Lawn mower runs then dies

If your lawn mower starts, runs for a while, then dies, check the ignition coil, gas cap, and spark plug.

We will also offer some tips and advice on how you can fix these issues. Stalling lawnmowers are fairly common. That being said, one issue is way more common than any of the others. If your lawnmower is starting and then stalling, the most likely issue is the carburetor. The most common issue is that the carburetor is dirty. Here's what you need to know about how a dirty carburetor can cause a lawnmower to start, then stall out and die.

Lawn mower runs then dies

Is your lawn mower starting up just fine and then quitting? When your lawn mower starts then dies, it not only delays the completion of your lawn care chores—it can also be kind of embarrassing. Imagine your neighbors glancing over curiously, wondering what on earth is up with you and your problematic mower. Worse still, a lawn mower is a complicated machine, so at first glance, you might not have any idea how on earth to solve the problem. You might be tempted to just write the whole thing off and buy a new one. First—and this may seem like a no-brainer, but bear with us—check the fuel levels. Some lawn mowers have an actual fuel gauge, while others do not. You should also check the fuel line for clogs and take a look into the carburetor bowl to ensure that fuel is reaching that part of the engine. However, if your fuel is low or it looks thick and sludgy, your first step is to drain off the old fuel being mindful of local regulations for disposal of such waste products and add fresh fuel. You may find that a gas refill or replacement solves the problem.

If necessary, use a spark plug gauge to adjust the gap by gently bending the curved electrode.

Ahhh…the smell of fresh-cut grass. Think about it. If you live in a northern region, your mower sits all winter … waiting months without any action. Your engine needs a steady flow of gasoline to run correctly. The carburetor is responsible for mixing gas with just the right amount of oxygen to create combustion. If your carburetor is dirty or the carburetor bowl is clogged, the process above is compromised, and your engine may start up, but it will not run properly and may die shortly after you pull the cord.

Ahhh…the smell of fresh-cut grass. Think about it. If you live in a northern region, your mower sits all winter … waiting months without any action. Your engine needs a steady flow of gasoline to run correctly. The carburetor is responsible for mixing gas with just the right amount of oxygen to create combustion. If your carburetor is dirty or the carburetor bowl is clogged, the process above is compromised, and your engine may start up, but it will not run properly and may die shortly after you pull the cord. Your dirty carburetor needs a good blowout with an aerosol can of carburetor cleaner. This cleaner uses a solvent formula to breakdown carbon contaminants, leaving your carburetor clean and gum-free. I give my mower a shot of that every time a mow, right before pulling the cord, and recommend that you do the same. The only drawback to this particular cleaner is it does not have a straw for targeted spraying.

Lawn mower runs then dies

Lawn mower trouble is the worst, especially when something goes wrong and there is no obvious fix. Though it might seem like a totally random problem, there are actually a couple of common reasons why this could happen. In this case, heat is actually what would cause both a spark plug and ignition coil to fail after about half an hour of use. As the engine warms up, so do all of the parts involved in its operation. All of this heating, cooling, and reheating takes a toll on spark plugs and ignition coils over time. When heated, these parts can expand just enough to disrupt the connection needed to create the spark. With that being said, the carburetor is the most common source of trouble.

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Then restart the engine again and see if it keeps running. If necessary, use a spark plug gauge to adjust the gap by gently bending the curved electrode. It is the most common reason a lawn mower starts and then dies. Carefully rotate and pull the carburetor until you are able to get it free. The carburetor is responsible for mixing gas with just the right amount of oxygen to create combustion. If the gas in your mower has been sitting inactive for a while, evaporation has most likely created a damaging residue. I fixed that, and I can only venture, that some how, the filter works in conjunction with the fuel flow as there is a rubber hose that runs to the crankcase, and that has to pump and suck as the piston action occurs. But if you are up for the challenge of fixing the problem yourself, the above guidelines provide a good starting place, and online videos may also be useful. Detach the choke and throttle linkages from the lever and gently slide the carburetor off its mounting bolts. Find your Caps here.

This site is an affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earns a commission on qualifying purchases. If a lawnmower runs and then dies, it may be because the carburetor is dirty, the gasoline is bad, there is an issue with the spark plugs, too much or too little oil, a clogged air filter, dull blades, or a build-up of grass and debris. Take apart and examine each part to troubleshoot.

Before installing the new plug, be sure to set the gap between its two electrodes using a gapping tool or feller gauge. Detach the primer from the base and remove the metering plate and gasket. View Statistics:. You could also try a spray version of the cleaner. If the mower is allowed to sit for a time, usually a few hours, air will seep back into the tank and the mower will start again. Next post. Step 7 An important part to mention is main jet. Score 0. You may find that a gas refill or replacement solves the problem. Check the thermostat and make sure it is set correctly.