Mower Won’t Start – Here’s What to Do
Although the weather in the UK can be a little unpredictable to say the least, a few record-breaking April days have no doubt got you thinking about summer and having fun in the garden. You may be planning to get your mower out soon to get the grass in tip-top condition ready for barbeques or just family fun in the sun. But what will you do if your mower won’t start? Let’s look at a few tips that will hopefully get you going again.
How Fresh Is Your Fuel?
Firstly, check that there is actually fuel in the tank; if not, your machine definitely won’t start. If there is, then try emptying it out and replacing it with fresh fuel. The petrol in your tank can deteriorate very quickly if it’s left standing for too long, so if there has been some fuel left in from last summer, that could be causing the problem.
A flooded carburettor can also cause starting problems, and you’ll generally be able to smell if it’s flooded. Try leaving it out in the open for a while, preferably on its side, to give the fuel chance to evaporate.
If you’re using an electric lawnmower, Electrical Safety First provides some safety advice.
Problem Parts
Many of the parts of your machine can be prone to wear and tear, and this can be another reason your machine won’t start.
If you need spare parts and are looking for a particular brand, such as Briggs and Stratton Parts, https://diyengineparts.com/ supply a wide range of genuine parts at competitive prices.
As with your car, damaged or faulty spark plugs can halt ignition. You can often tell simply by looking at the plugs whether they need replacing, as you will see signs of corrosion. These should be checked regularly anyway and replaced where necessary as part of your normal maintenance routine, but you should definitely check them if the mower won’t start. On the subject of maintenance, you should also check your air filter and oil regularly too.
If your mower stops abruptly during use, then the flywheel key might the problem. You will need to remove the flywheel itself to get to the key to replace it.
If your mower still won’t start, you might need to seek the help of a professional.
