A lawnmower that hunts and surges may be experiencing something as simple as an airflow issue If the air that the engine requires to run is blocked, especially sporadically, it can cause the engine to slow down To fix this type of problem, check the air filter to ensure that it’s not clogged with dirt and debris
What would cause a lawn mower engine to surge?
Problems in the Fuel System The cap on your mower’s gas tank is vented with a small hole Surging is also caused by water that got into the fuel A mower left in a heavy rain or condensation on a hot summer day can choke the engine Empty the gas tank, properly dispose of the old fuel and try a fresh batch of gasoline
Why does my riding lawn mower keep cutting off?
A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall
What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower?
Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced
Can spark plugs cause surging?
3 Surging and Lagging Another good indication that your spark plugs are dirty or worn is if your vehicle experiences surges of speed, resulting in a jerking acceleration These surges occur because your spark plugs are not igniting the fuel in your engine at the proper rate, resulting in an uneven speed
How do you fix a surging idle?
Start the engine, then increase and hold the idle speed to 1,000 to 1,500 rpm Turn the engine off to allow the cleaner to soak into the IAC passageway Restart the engine, rev and hold at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm, and repeat the cleaning process again
Why is my lawn mower chugging?
Clogged or Dirty Air Filters Dirty air filters are one of the most common reasons lawn mowers sputter Dirt can be present in the apertures that lead from the carburetor and the fuel filter and interrupt the flow of fuel supply to the combustion chamber You want to be sure to clean or replace dirty air filters
Why does my lawn mower run for a few minutes then stops?
If your lawn mower starts, runs for a while, then dies, check the ignition coil, gas cap, and spark plug If your lawnmower starts up but then dies in the middle of mowing your lawn, you could have a bad spark plug The spark plug works with the ignition coil to create a timed spark in the cylinder, causing combustion
Why does my lawn mower only run for a few seconds then dies?
If your lawn mower starts, runs briefly, then dies these are the four most common reasons that’s happening: Dirty carburetor / clogged carburetor bowl Old gasoline that has gone bad Dirty or defective spark plugs
What do you do when your lawn mower keeps shutting off?
Carburetor Needs to be Cleaned When this happens, the carburetor will suffocate and the engine will run poorly and often will shut off when it needs more fuel A service professional should also perform any carburetor cleaning, however, make sure he also installs a carb kit before reinstalling the carburetor
What are the symptoms of a bad starter solenoid?
As a result, the common signs of a bad starter solenoid include: Engine Doesn’t Crank or Start No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine Starter Spins Without Fully Engaging the Flywheel (Rare) Engine Cranks Slowly (Rare) Test the battery Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid
Why does my riding mower clicks when I try to start it?
If the riding mower makes a heavy clicking or a rapid clattering sound when the key is turned to the start position, there is a problem with the battery or a part of the starting circuit The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid Low battery voltage – Battery needs charging or replacement
What causes engine surge?
If an engine is not getting enough fuel (this is called “running lean”), due to fuel pressure (regulated by the fuel pump and regulator), restricted fuel injectors, a vacuum leak or really anything that throws off the fuel mixture going in to the engine, this can cause the surge
What are the symptoms of a bad spark plug?
What are the signs your Spark Plugs are failing? Engine has a rough idle If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle Trouble starting Car won’t start and you’re late for work… Flat battery? Engine misfiring Engine surging High fuel consumption Lack of acceleration
How do I know if my spark plug is misfiring?
Symptoms of misfiring spark plugs include rough idling, uneven power when accelerating, and an increase in exhaust emissions
What causes engine to surge at idle?
A clogged or obstructed air filter can cause surging at idle, and foreign objects can enter the filter housing at any time Any debris in the filter or housing might restrict air flow to the engine enough to affect idle speeds
What causes engine to idle up and down?
Causes of a rough idle Many different problems could result in a rough idle for your car or truck, including: dirty fuel injectors, clogged air filters, bad spark plugs, and a variety of exhaust system issues
What would cause the idle to go up and down?
Among the potential underlying causes are vacuum leaks, EGR system malfunctions, malfunctioning oxygen sensors, dirty fuel injectors, fuel pump malfunction, faulty spark plugs, a faulty mass airflow sensor, or a faulty throttle position sensor
Why does my Briggs and Stratton surge?
The most common reason for a surging lawn mower engine is a blockage in the fuel supply, but there are other possibilities: Bad gas Bad spark plug Dirty / faulty carburetor
Where is the governor on a riding lawn mower?
Pull the hood or engine housing off the mower and look for a plastic arm or flap with two springs: one spring attached to the throttle, the other spring attached to the carburetor This is the governor connect to the carburetor and throttle
How do you fix a lawn mower sputter?
Remove the cap of the gas tank and look in at the gas Inspect the gas for signs of water Turn the mower over so the oil case is sitting under the carburetor Set a drain pan under the oil plug Check the underside of the unit for caked on grass Excessive grass under the deck will make the mower sputter