How to Troubleshoot a Riding Lawn Mower

Safety should be your primary concern when troubleshooting a riding lawn mower. For every check, perform the proper safety precaution, and then follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Inspect the spark plug and the spark plug wire. Gap the plug properly, and install it correctly. If you are still not getting a spark, the problem may be the points on an older machine or an ignition module on a newer machine.
2. Fuel up the mower, especially if this is the first start of the season. Make sure the carburetor gets enough fuel to run. Tap the side of it to remove the float. Change the fuel filter too.
3. Check the oil while the lawn mower is on a level surface if the engine is a 4-stroke engine. Add oil if necessary.
4. Charge the battery. Tighten the cables if they are loose. Clean the battery posts if necessary.
5. Disconnect the spark plug so the machine doesn't accidentally start. Check the undercarriage. If the riding lawn mower is missing a flywheel key, it won't start. Also check the blade shaft. If it is bent, replace it.
6. Look for bent blades and a clogged deck in the undercarriage. Clean the blades and sharpen them if necessary. Remove any debris with a long screwdriver. Replace the blades and tighten them securely.

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