How to Diagnose a Riding Mower Starting Problem

You pull your riding mower out of the shed after a long winter and guess what? It will not start. Here's a few steps to help you get right to the root of your starting problem.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If it does not turn over at all check your connections at the battery and the battery itself, it may need charged or replaced. This can also be verified by jumpstarting with a battery pack or battery in your car. If the battery checks out fine then its probably one of your safety switches ie,seat button or clutch brake switch.

2. * If it turns over but does not start, pour a little gas down the choke, if it starts and then cuts off its not getting fuel. If it still does not start then you're probably not getting a spark, check spark plug connection and change if still no spark. If not getting fuel then check for clogged fuel filter, remove bowl at carburetor and check for contamination. Also, always start off the year with fresh fuel, old fuel jugs can collect condensation and water.

3. * If you have to consult a small engine shop or search for a part, record model number, serial number and engine type number which is usually stamped right above the intake. This will make it easier to identify which part you need specifically for your model/engine type.