Common Repair Tips For Lawn Mowers
Even if you take care of your machines, they can suddenly develop a problem that needs to be fixed. Hard working machines like lawn mowers can also end up getting damaged and require some repair work to be functional again.
Since paying for every minor repair your lawn mower needs can get spendy, we at FMI Equipment have created this guide on common lawn mower repairs. If you’d like to get your lawn equipment serviced by experts, bring it down to our dealership in Spokane Valley, WA. We also serve the areas of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Starting Problems
If your mower doesn’t start or it starts and stops, it's probably a clogged carburetor at fault. The easiest way to end up with a clogged carburetor is to leave fuel in the mower when it’s not in use for a long time. The liquid part of the fuel evaporates, leaving behind a gooey mess that clogs your carburetor and prevents the engine from starting. A carburetor cleaner will help you clean it thoroughly.
Another reason for problems with starting a lawn mower is a damaged spark plug. Check it for any signs of wear or damage. A spark plug tester will help you determine if it’s defective; if you don’t see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals then it’s time to replace the spark plug. If there’s carbon buildup in the electrode, an electrode is damaged, or the porcelain insulator is cracked, it’s time to replace the spark plug.
Battery Problems
If the battery of your lawn mower battery keeps dying on you, its cells in it may have died. First, use a charger to charge the battery. If it doesn’t hold the charge, you need to get a new battery. Sometimes it’s other components at fault, not your battery. Use a multimeter to check that the charger is giving proper voltage output. A multimeter can also be used to check the alternator that recharges the battery and gives voltage to your mower when in use.
Blade Problems
You could have a problem with the power take-off (PTO) switch if the blades on your lawn mower do not engage. A multimeter will let you check if the switch is damaged and needs to be replaced. If the switch is fine, your PTO clutch may be the problem. This clutch manually disconnects the engine from the blades. When the clutch solenoid is powered, it uses the drive belt to move the rotation of the mower blades. If there is anything wrong with the PTO clutch, it will need to be replaced as it can’t be repaired.
Gas Leak Problems
A common lawn mower problem is gas leaks. To decide what you have to fix, you should check where the leak is happening. If the bottom of the carburetor is leaking fuel, the carburetor bowl gasket might be missing or dried out. Replace this gasket. Another reason behind a gas leak could be the float needle. This needle opens and closes the float valve to allow fuel into the float bowl. If it’s damaged, the fuel will fill the carburetor until it overflows. Replace it if it’s damaged.
If neither of the above is the problem, examine the fuel shut-off valve. The fuel lines should be tightly affixed to the valve and shouldn’t have any cracks, tears or holes in them. If a fuel shut-off line or the fuel shut-off valve is leaking, replace it immediately. Do not attempt to patch or cut and rejoin a fuel line.
Overheating Problems
Overheating is another common issue that occurs in lawn mowers but it is easily avoidable with a little care. Your mower has an air-cooled engine with cooling fins fixed into the engine’s cylinder head and short block. These fins keep the engine cool while your mower is busy at work. Sometimes bits of grass, leaves, and debris can clog these fins so you need to clean your mower at proper intervals or after heavy use to ensure this doesn’t happen to your machine.
Smoking Problems
It can be scary to see your lawn mower start to expel thick black smoke but what this indicates is that your carburetor is ‘running rich’, i.e. it is getting too much fuel. Check to see if the carburetor float is jammed in the open position and fix it if it is. Another reason behind black smoke is the carburetor choke valve being closed. It needs to be open once the engine is running or the engine won’t get enough air to create the right fuel-air mix.
We hope this list helps you identify and perform common lawn mower repairs. If you can’t really tell what’s wrong with your mower or want to purchase an awesome lawn mower, come to FMI Equipment at our location in Spokane Valley, WA. We’re always happy to whip old machines into good shape and help people choose the right machines for their needs. We are proud to serve the areas of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho!