It’s finally spring, and you can’t wait to get outside and start mowing your lawn again! But when you try to start your mower, it just won’t turn on. What could be wrong?
In this guide we will outline the most common causes of why a lawn mower might not start after winter, and how to fix each problem. We’ll also provide you with a list of tools that you will need to complete the repairs. So don’t wait any longer – let’s get started!
It’s that time of year again. The snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and you can finally see your lawn again. But there’s one problem: your lawnmower won’t start. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every spring, we get calls from customers with the same problem. Here are a few tips on why your lawnmower might not be starting—and how to fix it so you don’t have to buy a new mower or hire an expensive local company!
Required Tools
In order to fix a lawn mower that won’t run after a cold Winter you will need a few tools like:
- a gas can
- a socket wrench set
- a wire brush
- WD-40 and jump leads
- a battery charger
- Air filters
Old Gasoline
One of the most common reasons why a lawnmower won’t start after winter is because the gas in the tank has gone bad. Over time, gas can degrade and form varnish deposits on the carburetor, which can prevent the engine from starting. To fix this, simply drain the old gas from the tank and add fresh gasoline. You should also add a fuel stabilizer to help keep the gas fresh longer.
Another way to fix old gas is to use a product like Sea Foam. This is a safe and easy way to clean out your lawn mower’s carburetor without having to take it apart. Simply add the Sea Foam to your gas tank, run the engine for a few minutes, and then drain the gas tank again.
Dead Battery
If you have an electric lawn mower, then a dead battery is often the culprit when it won’t start. This is especially true if the mower was stored in a cold garage over winter. To test the battery, use a voltmeter to check for voltage. If the battery is completely dead, you will need to replace it.
If the battery is not completely dead, you can try charging it with a battery charger. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the battery. Some batteries can be saved but if there is no charge left recharging them won’t work!
Dirty Air Filter
Another reason for a lawn mower not starting is a dirty air filter. Over time, the air filter can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can restrict air flow to the engine. This can be a problem because the engine needs air in order to run. To fix this, simply remove the air filter and clean it with a wire brush. If it’s excessively dirty, you may need to install a new air filter.
Bad Spark Plug
Another reason for a lawnmower that won’t start after a cold winter is a bad spark plug. If the spark plug is fouled or damaged, it can prevent the engine from starting. The good news is that spark plugs are relatively cheap and easy to replace. Simply remove the old spark plug and replace it with a new one. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this.
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Flooded Engine
If you’ve ever accidentally tried to start a lawn mower with the choke on, then you probably know what it feels like to have a flooded engine. When this happens, too much fuel is entering the engine and not enough air. This can cause the engine to “flood” and prevent it from starting.
To fix a flooded engine, simply remove the spark plug and turn the engine over a few times to clear out the excess fuel. Then, clean the spark plug and replace it. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this as each model and manufacturer is slightly different.
Broken Starter Rope
A broken starter rope is another common reason why a lawn mower won’t start. The starter rope is responsible for turning over the engine, so if it’s broken, the engine won’t start. To fix this, simply replace the starter rope with a new one. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to replace a broken starter rope – you may need to open the engine and access the starter rope from inside.
Faulty Carburetor
Another common issue with lawn mowers is a faulty carburetor. The carburetor is responsible for mixing the air and fuel together before it enters the engine. If the carburetor becomes clogged or damaged then it can prevent the engine from starting.
To fix a carburetor, you will need to remove it and clean it with a carburetor cleaner. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions or their manufacturers website on how to remove and clean the carburetor – each model is slightly different.
If your carburetor is excessively dirty or damaged, you will need to replace it with a new carburetor.
Low Oil Level
If the oil level is low, add more oil until it reaches the full line on the dipstick. Every gas powered engine needs oil to lubricate the moving parts, so if the oil level is low, it can cause serious damage to the engine. We recommend checking the oil levels at the start of each season so that you can top it off as needed. You should also check the oil level before each use to ensure that it’s full.
To check the oil level, remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe it clean with a rag. Then, insert the dipstick back into the engine and pull it out again to check the oil level. If the oil level is low then add more oil until it reaches the full line on the dipstick.
Dirty Oil
If the oil looks dirty, it needs to be changed. Over time, the oil will become contaminated with dirt and debris which can cause damage to the engine. Is important that the engine has clean oil so that it can run smoothly.
To change the oil, drain the old oil from the engine and then add new oil. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to change the oil as each model and manufacturer is slightly different.
We recommend changing the oil at least once per season, or every 50 hours of use, whichever comes first!
To change the oil, simply drain the old oil from the engine and then add new oil. Always check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to change the oil as each model is slightly different. One reason we like electric lawn mower is that they don’t require oil changes. If you go too long between oil changes the engine can start to have problems.
If you’re not comfortable changing the oil yourself, we recommend taking it to a professional. They will be able to change the oil and make sure that everything is done correctly.
Choke Line Problems
Try starting the engine with the choke on. If the engine starts, let it run for a few minutes before turning off the choke. The choke is important in gas powered engines because it helps to get the engine started. If the choke is not working properly, it can prevent the engine from starting.
To fix a choke line problem, you will need to clean or replace the choke line. Make sure to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this as each model and manufacturer is slightly different.
Check for Fuel Line Debris
Check the fuel line. If there is any debris in the line, clean it out or replace the fuel line altogether. Mowing the grass often kicks up debris which can get into the fuel line and clog it. This is a common problem, especially if you haven’t used your lawn mower in a while.