Understanding lawn mower repair is essential for DIY enthusiasts looking to keep their gardens in top shape. If you own a lawn mower, here are 11 common issues you may face, along with helpful tips for diagnosing and resolving them.
Lawn Mower Repair | How to Troubleshoot a Lawn Mower and Its 11 Most Common Issues
1. Lawn Mower Fails to Start
If your lawn mower won’t power on, here are several crucial areas to examine:
- Fuel: Verify that there is fuel in the tank. If the gasoline is over 30 days old, it’s wise to dispose of it and clean the carburetor.
- Gas Tank: Check the gas tank for any leaks. If you find any, attempt to seal them; otherwise, you can find replacement tanks on various lawn mower repair websites.
- Battery: Just like vehicles, lawn mowers depend on batteries to operate. Over time, these batteries can wear out and may need to be replaced if they no longer hold a charge.
- Air Filters: Blocked air filters filled with dirt can restrict airflow, preventing your mower from starting. If the air filter is dirty, take it out and remove any accumulated debris. If it is severely damaged, replacing it is advisable.
- Spark Plugs: Loose, dirty, or disconnected spark plugs can prevent your mower from functioning. Make sure your spark plugs are secure, clean, and properly connected before trying to start the mower. Replace any worn or defective spark plugs, as they tend to degrade over time.
2. Lawn Mower That Uses Excessive Fuel
Lawn mowers shouldn’t use fuel like a marathon runner who’s just crossed the finish line without any water. If your mower is excessively thirsty, a clogged air filter is often the main culprit.
When the air filter is blocked, it forces the engine to work harder, resulting in higher fuel consumption to maintain regular performance. To resolve this issue, thoroughly clean the air filter, or replace it if it’s been in use for over a year.
3. Lawn Mower That Won’t Shut Off Unless the Spark Plug Is Disconnected
A lawn mower that won’t start can be frustrating, but one that refuses to shut off is equally troublesome. Two primary issues typically cause this situation.
The first potential cause is a disconnected “kill” or ground wire. The second possibility is that the ignition switch connections have deteriorated over time and are no longer functioning properly.
Begin by inspecting your ground wire. Ensure it is secure and properly connected to its grounding point.
If the ground wire appears to be in good condition, turn your attention to the ignition switch. Use an ohmmeter to test whether the connection between the “B” and “S” terminals is operational. If the connection is inactive, replacing the ignition switch should resolve the issue, allowing your lawn mower to operate normally again.
4. Lawnmower That Overheats
If you notice that your lawn mower tends to get excessively hot while in use, don’t disregard it just because it’s still running. Continuing to operate it in this state could exacerbate the issue.
To begin your lawn mower repair, inspect the exhaust for any grass buildup. The cooling fins located on the engine cylinder head can become clogged, leading to overheating. Clear away any grass, leaves, or other debris that may have accumulated in the cooling fins to help maintain proper airflow and cooling for your engine.
5. Lawnmower That Is Unable to Cut Grass
Interestingly, a lawn mower’s inability to cut grass can often be attributed to grass that is either too long or too wet.
First and foremost, it’s essential to mow only in dry conditions. Cutting wet grass can lead to clogging and hinder your mower’s performance.
Secondly, the grass may be too tall for your mower’s current settings. Adjust the deck height to a higher position before attempting to cut overgrown grass.
Additionally, consider mowing at a slower speed when dealing with taller grass. Regularly clear away any grass clippings, leaves, and debris that accumulate under the deck while you mow to ensure your mower operates at its best.
6. Stuck or Difficult-to-Pull Starter Rope
A common issue with a lawn mower’s starter rope being stuck or hard to pull is often due to an engaged flywheel brake. Before attempting to pull the starter rope, ensure that the flywheel brake is fully disengaged and not pressing against the handle of your mower.
If the flywheel brake is not the issue, inspect the blades. They may be making contact with the ground, or there could be grass or debris clogging them, preventing the mower from starting.
To resolve this, place your mower on a flat surface, disconnect the spark plug, and clear any dirt or grass clippings from the blades. Once that’s done, try starting the mower again.
7. Lawn Mower That Is Running Slowly
If your lawn mower is experiencing reduced speeds, a worn or misaligned drive belt may be the culprit. This drive belt is usually located within the motor casing, so it’s advisable to refer to the manual for guidance on accessing it.
To address this issue, ensure the mower is turned off before you inspect the drive belt. If the belt is simply loose, reattach it; however, if it shows significant damage, you will need to replace it entirely.
8. Bumpy or Bouncy Lawn Mower
One of the primary reasons a lawn mower may feel bumpy or bouncy during operation is insufficient oil. It’s important to regularly check your oil levels and change the oil periodically to ensure a smoother ride and improved performance.
9. Lawn Mower That Mows Unevenly
Uneven mowing is typically the result of one of two issues:
Unbalanced Buildup: Accumulation of grass, leaves, and other debris on one side of the mower can also cause uneven cuts. Make sure to clear out any buildup and empty the mower as needed to maintain balance.
Dull Blades: For optimal performance, the blades on your mower need to be uniformly sharp. You can sharpen the blades using a metal file, take them to a local lawn mower repair shop, or replace them entirely if they are excessively worn.
10. Lawn Mower That Vibrates Excessively
Unusual and excessive vibrations in lawn mowers are often caused by damaged drive belts. It’s essential to ensure the belts are installed correctly and maintained in good condition. If simple fixes do not resolve the issue, worn or damaged drive belts may need to be replaced.
Additional factors contributing to vibrations can include loose mounting bolts, an engine operating below the recommended RPM, or an incorrectly set cutting deck.
Pro Tip: To minimize potential damage, avoid running your lawn mower over hard objects such as rocks and roots. These obstacles can harm various components of your mower, leading to the need for repairs or replacements.
11. Smoke Emitting from the Lawnmower
While smoking lawn mowers are a common issue many owners encounter, few people know how to address the problem. And no, DIY enthusiasts, it’s not an indication that your mower is on the brink of an explosion.
Usually, the cause is an overfilled or leaking oil chamber. If oil seeps into the mower’s muffler, it can result in smoke as the engine burns the oil.
If you find yourself in this situation, turn off the engine and allow it to cool before inspecting the oil chamber for any leaks. Ensure that the cap is securely fastened before restarting the mower.
In most cases, a smoking lawn mower does not indicate a severe issue. However, if it starts to impact the mower’s performance, it’s advisable to seek help from a lawn mower repair specialist.
A properly maintained lawn is a hallmark of any DIY enthusiast’s home. Familiarizing yourself with these common issues and their corresponding lawn mower repair tips will help ensure that your mower remains in excellent condition.
If you have any additional questions regarding lawn mower repair or maintenance, feel free to ask in the comments section below!