What would cause a Craftsman lawn mower not to start?
There may be old or bad fuel in the carburetor float bowl 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 prevent the engine from starting If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner
What would cause a riding lawn mower not to start?
There are many reasons a riding lawn mower won’t start—everything from stale gas to ignition switch problems If you constantly have to charge the battery, a bad battery or failed alternator could be causing the problem Lawn mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter from getting current
What is the first thing to check if a lawn mower won’t start?
Your Mower Won’t Start: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas If this doesn’t work, you might need a new fuel filter
What are the symptoms of a bad starter on a riding lawn mower?
A bad starter can manifest itself in a cranking noise without engine turnover, a clicking when the ignition button is pressed, or a mower that simply does not respond to attempts to start An indication of a bad starter motor is the absence of other electrical problems that can be more easily tested
Why is my riding mower not getting spark?
If no spark appears, check for broken wires, shorts, grounds or a defective stop switch Once you have confirmed that the stop switch is working, reconnect the spark plug lead
Where is the solenoid located on a Craftsman riding lawn mower?
Look along the mower’s frame or back of the engine compartment to locate the solenoid On most models, the solenoid is a cylindrical or square palm-sized black device bolted to the mower frame near the engine or bolted on at the back of the engine compartment near the battery
How do you fix a lawn mower that won’t start?
If you run into problems getting your lawnmower ready for spring, try the following: Use fresh gas Old gasoline can cause starting difficulties Check the spark plug Use the choke Prime the mower Check the air filter Check the cables Check for water in the fuel tank Clear the starter cord of blockages
How do you start a lawn mower after winter?
To get the mower started, you may have to change the gas and clean or change the plug Check the oil before you start a four-cycle mower that has been sitting for a long time Prime the engine by pushing the priming bulb three times Give the spark plug wire a little tug to see if it’s loose
How do you start a Craftsman riding lawn mower?
Starting Step 1: Place the key in the ignition switch Step 2: Disengage the PTO by setting the lever to the PTO OFF position Step 3: Set the parking brake Step 4: Activate the choke Step 5: Turn the key to START Step 6: Set the throttle/choke control to FAST before you start mowing
Will old gas cause a lawn mower not to start?
Putting old gasoline into your lawn mower can cause a variety of problems Sediment and other deposits can build up in the carburetor and fuel line, making it harder to start your mower, and as the buildup continues, it may prevent the mower from starting at all
How do you clean a carburetor without removing it?
Vacuum away any loose dirt, dust, debris, grime, and great on the surface with a handheld and cordless vacuum Lay out rags or cloths at the base of the carburetor to catch runoffs and protect the surfaces Apply the carburetor and choke cleaner in thin, even coats Then, wait for it to settle and work its magic
How do you clean a lawn mower carburetor without removing it?
How to Clean Your Carburetor? Turn Off Mower Completely turn off the lawn mower and also let the engine cool down for a few minutes before you can begin any cleaning procedures Inspect the Air Filters Check all Connections to the Carburetor Clean the Carburetor Contact Your Local Dealer
How do I know if my lawn mower needs a new spark plug?
Any damage to the spark plug requires its replacement If the spark plug is in good shape but is black with carbon or wet with gasoline, then a good cleaning with a wire brush and adjusting the gap between the electrodes may be all that’s needed for the spark plug to restore power to the mower
What would cause a spark plug not to fire?
Loss of spark is caused by anything that prevents coil voltage from jumping the electrode gap at the end of the spark plug This includes worn, fouled or damaged spark plugs, bad plug wires or a cracked distributor cap
How can you tell when a spark plug is bad?
What symptoms may indicate my vehicle’s spark plugs need replacing? Rattling, pinging or “knock”-like noises When spark plugs begin to misfire, you may notice unusual noises from the force of the pistons and combustion not working properly Hard vehicle start Reduced performance Poor fuel economy
What does a lawn tractor starter solenoid do?
The starter solenoid on a riding lawn mower is essentially an electromagnetic switch This switch closes when you turn the ignition key, allowing electricity to flow to the starter
Where is the spark plug on a riding lawn mower?
Locate the spark plug(s) On a walk-behind or riding lawn mower, they’re usually near the front of the engine On zero-turns, look near the back of the engine on the sides Disconnect the spark plug lead and clean around the spark plug to remove any debris
Can a dirty air filter cause a lawn mower not to start?
Your lawn mower’s air filter guards the carburetor and engine from debris like grass clippings and dirt When the air filter becomes clogged or too dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting
What happens if you leave gas in lawn mower over winter?
Unused gas left in a mower over the winter can get stale, gumming up the carburetor and inviting rust Turn the mower off and allow the engine to cool, then siphon excess gas into a clean can (You can put this gas in your car, provided it hasn’t been mixed with oil)