnmower Pull Cord Doesn’t Work?

If the pull cord on your self-propelled lawnmower isn’t working, you must perform the following procedures to fix it.

• Recoil Starter Assembly: Check for wear or damage to the recoil starter assembly. To do this, remove the blower housing and check the pull cord whether it’s worn out or stuck. If it is, you need to replace the recoil assembly.
• Stuck Cutting Blades: The pull cord would get stuck if debris is stuck in the spindle or the cutting blades. It would be best if you tilted the lawnmower to inspect and remove the debris causing a blockage.

Husqvarna Battery-Powered Lawnmowers:

Cordless, battery-powered lawnmowers are much quieter, safer, and more eco-friendly than gasoline-powered mowers. These machines are usually of the walk-behind configuration.

Being electric-powered, these lawnmowers require less maintenance. The only reason they face starting problems is due to loose connections.

– Battery Problems:

Long-term use may cause the battery to die, or the wires sometimes need tightening. Additionally, the electric terminals could also be rusted.Therefore, to diagnose these issues, the battery must be charged. If the battery voltage has decreased after a recharge, it needs a replacement. Furthermore, the battery terminals need to be tightened and rust-free.

– Starter Switch Damage:

The starter switch can be broken or loose due to rough use. Check the switch with a multimeter for connectivity. Also, check the switch connections and see for burnt terminals.

Electric Lawnmower shuts down?

A broken/burnt start switch likely causes your battery-powered lawnmower to shut down during operation.Check the connections at the switch and confirm if they aren’t burnt or loose. Additionally, you should check the battery level if the lawnmower shuts down during operation. Recharging it again might fix the problem.

If the lawnmower doesn’t start, the motor is probably defective. In this case, you should avoid fixing it alone and contact customer support for repair/replacing the motor.

Husqvarna Riding Mower Keeps Stalling?

My Husqvarna riding lawn mower shuts off while mowing. It will run for a short time then shut off while. If you let it sit for awhile it will start back up and run for a short time and shut off again.

Answers

Check the vent hole in your gas cap. After it runs a while the vacuum created by gas flowing out of the tank without air flowing in does not allow the gas to flow to the carburetor. Never mind if you have a fuel pump.

Questions

Ask a Question Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

Question: Mower Dies After a Few Minutes?

I have a ten year old Husqvarna logth2448t 48 riding mower. I have never had a stitch of trouble in all these years. There was a slight leak around seal last year. I paid 250 to repair it. it leaks worse now than it did then. So we just add oil. I found a mouse nest in the air intake a few weeks ago. I took it apart, cleaned out the air filter, shopvac-ed gently all areas.

The current problem is that it runs and then dies after ten minutes. I bought a new battery. It cranked up and ran the last few weeks. Today it cranked right up, ran fifteen minutes, and lost power slowly to the blades, then it seemed like it lost power all over. I decided to get a new belt and install (it had never been done so it needed it). Again, it ran fifteen minutes and the blades lost power slowly and it just wound down basically! What on earth could this be?

Answers

May need a new coil. Check to see if the coil is cracked.

I had the exact same problem. In another question on this site someone suggested the gas cap vent was clogged. This was the problem and fix for me. It made total sense because it always felt like the engine wasn’t getting gas before it died.

Next time it’s about to stall open the gas cap a couple of turns. If this is the problem your engine should start running smoothly again. You can also open the gas cap and listen for air being sucked in which will indicate a clogged vent.

Question: Husqvarna Lawn Tractor Keeps Stalling?

I have a Husqvarna lawn tractor, currently w/snowthrower attached. When running to warm it up it idles fine, but when I engage PTO switch or start to move in any direction, it stalls. It can be running for 5 minutes or 50 minutes the result is the same thing. The dealer says it is the seat switch, but I’m currently listening to it purr, but it won’t engage or move w/out stalling.

Answers

This could be an issue with the drive chain on the tractor and when put in gear the tractor can stall. If it was an issue with gas or even spark plugs the tractor would stall immediately.

Question: Husqvarna YT48DXLS Stalls and Mulcher Blows Grass Everywhere?

