why lawnmowers dont like to start up?

Question

im having a problem with my craftsman lawnmower, i checked the gas, oil, spark plug and pressed the red button multiple times.
what is it that i can do to get its started????

how do i check the filter??
let me know how to do some of the things you guys tell me, because i dont know much about them

Answer 1

The main reason lawnmowers don't start is fuel. Either the fuel is old or the carburator is plugged up. With a few simple tools cleaning the carburator is a fairly easy job. It needs to be removed, taken apart, cleaned with a good parts cleaner and reassembled with a carb rebuild kit. Also check the fuel tank for water and dirt. Water will look like a blob in the bottom of the tank and there should be no dirt at all in the tank. I assumed when you said you checked the spark plug you meant it has spark. Did you check to see if it has spark?

Answer 2

As In The Answers Of The12 Year Mechanic, There Maybe Many Things - I Recommend You Check These Items. 1st Make Sure You Have Fresh Gasoline - It Shouldn't Smell Bitter - If It Does It Must Be Drained - (Recommend Local Mechanic Auto Or Lawn & Garden) 2nd You Should Hear A Noise "Squarting" From The "Red" Primer When Pumped (The Noise Will Be Inside The Carburetor You Wouldn't See Anything Only Hear It) (If No Noise Local Mechanic) 3rd Insure That You Have The "Zone Lever" The Little Usally Black Rod Or Handle Is Pulled Back Fully To The Handle Bar (This Is At The Top Of The Mowers Handle Where You Push The Machine) Then Pull The Starter Cord Quickely - I've Found Over The Years Many Men & Women Alike Don't Pull The Cord Sharply, When Trying To Start A Machine. If All This Doesn't Get You Going I Recommend That You Take It To Your Local Lawn & Garden Repair Center (Look Under Lawn Mowers Or Saws In The Yellow Pages) Also, When You Call Ask If They Do Estimates Or Have A Quick Test So They Can Give You An Idea of The Repair Cost, as If They Warranty Their Repairs (Usally 90 Days. Don't Spend More Than 1/2 The Price Of A New One A Wal-Mart / Sears. Wal Marts Avg. Is About $125.00 And Sears $150.00 Or Less Look Up On Line To Give Your Self A Good Idea. Be A Step Ahead Of The Average Person. So Many Come To My Shop And Want A Flat Worn-Out Machine Fixed Many Times It's Better To Purchase New

Briggs & Stratton / Tecumseh / Kohler Engines - Master Mechanic 20 Years

Answer 3

First, remove the spark plug and check if looks wet and smells of gas. If it is, you have flooded the engine. In that case dry off the spark plug with a clean rag and set it aside. Then pull the starter rope about a half dozen times with the spark plug out. Put the spark plug back in.
Check where the throttle cable attaches to the engine and clean that area well and clean any linkage attached to the carburetor. Check to make sure that the throttle mechanism is working freely and the throttle is opening completely when you go to start the engine. If it is not opening all the way, the engine will be hard to start, or may not start at all.
Clean around the kill switch as well because a short there can cause the engine to not start.
When you go to start it, push the primer only 4 or 5 times, no more or you will flood the engine and it won't start. If it won't start after 4 or 5 pumps check to see if there is any spark at the spark plug by removing it and laying against a clean spot on the engine and pulling the starter rope. If no spark, problem is either the spark plug ( replace it) or the kill switch is grounding out the ignition.

Answer 4

It could be several things. How old is the gas in it? Over a year old, siphon it out and replace with fresh ( i dont like those fuel stabilizer additives). It could be the carb has some crud in it ( it happens - gasoline in general is dirty , from the pump to your vehicle) - why its best to screen the fuel when dumping in the tank. The tank ( if metal) could have some rust/debris in it ( even plastic ones can) .
Spark : Its possible its not getting spark, specially if its older - what controls this is called a magneto, which mounts next to the flywheel on top of the motor, these go bad sometimes.
Does it have one of those engine brake setups ( the bar, if released , shuts the motor off) - is it working properly? This affects spark as well ( a sensor on the brake assembly grounds out the magneto- hence no spark).
It depends how much you want to dive into checking things out, if it were me, id take the carb apart, clean it, check how dirty the air filter is ( that effects starting), change the plug , check the gas tank, check the engine brake assembly/cable. Pretty much inspect the whole thing over/clean it ( being dirty doesnt help) . Before disassembling anything, id take photos or draw diagrams how thing are ( to ease reassembling) , specially if never done that before. It really isnt that difficult, as long as you take your time and work carefully and clean.
Kidd

Answer 5

The red button is located right next to the carborator, if you are getting it to start but only for a second try pressing the button while its trying to start then if it revs up its not getting enough air. Take off the air filter and if it works try starting it with the screw fairly loose and if it works screw it, use it like that ive been using mine loose for 2 years.

Answer 6

I would guess it's a solenoid problem in the carbeurator. But, I'm just a girl, so what do I know about lawnmowers. Never used on a day in my life. LOL!

Another possibility is that the blade may be jammed. This will keep it from starting.

Answer 7

Lawnmowers are like teenagers. You can feed them, house them, clean them, and all around treat them good. But when you need them to start, and clean up before your boss comes over for dinner, you can't seem to get them started. Try threatening it with kicking it out on the street, and making it find it's own job.

Answer 8

Check the conductivity of your red button.

Answer 9

check air filter

Answer 10

Listen to Bob...like me he has 20 + years doing this...and believe me, he knows what he is talking about...