My Lawn Mower Won’t Start: Snapper Mower Maintenance
As the spring and summer seasons arrive, it’s prime time for outdoor fun with family, friends and neighbors. With backyard barbecues, pool parties and yard games on the mind, you pull your Snapper mower’s starter rope only to find that your lawn mower won’t start. Don’t let frustration get you down because there are plenty of simple fixes that may get you mowing in no time. Read on to find out how to troubleshoot common lawn mower problems.
Note: Snapper recommends checking your lawn mower operator manual before performing any lawn mower maintenance or repairs.
Lawn Mower Gas: Is Your Fuel Fresh?
Gas problems are some of the most common problems with lawn mowers and lawn mower engines.
napper mowers need fuel to run! Fill the gas tank with unleaded gasoline; if the engine is still hot, wait at least 2 minutes until it has cooled before filling the tank.
Does your lawn mower start and then quickly stall out? Fuel begins deteriorating the moment you gas up your mower engine. If the fuel is over 30 days old and untreated, siphon out, and replace with fresh gas that you have treated with a fuel preserver (also called fuel stabilizer.)
This Old House suggests only keeping a 1 or 2 gallon container of fuel around to discourage keeping old fuel around your garage or tool shed.
Once you’ve completed your lawn mower gas inspection, be sure to check the oil in your lawn mower to ensure that it is filled to the dipstick’s “full” line before starting your mower.
Lawn Mower Ignition Problems
Has the lawn mower spark plug gone bad?
Spark plugs are an easy, inexpensive part and should be replaced regularly, along with oil and air filters. Remove the spark plug; clean the contact or replace the plug.
Purchase new spark plugs from Briggs Stratton’s online parts store or your area Snapper lawn mower dealer.
Test the lead with a spark tester, and then test the lawn mower engine.
My Mower Won’t Start… Still!
If your lawn mower won’t start after checking the oil, gas, carburetor and spark plugs, your Snapper lawn mower might have a bigger issue. To diagnose and receive expert service, visit an authorized Snapper mower dealer.
Do you want to try your hand at more DIY mower repair and lawn mower maintenance or learn about Snapper’s latest products? View our news and lawn mower articles.
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Lawn Mower Won’t Start After Winter
A lawn mower may not start after being stored for winter for any one of a number of reasons. One way to narrow down the cause of not starting is to work through the common issues until you can get your mower running again. There are a few specific issues that can prevent a mower from starting after sitting out the off-season.
Stale Gas
Remove any gas left in the tank from the previous year. At the end of each season, the fuel tank should be drained and the mower should be run until all of the gas in the system is burned off. Stale gas can cause a sputtering engine, or completely prevent the mower from turning over.
Replace your lawn mower’s spark plug. Left unused, the contacts on the plug can become corroded or rusted and prevent the mower from igniting fuel. Remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket, and purchase a replacement from most any gardening supply store. While you have the plug out, double-check the cable that attaches to the back of the plug for any signs of corrosion or insect damage.
Oil
Lubricate the lawn mower to protect its moving parts and prevent friction damage. Oil left over during the off-season can thicken and cause engine issues. Change the oil in your mower yearly. Remove the oil plug and drain the old oil. Refill the engine with the proper type and amount of oil, as per your user manual.
Over time, grass and debris can become trapped on and around the lawn mower blade. This can prevent the blade from turning, and may manifest itself in an engine that will not turn over and start. Raise your mower on cinder blocks and examine the underside for any signs of caked grass clippings or debris impeding the blade. Clean the underside as best you can with a screwdriver or putty knife, and then use a garden hose to wash the rest of the grass or debris away. Cover the engine with a garbage bag tied with a bungee cord to prevent any of the electrical components from getting wet. Allow the mower to dry, and then attempt to start the engine.
Riding Lawn Mower Won’t Start After Running (How to Fix?)
If you have a large lawn to cut, owning a good sit-on mower is more than just a pleasant luxury, it’s a necessity. Beyond a certain size of lawn, it is no longer feasible to mow with a traditional push mower, but a sit-on version will let you finish the job in no time.
However, sit-on mowers – like other types of mower and just about any kind of power tool – can develop problems, and one is that it starts up fine at first but then won’t start up again after being used. Here, we will look at the question of what to do if a riding lawn mower won’t start after running.
The basic tenet of repair work
Before we start, let’s just remind ourselves of the proper procedure to follow when trying to repair any kind of machinery.
If you want to repair something, first, you need to identify the problem. To do this, you need to narrow down the search area to determine where the problem lies. By systematically eliminating all possibilities, you can locate the problem – and once you find it, you can fix it.
First question
In order to work out where the problem lies, you need to ask yourself some questions. The first question – a very obvious one – is why the lawn mower stopped in the first place. Did you stop it, or did it stop by itself?
This is a very important question to ask since it will help you determine where to start looking for the problem. If the mower won’t restart after stopping by itself, the fact it was running might not be relevant.
By this, we mean the fact that it won’t start after running might be coincidental – that it was running before might not be related to why it won’t start now, and the problem might lie elsewhere.
To begin with, we will look at why your mower won’t start if you stopped it yourself – because in this case, the problem is probably to do with the fact that it is hot and not something else.
Why it won’t start after running if you stopped it yourself
Problems with restarting a mower that has been shut off after running are almost always related to compression, i.e. the engine’s ability to build pressure on the cylinder.
Basically, when an engine runs, it heats up – and metals change size and shape when they are hot. The change is almost imperceptible, but even this tiny amount of difference can cause a problem.
Since the valve changes size, it may no longer be able to close 100% and so you won’t have the necessary pressure required to start the engine.
To see if this is the case, test the compression when cold and test the compression when hot. If you have more compression when cold, this is an indication that you have identified the problem. To rectify it, ensure that the valve lash is set correctly when cold.
The problem with this is that it is not an easy job either to test this or to fix it by yourself unless you know your way around engines. If you are not sure what you are doing, you might be better off asking a professional to check for you.
Another possibility is simply that the engine is overheating. This could happen if grass clippings clog the cooling fans. This is something that is easier to check, so you should eliminate this before calling in a mechanic.
Here’s a video of someone dealing with a similar problem.
What about if you lose power during mowing?
If your mower shuts off while you are mowing and won’t restart, you might suspect that it is a heat-related problem, but it could also be something else. Here are some other possibilities that you should try to eliminate.
Are you out of fuel?
So we’re starting with the most obvious, but in the interests of being systematic, check it.
Having problems restarting after running out of fuel and refilling?
Perhaps your mower stopped because it was out of fuel but after you refill it, it still won’t start. This is probably not a heat-related problem at all. Here, it is more likely that there was some debris floating in the fuel and was sucked into the fuel line when the fuel ran out.
To rectify this problem, ensure that the fuel lines are clean and free of debris. After removing any debris, it should start again.
Cutting tall grass or build-up of grass under the mower
It is possible that the grass you are cutting is too long and is clogging up the mower, causing the engine to stop. Try clearing out the cuttings and then adjusting the cutting height.
Similarly, if the mower becomes too clogged up by grass cuttings, the same may occur. Try clearing it out and trying again.
Old or dirty spark plugs
This is another obvious one to check. If your spark plugs are old or dirty, replace them. This will probably increase your mower’s performance instantly.
This is the kind of problem that might make you think the problem is because the mower has been running when actually the problem lies elsewhere. Make sure your spark plugs are in good condition, clean and properly connected to eliminate this possibility.
Dirty air filter
As with the spark plugs, this is the kind of problem that can make you think the problem is heat-related when it isn’t. If your mower loses power and then won’t restart, it might be due to dirty air filters.
This is a simple problem to check and fix. Make sure the filters are clean and in good working order and try again. If this was the problem, it should start up again easily.
Eliminate all possibilities to find the problem
If you have a problem restarting your mower after it has been running, the first thing to do is to eliminate all the simple issues.
If none of the more obvious problems are to blame, you could well have a problem with compression due to a valve. If this is the case, unless you are very confident around engines, you might need to think about calling a professional.
Is It The Air Filter?
Another thing to check while you are poking around the mower is the air filter. If it’s clogged with dust, pollen, or other debris it won’t let enough air through to the spark plug.
Sometimes a simple air filter cleaning is just the ticket for getting a stubborn lawnmower to start.
There are different types of filters. Newer mowers might have a replacement filter for sale.
Older mowers and mowers with small engines sometimes have a simple foam air filter which can clog up. A meticulous hand cleaning can usually get it cleared up again.
You should never try to soak an air filter in gasoline, ether, or starting fluid in hopes of getting the lawnmower to turn over.
This old fashioned air filter “Hack” might work once or twice, but it is very dangerous and could cause a very serious fire!
Is It A Problem With The Carburetor?
Most push mowers use a carbureted engine, where air and fuel mix. Any time a carburetor is left to sit too long unused it can be at risk for gumming up.
As time goes on residue and other tiny pieces of debris can gradually start to build up inside the carburetor.
An air filter that has gone too long without cleaning can also contribute to carburetor debris.
As residue and other unwanted materials build-up, it can make it increasingly hard to start the lawnmower.
In a severe case, the pull cord might wear your arm out before the mower even hints at starting.
There is a way to check if it is indeed the carburetor at fault.
If there’s gas in the tank, the fuel valve is on, and you feel confident that the spark plug is still good, you can try spraying a one-second burst of carburetor cleaner or aerosol lubricant straight down the throat of the carburetor.
Then quickly engage the handle control and give the pull cord you best yank. If the engine sputters and struggles, then dies, it is likely a fuel problem.
If you pull the cord in earnest for three or four times and it still sits there, stone dead and mocking you, then chances are something more serious. Most likely the carburetor or spark plug.
If you shine a flashlight down the throat into the carburetor and you see a fair amount of corrosion, chances are there’s no bringing it back to life.
You would be better replacing it yourself, or if you aren’t all that handy, call around to get some quotes for a carb replacement from local lawnmower repair shops.
Checking The Fuel line
If the engine fired up then died, you might want to check the fuel line. If you gently disconnect it below the carb and a little fuel leaks out, you can rule out a fuel line problem.