I have a Husqvarna YT48DXLS riding lawn mower. It has a 48 cut and a 25 HP Kohler motor. It takes me about an hour to mow my lawn as sometimes, 4-6 times, it just seems like the choke has been pulled out. The mower will lose power and almost die. If I turn off the mower deck and it will usually recover with lots of smoke then run just like normal. I have tried to figure out when it will do it (turning, uphill, down hill), but there seems to be no rhyme or reason when or if it will happen.

My second issue is, I had the dealer put a factory mulch kit on the mower. I have had mulching mowers for 25 years, but never had this issue. When I mow I get covered with grass clippings. It is like they are getting blown out of the right/front part of the deck. My feet and legs will be covered with grass. I am thinking about switching blades to Oregon Gator blades that I have used on other mulching mowers.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Answers

For the mulcher issue, I would contact the dealer since there is obviously a defective part.

If you are seeing smoke, something is overheating. You may be burning oil.

I know it is now 2 years since your post but I came across it searching for an answer to my mower. My mower is doing exactly the same thing yours did. Did you ever get a fix?

Also my mower with the mulching kit throws stuff everywhere including on me. I saw a YouTube video and the guys mower was doing the same thing. While I would prefer it to just lay down the grass clippings, I suppose its not unreasonable that all of that stuuff has to go somewhere if the discharge chute is blocked.

I have the same problem with my mower. Any solutions?

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Stalling?

I have a Husqvarna rider 48 inch. It cuts, runs great, and blades engage just fine when the mower is still. When I try to go forward and put it in gear it wants to stall. It acts like it’s losing power when the blades are engaged. However when I disengage the blades it will go forward with no problem. What could this be?

Answers

Is the throttle fully opened up?

I had a John Deere that did this ran seafoam in it and it started running fine

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Keeps Stalling?

I have a Husqvarna yth2348, that was stalling shortly after it started. It acted like the choke was stuck, after tracing the choke cable it was not. I replaced the carburetor and fuel filter, but am still having the same problem.

Answers

The fuel line may be clogged

Have you checked the entire undercarriage for nests. This time of year especially, mice nests can wreck havoc on mowers. Wasp nests also, but that is more in early summer.

Question: Husqvarna RZ46i Stalled and Won’t Run?

My tractor was galloping last week This week it stalled out and now it won’t run. It started a couple of times, ran a bit and then cut out.

Answers

Here are some cause that can be happening for your Husqvarna RZ46i tractor:

• Blade switch is engaged
• Steering controls are not locked in the neutral position
• Park brake is not activated
• Battery is dead
• Contamination in the carburetor or fuel line
• Fuel supply is closed
• Clogged fuel filter or fuel line
• Ignition system faulty

You could have a clogged fuel line.

Question: Ride-on Mower Shuts Down When Blades Engaged?

My Husqvarna mower shuts down when I turn the blades on. I suspect a faulty safety switch. How can I over-ride the safety switch?

Answers

The safety switch is located under the seat. Disconnect it and then reconnect it.

Question: Riding Mower Smoking and Stalling?

When I started my Husqvarna mower there was smoke coming out of it and it only went for a couple of minutes then died out. I have checked the oil which is fine and the air filter is clean so what could it be?

Answers

• You have bad gas or gas that has sat in the engine for a long period of time that has turned to sludge.
• The gas is clogging the carburetor and causing your engine to smoke.
• You need to clean the gas out of the tank and the carburetor.
• Put in new gas and try again.

Lawnmower Is Burning Oil: 6 Reasons And How To Fix

A lawnmower in your garden is quintessential. It helps trim grass to an even and appropriate height and keeps weeds in check.

Typically, a lawnmower can use up to 1 ounce of oil per cylinder in an hour. That’s already massive.

However, it could burn more under problematic circumstances. When this happens, your lawnmower is burning oil.

The situation could arise from a problem with the engine or the oil. If you are experiencing such a technical issue on your lawnmower, we got some answers.

Causes of A Riding Mower Burning Oil

Cases of lawnmowers burning oil are not uncommon. These reasons range from improper storage to an overfilled crankcase.

An Overfilled Crankcase

When your lawn mower’s crankcase gets overfilled, it starts to burn oil. How does this happen?

Your lawn mower’s engine contains a piece of electromagnetic equipment called a solenoid. It is responsible for monitoring the gas flow into the engine.

The float in the carburetor connects to the solenoid. If the carburetor malfunctions or gets stuck, it prevents fuel shut off.

The result is an overflow of gas into the engine, which thins the oil.

Consequently, oil burning occurs much faster, leading to the mower producing a Cloud of white smoke.

You can fix the problem by checking the carburetor and repairing it. As a precaution, always use the manufacturer’s manual to check what oil grade is best for the machine and use only it.

Piston Rings Are Worn Out

The piston rings of your lawnmower wearing out is a potential cause for your lawnmower burning oil.

As a result of the wear and tear of the pistons, oil flows through the narrow gap between the cylinder wall and the piston, burning in the ignition chamber.

Burning of oil also occurs when the valve seats wear out. Replace any worn-out parts in your lawnmower to overcome this problem.

Using The Wrong Oil Grade

Different lawn mowers use different oil types. Using the wrong oil grade on your lawnmower could cause it to burn oil, decreasing the fuel efficiency.

Another important parameter associated with oil is viscosity. Oil with the wrong viscosity causes the lawnmower to slow down, increasing your operational cost.

Low-grade oil could also damage the lawnmower engine.

You also want to check the owner’s manual to know whether your lawnmower is meant for a lighter or heavier oil.

Using lighter oil on a heavy oil engine makes the oil burn more quickly.

Low Oil Levels In The Crankcase

A decrease of oil in the crankcase below appropriate levels is also a cause for your lawnmower burning it.

Insufficient oil causes temperatures to increase inside the crankcase due to more friction.

Oil gets burned up faster due to higher temperatures and a lack of lubrication inside the engine. A valve or a seal in the engine could also blow up.

Take care of low oil levels in the crankcase by routinely filling it up to the correct levels. This helps prevent wear and tear and repair costs in the future.

Oil Leaks

Your lawn mower could also burn oil because of oil leaks in the engine or the lubricating system.

Usually, such leaks are rarely visible, and it might take some extra checks to spot them.

Common areas the oil leaks occur include the oil gaskets, the breather cavity, and the O-ring. A tell-tale sign of an oil leak is your lawnmower emitting dark or white smoke.

Another sign of an oil leak in your mower is sluggishness or sputtering during operation.

If this happens, do check the piston rings or seals. Do a thorough inspection of your lawnmower, especially at the oil tank, the engine base, and the oil fill tube, for any leaks.

Here are some measures you can take to prevent oil leaks from happening:

• Avoid storing your lawnmower for long periods with gas and oil inside. Old oil causes the seal and gaskets to wear, making you incur the repair cost the next time you want to use it.
• Regularly check and replace any worn-out parts.
• Replace old oil with new oil after every 25 hours of use.

Storing Your Lawnmower On One Side

We hope your garage is spacious enough to store your lawnmower. However, avoid keeping it on one side if it isn’t the case.

Gardeners are also guilty of turning it on one side while replacing old oil or doing maintenance. Doing this is a potential cause for your lawnmower burning oil.

Here is what you should do to avoid this eventuality.

• Keep your spark plugs facing upwards when doing maintenance. It helps to avoid leaks from the crankcase.
• Drain oil or gas from your lawnmower before keeping it away.

How To Know When Your Lawn Mower Is Burning Oil?

Having said it all, a common sign of your lawnmower burning oil is the production of white smoke.

Often, you will also spot the production of black smoke. A high fuel to air ratio results in incomplete combustion that makes the unburnt fuel come out as black smoke.

Oil Coming Out of Lawn Mower Exhaust? Reasons and Fixes

Oil coming out of lawn mower exhaust vents is definitely a sign that something is wrong with your mower. It could be extreme tilting, an overfilled mower, or carburetor imbalance, among others.

Oil coming out of a lawn mower. especially from the mower exhaust. can lead to damage and accidents that you should avoid, so read this guide for answers!

• Why Is Oil Coming Out of the Lawn Mower’s Exhaust?

