Your lawn mower is one of the most important tools you have for ensuring your lawn stays healthy and looks good.
So it can be immensely frustrating when the mower starts but then suddenly stops, and you can’t seem to get it going again.
There are several reasons why this might happen, and it’s important to know what they are so you can address them quickly and get back to your yard work.
In this article, we will explore the common challenges with mowers stopping unexpectedly and provide some tips for how to deal with them.
If your mower won’t start at all, read How to start a lawn mower here.
Why lawn mower starts then stops
There are several reasons why your lawn mower might start and then suddenly stop.
The most common reasons include old fuel, a clogged air filter, or a carburettor that needs cleaning. Another possibility is a problem with the spark plug or the ignition system.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these issues and what you can do to fix them.
Fuel might be old
One of the most common reasons your lawn mower might stop is because the fuel is old.
If you haven’t used your mower in a while, the fuel sitting in the tank can become stale which affects starting and running.
To check if the fuel is the problem, start by draining out all the old fuel and replacing it with fresh fuel.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, then you may also need to check the fuel filter and clean or replace it.
Check the air filter
Another possible reason a mower keeps stopping is a clogged air filter.
When the air filter becomes congested with dirt and debris, it restricts airflow to the engine, making it difficult for the engine to run properly.
To check the air filter, remove it from the mower and inspect it for any dirt or debris. If it’s dirty, clean it, or replace it with a new one.
Mower troubleshooting tips
In addition to the above-mentioned issues, there are several other things you can check when your lawnmower keeps stopping.
Here are a few tips to help you troubleshoot the problem:
- Check the spark plug: A dirty or faulty spark plug can cause the engine to stop. Remove the spark plug and inspect it for dirt or damage. Clean or replace the spark plug, if necessary.
- Check the fuel line: If the fuel line is clogged or damaged, it can cause fuel delivery problems, which can cause the engine to stop. Check the fuel line and replace it, if necessary.
- Check the blade: A damaged or dull blade can cause the engine to work harder than it should, which can cause it to stop. Inspect the blade for damage and replace it, if necessary.
- Drain fuel at the beginning of winter: If you live in an area where winters are harsh, drain the fuel from your lawnmower before storing it for the winter. This will prevent the fuel from going bad and causing problems when you start it up again in the spring.
- Check if the carburettor has flooded: If the carburettor is flooded, it can cause the engine to stop. To fix this, turn off the fuel and let the engine cool down for a few minutes. Then, remove the spark plug and pull the starter cord several times to clear out any excess fuel. Reinstall the spark plug and try starting the engine again.
Additional considerations
When it comes to maintaining your lawn mower, prevention is always better than cure.
Regular maintenance and care can help prevent problems like your mower stopping unexpectedly from occurring in the first place. Some other things you can do to keep your mower in good condition include:
- Changing the oil regularly: Regular oil changes can help keep the engine running smoothly and prevent problems with starting and stopping.
- Keeping the blade sharp: A sharp blade will cut the grass more efficiently, reducing the strain on the engine and helping to prevent problems with starting and stopping.
- Checking tire pressure: Proper tire pressure can help ensure the mower is easy to manoeuvre and operates smoothly.
- Storing the mower properly: When you’re not using your lawnmower, make sure to store it in a dry, cool place, away from any sources of heat or moisture.
A lawnmower that starts and then stops can be terribly frustrating, but it’s usually an easy problem to fix.
The most common causes of this problem are old fuel, a clogged air filter, or a carburettor that needs cleaning.
By following the tips and advice in this article, you should be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and easily. Remember to take good care of your lawnmower with regular maintenance and care to prevent problems from arising in the first place.
Or if you’re in the market for a new mower, take a look at our Lawn Mower Buyers Guide.
