My lawn mower won't start...?

Question

It's a Toro self propelled push mower.

There IS tension on the rope
when it's pulled, but no noise,
or anything else happens

Yes it has gas in it. Yes I prime it.
Yes, I've been regularly using it,
and no, I haven't been having any
problems with it previously.

Any ideas?
Thanks!

Yes...the tension on the pull rope is the same as it always is. It's not harder to pull, and it's not slack.

Answer 1

It sounds like you've got compression since there's tension on the cord. So, that's a good sign. Before doing anything, check your fluid levels (gas, oil, etc.). I'm sure you've done that though...

First, check the wire on the spark plug. If it's corroded, clean it with a wire detail brush and some baking soda & water paste. If the wire is broken, get a replacement part from Toro.

Second, get some starting fluid. Spray some into the intake for a second or two and give it a pull. If nothing happens, replace the spark plug and see if that helps.

I'm not great with small engines, but I had the same problem with my Craftsman mower and it was just the spark plug.

Answer 2

Pull off the top. Most mowers have device that engages with the pull rope. This device has ball bearings that fly out when you pull the rope turning the motor shaft. If there is anything wrong with this device, the motor won't turn. Be careful removing the device. The ball bearings are loose under there. Don't lose one! If there is a bunch of dirt under it, that could be the problem.
The pull back you are feeling is probably the return spring for the rope.

Answer 3

If it is a newer mower, you might try bleeding the gas out of the carbeurator bleed valve/screw ( located under the carb. There is a small silver tank with screw on the bottom, that will allow dirty gas to drain out when removed or loosened.) Reprime with the red button if you have one and pull her through a couple of times. You may have to dump the old gas out of the tank too and put in fresh gas (less than 30 days old) if the fuel is contaminated.
These newer kinds of mowers is/are very dirt sensitive. If there is dirt or lawn clippings in the gas (It can happen easily) the so and so's won't start.
The other suggestions are all good. Check the spark, fluid levels etc.

Answer 4

Don't quite understand your statement
"There IS tension on the rope when it's pulled, but no noise,
or anything else happens"

Is it the same normal pull tension as before?
Try checking for spark and replace the plug.
Make sure the blade brake or the shut down handle that you have to grip to release the flywheel brake is not stuck putting friction on the engine.

Answer 5

1) does it sound like it has compression?
2) does the rope pull-out all the way and then retract.
3) is the plug-wire on.
4) is it a riding mower and the trip switch under the seat is malfunctioned.

Need more info>>>

Answer 6

maybe needs engine oil. If you can't pull the cord the engine is probably stuck.

If you can pull the cord, but nothing happens, maybe the spark-plug needs to be cleaned/replaced

Answer 7

Try a few swift kicks with a steel-toed boot. It may not get the lawn mower started but it will make you feel like a new person.

Answer 8

Try removing the spark plug and give it a few pulls, then put the plug back and hook it up and try to start it.

Answer 9

check the air filter and the spark plug. take the spark plug out and clean it with a soft cloth. shake the air filter out. you can rinse it w/ water but make sure it's completely dry before replacing it. dirty spark plug is most often the culprit. too much grime and it won't fire.

Answer 10

I haven't used a mower since I was a kid....(accidentally mowed over a bird.)