The lawn mower won't start: causes of breakdowns and do-it-yourself troubleshooting methods

Agree that almost any problem with a trimmer can be solved independently, without the help of specialists.When a lawn mower does not start, the reasons and methods for eliminating the problem lie on the surface. You just need to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the device and determine the key causes of problems.

In this article, we will look at the popular causes of petrol goat breakdowns and methods for detecting them. Here are some recommendations for repairs at home. To make it easier for newcomers to understand the process, we will provide the material with visual photos and detailed video instructions.

Typical malfunctions of lawn mowers

Difficulties with the operation of lawn mowers can arise at any time of use. Even a completely new trimmer may stop starting.

The most common problems with such devices include:

• various engine damage, indicated by problems starting the engine and unusual vibration;
• clogging of the fuel filter - this problem is indicated by turning off the unit at minimum speed;
• lack of spark - the malfunction occurs due to the fact that fuel floods the spark plug;
• noticeable vibration of the rod, which makes the trimmer difficult to operate;
• severe or rapid overheating of the gearbox;
• reducing the speed of rotation of the knives;
• starter grid clogged;
• carburetor clogging;
• other.

A detailed list of typical faults depends on the trimmer model and brand.The intensity and nature of breakdowns is also determined by the technical parameters and originality of the tool.

To prevent the lawn mower from breaking down at the most inopportune moment, you need to carry out regular technical inspections and carefully monitor its condition in autumn and winter.

Key causes of breakdowns

Petrol mowers and trimmers are often stop starting after long-term storage. To determine the cause of the malfunction, multi-stage diagnostics should be performed using special tools. In most cases, trimmers break down due to problems with the gas tank and filters.

Much depends on the resource of the tool. The older the unit, the more difficult the breakdown may be. Each trimmer part has its own recommended service life. When it comes to an end, it is recommended to replace the spare parts of the lawn mower with new ones.

No. 1. Problems with the fuel tank

Before starting the lawn mower, you should check the quality and technical characteristics of the fuel and oil used.

To determine the required amount of oil and fuel mixture, you must read the owner's manual. Fuel is poured into the tank exactly once so that it can be completely consumed during the work.

Fuel should be poured into the trimmer as carefully as possible. To minimize the likelihood of it getting outside the trimmer, you can use a standard funnel

If fuel is left in the tank for a long time, after some time it will lose its key characteristics. Such gasoline can seriously harm the engine and lead to breakdowns. For this reason, you should not fill in large quantities of fuel for future use.

Often, lawn mowers stop starting precisely because they contain old fuel. In this case, you need to pour out the old mixture, clean the tank and fill it with new gasoline.

The recommended characteristics of the fuel mixture that should be used on the trimmer (including the exact ratio of gasoline to oil) can be found in the operating instructions

In this case, the fuel poured into the tank must have appropriate physical and chemical characteristics. It is not recommended to use low-quality gasoline mixtures of unknown origin.

Most manufacturers of trimmers, for example, brands STIHL and Husqvarna, recommend filling the tank with gasoline of at least AI-95 grade. You can buy it at a trusted gas station.

The use of high-octane and high-quality fuel will determine how long the trimmer can last.

No. 2. Problems with spark plugs and spark plug channel

If the trimmer malfunctions, you should make sure that the spark plug channel is not filled with a flammable mixture. If the choke valve is not moved to the open position in a timely manner, the spark plug will be filled with gasoline when the engine is turned on.

To make sure that problems with starting the lawn mower are related to the spark plugs and spark plug channel, you need to perform the following steps:

• Unscrew the spark plug, clean it and dry it, because Only dry spark plugs can be installed in internal combustion cylinders;
• drain unused fuel from the hole in which the spark plug was located;
• remove carbon deposits on a candle - you can use ordinary manicure accessories (scissors or a nail file);
• reassemble the unit and restart the system.

In most cases, these manipulations will make it possible to start the engine.

If after replacing the spark plugs the trimmer does not work, you need to check for a spark. If it is not there, then you need to check the cable (ring with a tester) connecting the coil and the spark plug. If problems are detected with the wire, you need to install a new high-voltage cable.

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No. 3. Fuel line faults

If the scythe leaves a wet trail and there is no traction, this indicates problems with the fuel line. Its condition can be checked visually - cracks and holes may form on the fuel line.

