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How to Troubleshoot a Riding Lawnmower That Does Not Start
How to Troubleshoot a Riding Lawnmower That Does Not Start. Riding lawnmowers usually include an electric start mechanism that allows you to start the mower with a battery rather than a pull rope. Starting issues can be related to the battery or to fuel and the riding lawnmower's engine and parts like air filter, fuel filter and spark plug....
Riding lawnmowers usually include an electric start mechanism that allows you to start the mower with a battery rather than a pull rope. Starting issues can be related to the battery or to fuel and the riding lawnmower's engine and parts like air filter, fuel filter and spark plug. Troubleshoot your riding lawnmower to identify which starting issue is affecting it.
Things You'll Need
Wire brush
Battery charger
Grease
Wrench
Spark plug
Air filter
Oil
Fuel filter
Coat hanger
Check that there's fuel in the tank if the riding lawnmower cranks, but doesn't start. If the riding mower doesn't crank, perform some maintenance on the battery. Unbolt the battery terminals, removing the black one first, and clean the terminals and wire ends with a wire brush. Then recharge at 6 to 10 amperes an hour with a battery charger. Reattach the terminals and coat with grease.
Replace the spark plug if you continue to have problems starting the mower. It's a good idea to do this after 100 hours of use, anyway. Pull the wire from the top of the plug and remove the plug with a wrench. Discard the existing plug and replace it with a new one that matches your mower's specs if the plug shows signs of major discoloration, wear, corrosion or oxidization.
Maintain the air and fuel filters if you continue to experience starting problems. The air filter is in two parts: a pre-cleaner and a filter. The pre-cleaner is the foam section and can be washed, dried and lubricated with oil. The paper part should be replaced. The fuel filter is in line between the tank and engine; it's often in the tank. Hook it with a coat hanger and replace it if you see debris there. Try the mower again.
