Why Is My Craftsman Riding Mower Not Starting

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?

Give the spark plug wire a little tug to see if it’s loose If it is, push it onto the plug and try starting the mower If there isn’t any difference, remove the plug with a spark plug wrench and clean the gap with an emory board If the plug looks worn, replace it with a new one

How do you clean a carburetor on a lawn mower 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 you adjust a craftsman carburetor?

How to Adjust a Carburetor in a Craftsman Locate the carburetor on your Craftsman equipment Turn the main mixture and idle mixture screws on the carburetor counterclockwise about one full turn with a flat-head screwdriver Start the engine with the transmission in neutral and let it run for several minutes

How do you clean a carburetor on a riding lawn mower?

Detailed Guide on How to Clean Lawn Mower Carburetor Remove the Outer Casing and Air Filter Removing the Carburetor Unbolt the carburetor’s bowl and clean the nut Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor Replace the gasket Check its settings Reassemble and reattach

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 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

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

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

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

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