Why is My Riding Lawn Mower Sputtering and Backfiring?
- Clogged or Dirty Air Filters. One common reason for a riding lawn mower to sputter or backfire is a clogged or dirty air filter. ...
- Check the Spark Plug. If the spark plug isn’t working properly, it can cause the engine to misfire. ...
- Check the Fuel Filter. ...
- Change the Oil. ...
- Issues with the Carburetor. ...
Why does my lawn mower sputter?
- Clogged Air filter
- Clogged fuel filter
- Filthy carburetor
- Cheap poor quality fuel
- Improper gas cap
- Damaged spark plug
- Faulty carburetor
- Water in the fuel tank
- Dirty mower deck
Why does our lawn mower stall out in heavy grass?
My Lawnmower Stalls While Cutting Heavy Grass
- Preventative Steps. The best thing you can do to save yourself and your mower the hassle is to not allow your grass to get too long in the first place.
- Preliminary Actions. If the grass has already grown high and thick, use a string trimmer to cut the grass down to a manageable height.
- Mower Manipulations. ...
- Powerful Procedures. ...
Which lawn mower should I get?
“If you have a large lawn, one third of an acre or more, then you should consider using a gas-powered lawn ... so they can charge one while the other is in use. For a gas mower, you can probably get two mows before needing to fill up.
How do you repair a lawn mower?
How to Fix Up an Old Lawn Mower
- Spark Plugs and Battery. The first thing I did was check for activity in the spark plugs. ...
- Oil Filter & Oil Change. Now it was time to change the oil and oil filter. ...
- Air Filter and Pre-cleaner. Next up was the air filter and pre-cleaner. ...
- Fuel Filter. Now for the fuel filter. ...
- Clean out mower belt. ...
- Replacing the belt. ...
- Lubricant. ...
- Tire Pressure. ...
How do I fix my lawn mower from sputtering?
Water in the Fuel Tank or Fuel Line If there is water in your tank, siphon or drain it, then add new gas. After old gas in the line works its way through the mower's engine it should stop sputtering and run like new again.
What causes a lawnmower engine to sputter?
Lawn mower sputtering is usually one of the symptoms that your mower has a maintenance problem that needs fixing. These problems; clogged air and fuel filter, low-quality fuel, faulty spark plug, clogged carburetor, or water presence in the fuel tank.
Why is my riding mower running rough?
A lawn mower will run rough when the air filter is plugged; water is in the fuel tank; old gas causes fuel restrictions in the fuel filter, fuel lines or carburetor; the spark plug is bad; the gas cap is bad; the mower deck is plugged, the choke is set incorrectly or the ground speed is too fast.
Why is my lawn mower not running smoothly?
If the engine starts, but does not run smoothly, it means that the spark plug and ignition system are in order and you need to look elsewhere for the source of the problem. The usual culprit is air intake or fuel system related.
What causes a lawn mower to rev up and down?
A lawnmower that hunts and surges may be experiencing something as simple as an airflow issue. If the air that the engine requires to run is blocked, especially sporadically, it can cause the engine to slow down. When the blockage moves or clears, the engine may suddenly rev up in response.
How do I clean the carburetor on my lawn mower?
2:215:13How to Clean the Carburetor on a Lawn Mower - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you want to make sure that's clean and the way you can do that is just simply get a piece ofMoreSo you want to make sure that's clean and the way you can do that is just simply get a piece of small wire. And see you and you poke it in and out of that hole make sure that it's clean.
Will a bad spark plug make a lawn mower run rough?
Replace a lawn mower spark plug The engine won't start or runs rough if the spark plug is bad. Replace the spark plug if it's damaged or coated with residue.
Why does my lawn mower sound like it is surging?
The most common reason for a surging lawn mower engine is a blockage in the fuel supply, but there are other possibilities: Bad gas. Bad spark plug. Dirty / faulty carburetor.
How do I know if my lawn mower carburetor is bad?
Dirty Carburetor SymptomsThe lawn mower engine has trouble starting.The engine starts but stalls while you're cutting the lawn.The engine runs rough during mowing.Black smoke is seen coming out of the muffler.There is a noticeable increase in fuel consumption during normal lawn mower use.
How does a mower breathe?
A Mower Has to Breathe. Your mower pulls in air from outside and mixes it with gasoline for the proper explosion inside the engine. A dirty air filter inhibits the flow of air into the carburetor. Clean or replace the air filter to stop the mower from sputtering to a halt.
Why does my lawn mower run irregularly?
A poor spark is another issue that can cause the mower to run irregularly. A worn or damaged plug typically results in an engine that's difficult to start, runs poorly and dies. Remove the spark plug and examine the firing tip -- where a bend of metal creates a gap between it and the electrode.
How to stop a mower from sputtering?
