How to Fix Engine Problems Caused by Bad Gas in Lawn Tractors

Fix engine problems in your mower to produce a smooth mow.

When your lawn tractor won't start, you must troubleshoot your mower engine to get it started again. A common engine problem is linked to bad gas in your gas tank. Bad gas doesn't fire as well and leaves deposits on the engine's injectors. Another common problem is the bad gas gumming up in the fuel line and carburetor. You will have to properly clean the lawn mower engine to get it running properly again.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Bucket
• Carb cleaner
• Gas
• Wrench set
• Small engine fuel system cleaner

Instructions

1. Locate the fuel line clamped between the gas tank and the carburetor. Squeeze the clamps on the end of the hose with pliers and slide them off. Pull the fuel line off with your hand, and put the bucket under the gas tank to catch the bad gas.

2. Spray carb cleaner into the hole on the side of the carburetor where you removed the fuel line. Unscrew the fuel bowl from the base of the carburetor with the proper size wrench. Pour the bad gas into the bucket. Spray carb cleaner onto the float above the fuel bowl. Bolt the fuel bowl back onto the base of the carburetor.

3. Spray carb cleaner into the fuel line. Shake out the bad gas and carb cleaner in the fuel line over the bucket. Reattach the fuel line between the gas tank and carburetor.

4. Fill the gas tank with new gas.

5. Add the specified amount of small engine fuel system cleaner to the full tank of gas as listed on the bottle. The fuel system cleaner will remove any deposits on the valves and injectors in the engine.

References

• Lawn Mower Shop: Lawn Mower Repair
• Mower Trouble 101: Getting to the Root of the Problem