How to Repair a Lawnmower

Lawnmowers are relatively simple pieces of machinery designed for a relatively simple task. And yet they can seemingly stop and start at a whim, stop trimming, or do a number of things that will leave you baffled. With basic maintenance and a few quick fixes, though, you should be able to alleviate your lawnmower woes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• jumper cables
• air filter
• gas
• wrenches
• spark plugs

1. Check common problems. Is there gas in the tank? If it’s cold, you may need to press the primer button (a rubber dome the size of a quarter on the side of the engine) a few times. Also try adjusting the choke.

2. Clean your work area and remove any open flames or heat sources from the surrounding area. Lay down rags on the machine and the floor to protect from leaking gas, oil or cleaning agents.

3. Check the spark plugs. They are cheap and easy to replace, and dirty or worn plugs can stop the whole mower. Make sure to tighten them to specifications in the owner’s manual and apply anti-seize solution so they’re easy to remove when needed.

4. Drain the fuel and put new fuel in. Gas can “go bad,” or water can seep into the fuel tank, especially if your lawnmower is stored outside. This will cause your mower to start but then stop erratically.

5. Give it a jump or charge the battery. It may simply be that the battery is dead. Batteries can go bad over the winter if temperatures get low enough to freeze the solution in them.

6. If your lawnmower starts but does not run smoothly, or makes a “clanking” sound regularly, it could be that your blade is loose or needs replacement. Try tightening the bolts holding it on before replacing, and never turn a mower over while running.

Tips & Warnings

• Regularly change your oil.
• Regularly change your air filter.
• Put new gas in if the mower hasn't been used in a while.
• Make sure the starter is disengaged before working on your mower.

[hayho]

on 6/18/2009 i ran out of gas and went to put more in it. now it wont start. i think there might be water in the gas. someone told me to put rubbing alcohl in it .will that work. how do you get the gas out if that wont work

[trey2525]

on 5/16/2009 i need help i have a propelled rotarty mower. the pull string came out and hae no idea how to get it back in. i have the cover off and im not sure how to get the string back

[troebuck]

on 4/16/2009 Question what could be the problem with my lawn mower I recently change the spark plug but still it cuts off when the blade is engaged

[luckee]

on 11/8/2008 i have to replace the spark plug in every ten minutes after starting the lawn mower, what is causing the spark plugs to burn out and to burn out so easily/quickly? please help,lucille

[sfvtiger]

on 7/3/2008 you have to take the bracket off. that allows the mulcher door to close more than it would if the body of the mower were in place. put the pin in and the spring prongs in their places and then you can lift the door and re-mount the whole assembly