Tips To Repair Your Lawn Mower
Hardworking machines like lawn mowers can sometimes develop problems despite care and maintenance. Knowing how to take care of the minor issues that crop up infrequently can save you both time and money.
With that in mind, we at Morgan Power Equipment have created this guide for you. If you’d like to get your lawn mower professionally serviced or repaired, visit our dealership in Halifax, Massachusetts. We’re proud to serve our friends from Brockton and Taunton!
Starting Issues
If your lawn mower starts and stops or doesn’t start at all, you probably have a clogged carburetor. The most common reason for this is when the fuel is left unused in the mower for a long time. The liquid part evaporates, leaving a sticky mess that clogs the carburetor and doesn’t let the engine start. To clear it, use a carburetor cleaner.
Another reason why your lawn mower could be experiencing starting trouble is a damaged spark plug. Check these with a spark plug tester for any signs of wear or damage. If you don’t see a strong spark between the terminals, it’s time to replace the spark plug. If an electrode has carbon build-up or is damaged, replace the plug.
Battery Issues
If your lawn mower battery keeps dying, then one or more of its cells may have died. Charge the battery and see if it holds power; if it doesn’t, you need a new battery. Sometimes battery problems are the fault of other components. To check the alternator that recharges the battery and gives power to your mower, use a multimeter. A multimeter will also let you check if the charger is giving the right voltage output.
Blade Issues
If the blades on your lawn mower don’t engage, it could indicate a problem with the power take-off (PTO) switch. Use a multimeter to check if it’s damaged and replace it if it is. If the switch is fine, the PTO clutch could be the problem. This clutch uses the drive belt to move the rotation of the blades. If there’s anything wrong with the PTO clutch, you have to replace it, as it can’t be repaired.
Gas Leak Issues
A common lawn mower repair problem involves gas leaks. You have to check where the gas leak is happening to fix it. If the bottom of the carburetor is leaking fuel, the carburetor bowl gasket might be missing or dried out. Replace this gasket. Another reason for a gas leak could be the float needle not shutting off fuel. 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. Don’t attempt to patch or cut and rejoin a fuel line.
Overheating Issues
Overheating is a common issue with lawn mowers but, with a little care, it’s also an easily avoidable one.The air-cooled engine on your mower has cooling fins fixed to the engine’s cylinder head and short block. These fins keep your engine cool while you work. At times, bits of grass, leaves and debris can clog them. Regularly clean your mower to ensure that the fins are free to function properly.
Smoking Issues
When you see your lawn mower start to expel thick black smoke, it’s a sign that your carburetor is “running rich,” i.e. it’s getting too much fuel. Check to see if the carburetor float is jammed in the open position and fix it if so. Another reason for black smoke is the carburetor choke valve may be 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’d like to get your lawn mower looked at by experts, bring it to Morgan Power Equipment in Halifax, Massachusetts. If you’re looking for lawn mowers for sale near Brockton and Taunton, call or come over today!