Typically, leaks and any mechanical defects are quite noticeable and therefore easily identified during a routine inspection.

You need to check the fuel line on a Chinese lawn mower especially carefully, as it can be severely deformed (twisted or torn)

Regardless of the nature of the malfunction, the defective wire should be replaced with a new one. When selecting such components, you should choose original spare parts.

Why does the trimmer stall quickly?

If the lawn mower stalls after seasonal storage, maintenance is necessary. It consists of removing the fuel system, incl. fuel and air filters, disassembling the carburetor, cleaning parts, blowing filters and replacing fuel.

During maintenance, the owner needs to make sure that all parts of the trimmer are not broken and can perform their functions.

When the trimmer starts up and quickly stalls, you should check the integrity and cleanliness of the air access valve to the fuel tank. If the valve is severely clogged, a vacuum will be created in the tank, which will cause less fuel to get into the carburetor, and the lawn mower will start, but will stall soon after.To resolve the situation, you need to clean the valve, and also start the device with the fuel tank cap not fully tightened.

Besides the trimmer may suddenly stall due to an insufficiently adjusted carburetor. Vibrations during engine operation indirectly indicate problems with the carburetor. Such signs indicate several problems at once: poor idle speed control, changes in the composition of the fuel mixture and loosening of the carburetor adjusting bolts under the influence of vibration and other forces.

Loosening of the adjusting bolts on the lawn mower carburetor can be easily determined during a visual inspection without the use of special equipment

Carburetor repairs and adjustments should be made with clean filters (fuel and air). All repair details are included in the trimmer instructions. This instruction manual is always included with the device.

Did you manage to detect and fix a broken lawn mower without any problems? But are you having problems with your washing machine, refrigerator or air conditioner? We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most common breakdowns of this equipment, discussed in detail in our other articles:

• The washing machine drum does not spin: 7 possible reasons + repair recommendations
• What to do if the split system leaks into the room: common breakdowns and how to fix them
• Why does the refrigerator knock: searching for causes and methods to eliminate the knocking

Basic rules for operating a lawn mower

A petrol mower requires high-quality and careful operation. Its expected service life and the absence of any serious problems depend on this.

When using it you must:

• monitor the cooling system during operation;
• promptly clean the charter channels and starter fins, and for cleaning you should use special detergents or regular kerosene;
• Allow the instrument to cool down before cleaning.

If the fuel is drained, you need to let the lawn mower run at idle speed until it stalls. This will allow you to promptly remove all remnants of the working mixture, regardless of the power of the device.

How to prevent damage during storage?

Petrol mowers are used in the warm season. For the winter, they are put away for storage in a pantry, closet or garage.

Maintenance of the trimmer should be carried out several times a year (including after winter storage) to increase its possible service life

To prevent tool damage, you need to properly prepare it for seasonal storage:

• drain the fuel mixture - it must always be drained if you do not plan to use the device for a month, because fuel breaks down over time into various heavy fractions, which can clog the carburetor channels;
• completely disassemble the trimmer;
• rinse, clean and dry all accessible parts;
• inspect all trimmer elements for damage;
• eliminate all possible malfunctions, distortions and minor defects;
• pour a sufficient amount of oil into the gearbox;
• partially disassemble the engine;
• wash and lubricate all necessary elements, incl. piston;
• clean the air filter.

If the lawn mower is stored outside the home or living area, it can be wrapped in an oiled cloth. This will minimize the risk of rust on the tool and increase its service life.

Careful preparation and treatment of the trimmer will allow you to easily store the device for several seasons.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The main reasons why a lawn mower does not start, or starts and immediately stalls:

Why a Chinese lawn mower won’t start: an overview of the main reasons and tips for troubleshooting:

You can carry out minor repairs to trimmer malfunctions yourself at home. You should contact specialized repair services only in case of serious breakdowns, as well as in cases where we are talking about a very expensive lawn mower, and its price is not comparable to the cost of professional repairs.

It is better to repair a cheap trimmer yourself or buy a new one instead..

Your lawn mower has broken down and you just can’t find the cause of the problem? Ask our experts and more experienced site visitors for advice - ask your question in the comments block. Also here you can share your personal experience of repairing lawn mowers, add original photos of breakdowns, and leave useful recommendations for beginners.