• Extreme Tilting of Your Lawn Mower
• Overfilled Lawn Mower Oil
• The Air-filter is Clogged
• Carburetor Imbalance
• Worn Valves
• Damaged Piston Ring
• Engine Damage

• Keep the Lawn Mower Upright
• Avoid Overfilling Your Lawn Mower
• Replace Clogged Air-filters
• Correct Your Carburetor
• Repair and Replace Valves
• Check and Remove a Damaged Piston Ring
• Check Damaged Engine Parts for Repair or Replacement

• What Are the Dangers of Oil in Your Lawn Mower’s Exhaust?
• How Far Can You Tilt the Mower Before Oil Starts Leaking From Exhaust?

Why Is Oil Coming Out of the Lawn Mower’s Exhaust?

There is oil coming out of the lawn mower’s exhaust becauseof extreme tilting, excess oil. a clogged air filter. carburetor imbalance, worn valves, or engine damage. While the solutions don’t require an expert’s touch, finding the reason can be pretty challenging.

Extreme Tilting of Your Lawn Mower

Gravity is a serious thing when it comes to lawn mowers. When you tilt your mower the wrong way, you can inadvertently cause oil leaking.

The leak comes from the oil in your lawn mower engine where the crankcase is located. The oil then spills into the cylinders, where it gets pushed through your lawn mower’s exhaust valve. If you notice oil coming out of the air filter. then extreme tilting is the reason.

Overfilled Lawn Mower Oil

When you pour too much oil into your lawn mower, this can lead to oil coming out. It can be further compounded when your lawn mower is tilted.

However, an overfilled crankcase can easily cause an oil leak even at the slightest movement. When this happens, it means that the suggested oil level has been exceeded.

The oil then travels through the engine of the lawn mower and out of its exhaust.

The Air-filter is Clogged

In extreme cases, clogged air-filters can cause oil, or even gas, to spill from the exhaust of your lawn mower. When your lawn mower’s air-filter is clogged, its engine will not have enough oxygen input.

Oxygen is important for the engine as it helps in the gas combustion that powers your lawn mower. When you have oil coming out of your lawn mower’s exhaust, your oil and gas will just be a total waste of resources.

Carburetor Imbalance

When the carburetor of the engine of your lawn mower is out of balance, it can present a problem. The fuel and air will not mix as well as when your carburetor is balanced. This results in oil and gas spills from the exhaust of the lawn mower.

The next time you see black liquid coming out of lawn mower exhaust vents, then this could be due to an imbalanced carburetor. What’s more, it may not just be oil but also gas.

Worn Valves

The engine of your lawn mower has two valves. One is for exhaust while the other is for intake. As your lawn mower goes through its usual functions, these valves eventually wear down.

This condition prevents the cylinders from staying sealed. Unsealed cylinders can cause oil to leak through the mower exhaust.

Damaged Piston Ring

Piston rings help distribute air and gasoline so it can be ignited – or combusted – to make the engine move. It is therefore an integral part of the engine. You should check the owner’s manual as each has multiple rings and there may be unique steps to removing them. You will have to remove them individually and inspect it to see in what condition it is in.

Engine Damage

When you see oil coming out of exhaust vents, then it is also possible that your lawn mower has engine damage. There are several reasons that could have caused your engine to become damaged.

Some of the possible reasons for engine damage can be a blown head gasket. a broken piston ring. or worn valves. These parts require skill and knowledge and, unless you have them, it would be better to ask an expert to check them.

As with air-filters, it’s always best to have an extra head gasket or two. A blown head gasket is no laughing matter, and may even cause more engine damage than you previously thought.

Engine parts can be complex, so a damaged piston ring can be detrimental to your lawn mower. Piston rings can wear away pretty quickly so it’s best to store some in case your lawn mower happens to have a damaged piston ring.

This is especially true if your lawn mower is an older make or model. If this is the case, it’s better to have it looked at by an expert.

How Do You Solve Causes of Oil Coming Out of Lawn Mower Exhaust?

To solve each cause of oil coming out of lawn mower exhaust, you can take various actions such as avoiding titling the lawn mower too much.

Other fixes are to avoid overfilling your mower, solve clogged air-filters, correct your carburetor, repair and replace valves and check damaged engine parts.

Keep the Lawn Mower Upright

Even the slightest degree can affect the title of your lawn mower. When possible, ensure that your lawn is at the most level it can be. Another way to prevent extreme tilting is to keep and maintain your lawn mower on an even surface. This means that the surfaces should be as level as possible for your garage floors and garden areas.