A dirty air filter inhibits the flow of air into the carburetor. Clean or replace the air filter to stop the mower from sputtering to a halt. Too much air can also cause problems for the engine. A bad cap on the gas tank is the first place to look. The cap typically has a small hole that acts as a vent. It pulls in the right amount of air, allowing the fuel to flow into the carburetor. If the hole is restricted, the cap bent or the seal under the cap damaged, the engine may be getting too much or too little fuel. Replace the cap to solve sputtering and dying.
What is a carburetor on a lawn mower?
The carburetor is responsible for mixing the correct amounts of fuel and air from the volumes supplied by other components. If this mix is incorrect, the mower runs roughly, then dies. The carburetor can be complex and difficult to clean or adjust without prior experience. Inside the unit are jets, springs, needle valves and floats, which may require cleaning or replacement. A couple of screws on the outside of the device adjust the idle and mix, both of which impact how well the mower runs. Repair, cleaning and replacement is the realm of service professionals for lawnmower owners who don't feel comfortable working on carburetors.
Why replace the carburetor cap?
Replace the cap to solve sputtering and dying.
What happens if the mix is incorrect on a lawn mower?
If this mix is incorrect, the mower runs roughly, then dies. The carburetor can be complex and difficult to clean or adjust without prior experience. Inside the unit are jets, springs, needle valves and floats, which may require cleaning or replacement.
Why does my mower have water in the fuel tank?
Water in the fuel tank or fuel line can cause engine headaches. When water enters the cylinder, it will not ignite, and it impedes the gasoline from igniting properly. Water in the tank comes from condensation or a loose gas cap, or it may have been in the gas containers before it got to your mower. Empty the tank, and try a fresh batch of gasoline.
What Causes My Lawn Mower To Sputter?
Lawnmower maintenance is essential to ensure that your mower has a longer life and runs properly. Nevertheless, lawnmower issues may be experienced even with regular maintenance.
Why does my lawn mower blow white smoke?
Replace dirty fuel filters to facilitate the flow of gasoline to the engine. These can also cause your mower to blow white smoke.
Why does my lawn mower have water in it?
Water may come from condensation, a loose gas cap, or it may have been in the gas containers before it got to your mower. It prevents the mower cylinder from properly igniting.
How to stop a lawn mower from sputtering?
The mower will stop sputtering after the old gas in the line works its way through the mower’s engine.
What causes a mower to not start?
A damaged, worn, or imperfect spark plug can make it difficult for the mower to start. Check the spark plug’s firing pin and clean it with a wire brush if it’s dirty. If it’s worn out, consider replacing it.
What to use to start a mower?
Use fuel stabilizer or Ethanol-free gas. A fuel stabilizer aids in extending the life of the gasoline. It’s recommended to use an ethanol-free gas to burn cleaner and help your mower start on the first pull.
Why do you need to clean and replace air filters?
Clean and replace air filters regularly to avoid interruption of airflow into the combustion chamber.
Why does my lawn mower sputter?
Lawn mower sputtering can often indicate the issues with ignition. And these issues can usually be traced back to the spark plug. A damaged or loose spark plug is often associated with starting problems, but it can also cause the engine to struggle and run poorly.
Why does my lawn mower have water in the tank?
Water in the tanks can also come from condensation, or faulty and loose gas cap, especially if the lawn mower isn't properly stored and protected from rain and humidity. If the water enters the cylinder it hinders its functioning.
What to do if spark plugs are not working on lawn mower?
If the spark plug issues persist, consider switching to a different brand. Besides emergency replacements, make installing a new spark plug a part of your yearly lawn mower maintenance.
How many cylinders does a lawn mower have?
Your mower's engine probably has only one cylinder making it more sensitive to these issues than the ones found in cars with four or six cylinders. The speed at which gas goes stale has a lot to do with the ethanol percentage it contains.
Why is my engine faulty?
One of the most common reasons for the faulty engine operation is the bad batch of fuel inside of your tank.
Why does my car run rough?
The engine running rough and "coughing" can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying engine malfunction, but, usually, it's an easily solvable matter that you can handle without any extra help.
Do lawn mowers break down?
So, although some believe that they will work forever, every lawn mower eventually breaks down and you'll need to repair it or replace its parts.
Why does my lawn mower sputter?
Dirty air filters are one of the most common reasons lawn mowers sputter. Dirt can be present in the apertures that lead from the carburetor and the fuel filter and interrupt the flow of fuel supply to the combustion chamber. You want to be sure to clean or replace dirty air filters.
What is a sputtering lawn mower?
Lawn mower sputtering is generally an inexpensive and easy fix that can be done on your own as part of your regular maintenance. In this article I’ll share what causes a sputtering lawn mower, and what you can do to fix this common problem. Let’s get to it!
Why is it important to maintain a lawn mower?
Lawnmower maintenance is a crucial part of keeping your mower running properly. Regular maintenance promotes the overall health of your lawnmower and its ability to properly operate. But even with regular maintenance, there may be times when you experience issues with your mower. One common problem among lawnmowers is sputtering.
How often should I replace a lawn mower plug?
I replace my plug every other year as part of my annual maintenance routine. If it has been more than two years since you’ve bought a new plug, I recommend replacing it as part of your tune-up to fix your sputtering lawn mower.
