Friday, May 10, 2019

Starting your lawnmower: initial troubleshooting checklist

Starting your lawnmower: initial troubleshooting checklist

Tip
  • # 1 Use fresh gas. Do not use old gasoline that may cause difficulty starting. Make sure there is enough fuel in the tank and check that the vent on the tank cap is unlocked.
  • # 2 Make sure the spark cable is firmly attached to the Plug and the plug is securely screwed. Try replacing the spark plug with a new one.
  • # 3 Make sure the "Dead Man" control on the mower is kept fully against the mower handle during startup.
  • # 4 Activate choke if a manual choke is installed. Do not turn the choke on if the engine has been running for the last 5 minutes.
  • # 5 Be sure to press the primer bulb about 5 times (if applicable). If the mower is running out of gas during cutting, you will need to prime again.
  • # 6 Check that the air filter is not dirty. Wash and dry a foam-type air filter (see below for details), or replace a dirty paper filter.
  • # 7 Check that the cord connecting the "dead Man's Handle" (on the frame) with the motor is not damaged or broken.
  • # 8 Check that the carburetor is properly screwed or screwed to the motor.
  • # 9 Make sure there is no water in the bottom of the fuel tank.
  • # 10 If the starter cable is difficult to remove, check that there are no grass groups that obstruct the bottom of the platform. These can clog the blade. Unplug the spark plug before attempting to move the blade to remove clippings.

How to repair a lawn mower


What happens if my lawnmower still doesn't start?


Scroll down to learn more about how your machine works and other troubleshooting tips.

Protecting Your hands

Ideally, you should wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt that can irritate sensitive skin, especially if you have to change the engine oil or if your hands are in contact with gasoline or diesel. Disposable latex gloves are not recommended, and vinyl gloves are supposed to have only "fair" resistance to petrol/oils, according to specifications. From experience, I have discovered that vinyl disposables appear to be much more durable than latex, and resist contact with oil, grease and gasoline for short periods. Nitrile rubber gloves are the most resistant to these chemicals.

If you dispense with gloves and work with bare hands (which inevitably happens because it is difficult to handle small pieces with gloves), a hand cleaner will do a better job than soap to remove dirt.