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My Riding Lawn Mower Will Not Start
My Riding Lawn Mower Will Not Start. Riding lawn mowers, also known as "mounted" mowers, are a time saver for home and property owners as well as landscapers whom are tasked with having to mow large areas of grass. Despite their usefulness and general durability, like anything mechanical, sometimes something goes awry, leaving the mower unable to...
Riding lawn mowers, also known as "mounted" mowers, are a time saver for home and property owners as well as landscapers whom are tasked with having to mow large areas of grass. Despite their usefulness and general durability, like anything mechanical, sometimes something goes awry, leaving the mower unable to start. Luckily there are some do-it-yourself troubleshooting methods that may help solve the problem.
Fuel Levels
Gas up the mower by pouring at least one gallon of unleaded fuel into engine via the fuel intake valve on the mower. As simple as it sounds, fuel levels can drop and not register on the mower's fuel gauge, meaning the gauge may read one-quarter of a tank but be empty. Add the gas and try starting the mower. This will help serve as a temporary fix until a service technician can calibrate the gauge needle.
Spark Plugs
Try using a spark plug tester on the mower's plugs to determine if any plugs are spent and need replacing. If one plug is losing life, the rest won't fire and the mower's electrical system won't operate, just like in any automobile. Replace any spark plugs by first removing the plug wire, followed by using a plug wrench. Replace the old plug with a new one or brush away visible corrosion with a stiff bristled hand brush.
Air Filtering
Remove the air filter from the housing unit. Wipe the interior of the unit clean to remove standing debris and discard the old filter and replace it with a new one. Collected air in the filter won't cool the engine as it should, so replacing the filter will allow air to reach the engine and allow it breath. It helps also by wiping away dirt and grime in the housing unit, which, once the mower is on, will be sucked up and reduce air flow once again.
Battery
Flip the seat on the mower upward to check the battery as well as the connections. First look at both terminals. If corrosion is present, brush it away with the bristled brush. If either is disconnected, reconnect it. If you suspect a dead battery, remove the old battery and replace it with a new one.