How do I clean a lawn mower carburetor?
Using a carburetor cleaner spray ( this one on Amazon is what I use and swear by) on a regular basis can loosen dirt deposits and keep your mower’s apertures and hoses clean .
What to do if your lawn mower is not covered by warranty?
First, check to see if your mower is covered by a warranty of any kind. If it’s not, find a local small engine repair guy (or gal), and have your mower serviced.
What causes a sputtering mower?
The spark plug is generally not the first thing I’ll check for a sputtering mower. But a dirty or damaged plug can sometimes be the cause.
What to do if grass caked on mower?
If there’s excessive grass caked on your mower’s cutting deck, consider using a paint scraper to scrape off the caked grass clippings, consequently resolving your mower sputtering issues. Fixing mower sputtering caused by use of old or low-quality fuel.
Why does my lawn mower sputter?
What causes my lawn mower to sputter? Clogged Air Filter. If the air filter on your lawn mower is dirty and clogged, the proper flow of oxygen to the combustion chamber will most likely be compromised, consequently leading to mower sputtering. Clogged Fuel Filter. Dirty and clogged air filters also hamper the proper flow ...
How to stop a lawn mower from sputtering?
If you mower sputters when the blades are engaged, it could be that improper belt routing is the issue. To troubleshoot for the same, follow the procedure below: 1 Remove the belt guard by lowering the deck to the smallest setting. 2 Next, detach the rear deck pins and lift the belt above the pulley. 3 Now, detach the front deck pins that support the PTO cable to access an remove the spring. 4 Now, slide the deck from beneath the lawn mower and inspect for faulty belt routing. 5 If there’s an issue with the routing, check the manufacturer’s instruction manual for guidelines on how to route and re-route the belt.
What causes a mower to rev up and down?
Dirty and clogged air filters also hamper the proper flow of fuel to the engine’s combustion chamber, consequently affecting the proper functioning of your mower. Faulty Spark Plug . A faulty spark plug can also hamper proper mower functioning, leading to an engine that revs up and down. You can troubleshoot for spark plug problems on your mower by ...
How to troubleshoot a spark plug on a lawn mower?
You can troubleshoot for spark plug problems on your mower by examining the spark plug’s firing tip for the presence of carbon fouling, or by checking the porcelain casing for signs of cracking and chipping. Presence of Moisture in the Fuel Tank.
How to fix a sputtering mower?
Fixing mower sputtering caused by a faulty spark plug. If carbon fouling on the firing tip is the issue, you can solve the problem by using a wire brush to clean the tip, then resetting the gap. However, if the porcelain housing is chipped, you should consider replacing the spark plug.
Why does my riding mower die when the blades are working?
If your riding mower’s engine sputters and dies when the blades are working, the problem is most likely at the switch, belt, or pulley. Below is a general repair guide for each of these mower sections: Belt. If you mower sputters when the blades are engaged, it could be that improper belt routing is the issue.
What happens if you have a dirty air filter?
When you have dirty, clogged air filters, you starve the engine of oxygen, resulting in a reduction in power, increased fuel consumption, flooding of the carburetor, and lawnmower sputtering. For an optimally functioning lawnmower, you need to clean the air filters. If your mower has foam filters, wash them with hot water ...
Why does my lawnmower have water in the fuel tank?
If you store your lawnmower in an area where it gets too hot during the day and too cold during the night, the cooling and heating process will result in water in your fuel tank. The process results in a partial vacuum that pulls moist air into the fuel tank where it condenses and settles to the bottom. You can easily spot water in your fuel tank ...
Why does my lawnmower sputter?
Ethanol attracts moisture that exists as a suspension in the gas, so if you leave the mower sitting for months, the water settles to the bottom of the tank making your lawnmower sputter and die. Your lawnmower tank will also get water from condensation.
What happens if you have too much air in your lawn mower?
When there is too much fuel and not enough air, your lawnmower will consume a lot of fuel. If your carburetor can’t balance the two, your lawnmower sputters and dies. Unless you have the necessary skills, you should avoid repairing the carburetor on your own.
Why is my lawn mower deck dirty?
When grass builds up in the mower deck, it significantly reduces the effectiveness of the lawnmower. If you have a side discharge mower, the caked grass impedes the discharge hole, so the grass clumps gather instead of spreading evenly .
What happens if you see water in your gas tank?
Water forms globules in gasoline, so if you see bubbles, there is water in your fuel tank. If you are still unsure, there is water in your tank, loosen the fuel line and let a few drops of fuel drip onto a piece of metal or wood. If there is water in the fuel, it will bead up. For your lawnmower to continue functioning properly, ...
How to spot water in fuel tank?
You can easily spot water in your fuel tank by looking in the gas tank. Water is heavier than gasoline, so it will sink to the bottom. Luckily, you can easily spot it with a flashlight. Move the mower into the shade or move it inside the garage and shine a flashlight into the tank.