If, however, the fuel line is looking relatively dry, then it’s likely a fuel line problem. In many of these cases, it turns out to be an old or clogged fuel filter that needs to be replaced.
Why Should You Change the Fuel Filter?
Just like how the air filter helps prevent airborne contaminants like pollen and dust from reaching the carburetor, the lawnmower’s fuel filter helps prevent debris and contaminants from passing through the fuel line.
When gasoline sits for too long in the gas tank, it can develop gummy tarnished debris which can move through the fuel line to clog the fuel filter.
This is even more likely to be a problem if you have grass clippings or other debris happen to fall into the fuel tank when you refill during a long cutting session.
What to do If My Lawn Mower Won’t Start
After being in storage for the winter months, your lawn mower might not want to start at the first turn of the key. This is common, so don’t get too concerned right away. Continue reading to see what to do if your lawn mower isn’t starting for you.
Do you need lawn mower service right now? Get in touch with the team at Koenig Equipment to get the support you need and schedule an appointment with us today!
What’s the starting procedure for my lawn tractor?
The standard starting procedure for lawn tractors is rather simple and the same across most lawn mowers.
- Put the choke lever in the full choke position.
- Turn the key to crank the engine for about five seconds.
- If your engine hasn’t started from the above steps, let the engine rest for about 10 seconds and then crank the engine for another five seconds. If the engine sounds like it is about to start, you can crank it slightly for more than five seconds.
In addition to the above steps, if you have a riding lawn tractor, there is a seat sensor included for safety. If you are not sitting in the seat, the sensor will know, and the mower will not start. For push mowers, there is a safety handle.
Is the problem with the battery or with the starter?
If you are going through the proper starting procedure with your lawn tractor and it is not starting, it is time to check the battery and the starter. The best place to start with is the battery. Without enough electricity, an engine starter problem can’t be diagnosed. Check to ensure that all the connections are properly hooked up to the battery. If the lawn tractor still won’t start, you can try jump-starting it. Jump-starting your lawn tractor will rule out a weak battery. You can also utilize a voltmeter to test your battery health and strength.
After confirming your battery is not the problem, you can look towards the starter. An easy sign to see if the starter is your problem is if it makes a clicking sound when you are trying to start the lawn tractor by turning the key. If this is the case, we may recommend replacing the starter, but it will take a service appointment to correctly diagnose the issue.
Is there a difference between starting in cold weather and warm weather?
The starting procedure discussed above is the same for starting a lawn tractor in either cold or warm weather. If you are using your lawn tractor for tasks during cold winter months, make sure you are using the proper oil for the temperature. Some oils aren’t made for lower temperatures and can become thicker in the winter months, causing your equipment to not start properly. Your local technician or parts specialist can help you choose the right oil for winter weather.
Starting problems with your lawn tractor can be rather common after storage. Before you put your equipment away for winter storage, be sure you are winterizing your lawn tractor properly to help reduce any starting problems in the spring. Ensuring you winterize your lawn tractor before storage will make it much easier to start up when you bring it out again.
Where can I find lawn tractor service near me?
When it comes time to mow again, you want your lawn tractor to work properly and start easily for the upcoming season. If you get your lawn tractor out and have issues starting it, even after following the standard starting procedure and checking the battery and spark plugs, the certified team at Koenig Equipment is here to help.
With the certified service department at each Koenig Equipment location, you can rest assured knowing they will solve any issues that may arise with your lawn tractor.
Riding Mowers That Turn Over But Don’t Start
Maybe you are asking yourself “Why is My Riding Mower Turning Over but Not Starting?” This may be due to any of the causes I’ve outlined above, but there are also a couple of additional things to check if you have a riding mower.
Safety Switch
Usually, if a safety switch such as the seat or emergency brake is not making contact, the mower will not even turn over. There is, however, a small chance that a switch may be working intermittently if it is dirty, or the contacts are not able to meet properly. This may cause your riding mower to turn over but not start. It is worthwhile to check the safety switches if the above fixes have not worked for you.
Check that the seat switch is working by re-distributing your weight over different parts of the seat and trying to start the mower. If all else is in working order and it still wont start, the switch under your seat may be bad.
Next, check that the emergency brake switch is making contact, if it is faulty, it will prevent the mower from starting even when the emergency brake is engaged. These causes are uncommon but may possibly be your cause if everything else is working properly.
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!
Комментарии и мнения владельцев
Hi Fred, So, you installed a new carb and made sure that the fuel line is connected, gaskets are installed, and the air filter is back on. Basically, you have installed the new carburetor correctly. This means that the fuel and airflow are good. The last element to get the engine started is the ignition spark from the spark plug. So, I would recommend that you check that you are getting a good spark from the spark plug. There could be an electrical problem like a safety switch disconnected or a problem with a fuel solenoid if you have one. I would certainly check the spark first. Even if you have a problem with the new carb’s air-fuel settings, you should still be able to get the mower to fire to some degree. I hope this helps and that you get the mower working again. Thanks for your comment! Cheers, Tom.
I have a new v twin. Changed plugs, checked all switches. New plugs not getting spark. 2021 Troy Built.