How to Clean the Carburetor in a Lawn Mower

Cleaning the carburetor on your lawn mower increases the engine's performance. Any dirt or bad gas inside the carburetor can lead to failure to start, and frequent dying or stalling of the engine. All you need is carburetor cleaner, rags and a little time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carburetor cleaner
• Rags
• Safety goggles
• Compressed air

1. Remove the nut that holds the top and bottom of the carburetor together. Set it to the side in a safe place. You need the nut to reassemble the carburetor.

2. Pull the two halves of the lawn mower's carburetor apart. There may be some gas in the carburetor, so do this over a rag or paper towel.

3. Spray the carburetor with cleaner, making sure to get in all the holes and crevices. You must remove all the dirt and debris in every part of the carburetor.

4. Wipe out the bowl of the carburetor with a rag. Be gentle because the carburetor is made of aluminum and you don't want to alter the shape of it. Use just enough pressure to wipe out all the bad gas and dirt.

5. Reassemble the lawn mower carburetor and check the float to make sure it's in proper working order.

Tips & Warnings

• Use compressed air to clean portions of the carburetor that are plastic. The carburetor cleaner can eat away at the plastic.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using carburetor cleaner. These chemicals are highly flammable and toxic.
• Wear safety goggles when handling chemicals and spraying solvents. Blow back may get into your eyes and cause injury.