When tilted downwards, the oil in your lawn mower can accidentally escape through the carburetor and the air-filter. If your lawn mower tips downward for any reason, immediately check both parts.

If there’s any oil spillage, clean it immediately. Replace dirty air-filters and wipe off any oil or gas leakages. If there are places that are hard to reach, don’t worry too much about it. The oil or gas spots will start to burn off as soon as the engine of your lawn mower starts to run.

Avoid Overfilling Your Lawn Mower

By simply filling the oil to the suggested amount, you can avoid leaking oil coming out from the exhaust of your lawn mower. Before your pour, test the depth of the current oil content by using a dipstick.

Slowly pour in the soil and check regularly if you have reached the appropriate level. Stop adding in engine oil once you are near full content.

Replace Clogged Air-filters

The solution to clogged air-filters is simple: replace them. When buying lawn mowers, it’s always best to buy engine parts and accessories beforehand.

If you don’t have any, then buy one or two extra and keep them at home. This way, whenever you need to replace the air-filter for your lawn mower, you won’t have to go out of your way to drive for just one item you need.

You might want to think about getting a foam air filter. A foam air filter is known to be better than paper ones, although you may need to check with your lawn mower model if this material is allowed and available.

Correct Your Carburetor

If you know how to clean your carburetor, then you can clean the entire thing by removing the parts one by one. However, it can be a bit tricky since there are so many parts.

On the other hand, you can use a spray carburetor cleaner available in home depot centers. Once clean, make sure that the carburetor is balanced aside from being clean.

Repair and Replace Valves

Most of the time, the valves in the engine of your lawn mower can simply have come loose from constant knocking. If this is the case, you can just simply tighten the valves into their places.

If you are unsure where the valves of your lawn mower are located, you can refer to your owner’s manual. If the valves are beyond repair, replace them. This can help you prevent oil from coming out of the exhaust of your lawn mower.

Check and Remove a Damaged Piston Ring

Use the special tool available to remove and replace the rings – a ring expander. However, you can usually use needle nose pliers to get the job done. You should remove the rings – and since you are replacing them it does not matter if they get damaged – and then clean the piston in the area by wiping the grooves and removing any oil. Also check all of them as they can be leaking from multiple pistons.

Check Damaged Engine Parts for Repair or Replacement

If you are quite familiar with engine works, then you can easily repair your damaged lawn mower. At the very least, replacing damaged engine parts of a riding mower should be an interesting project for any intermediate or expert engine mechanic.

If you suspect engine damage to be the cause of lawn mower oil coming out of breather holes of your lawn mower but are not an expert, then call one. It’s always best to call a professional rather than experiment with repairs yourself.

For instance, you may be unsure about how to clean oil out of a lawn mower muffler for fear of causing engine damage. If this is the case, you may be better off asking the experts and professionals. You can even get some maintenance tips about your riding lawn mower from them at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Dangers of Oil in Your Lawn Mower’s Exhaust?

Dangers of oil in your lawn mower’s exhaust are that white smoke may come from the oil as the motor heats it up. This is not good for you to inhale. The other problem is that it is a fire hazard since the oil can catch fire wherever it is.

How Far Can You Tilt the Mower Before Oil Starts Leaking From Exhaust?

You can tilt the mower up to approximately 15 degrees before oil starts leaking from the exhaust. This means that you will have to make sure your lawn is as level as possible and that you do not tilt the mower unnecessarily when moving it.

Conclusion

Your lawn mower, just like any engine, needs regular maintenance. But even with maintenance, it can still have oil coming out of lawn mower exhaust vents. Let’s go over what we’ve learned in this article:

• Oil can come out of the exhaust of your lawn mower when it is tilted to the extreme, especially when the crankcase is overfilled with oil.
• A clogged air-filter can cause the oil to spill out of the exhaust vent, so simply replace it if this is the case.
• When the carburetor is the cause of oil leaks, you can either clean it or replace it.
• Worn valves can also cause oil to spill although you can just repair or replace them.
• If you suspect engine damage, you can either repair it yourself or have it repaired by professionals.

Remember when you see your lawn mower smoking and leaking oil from exhaust vents, there could be multiple reasons – simply go over the reasons found in this article and apply their correct solutions!