Poulan

Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
May need to clean the fuel plug

How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?

We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :

The most common reason for a surging lawn mower engine is a blockage in the fuel supply, but there are other possibilities: Bad gas. Bad spark plug. Dirty/faulty carburetor.
A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower won`t stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug.
If the spring is set in the wrong position it can cause the engine RPMs to surge. Over time the spring can stretch out, causing the same engine surging. Often surging caused by the governor can be fixed by simply adjusting the governor spring. It usually only takes a small adjustment to correct the surging.
You Lose Power in the Middle of Mowing:

Here`s why this happens and what you can do: Dirty Air Filter on Your Lawn Mower: Clean or replace. Dirty Spark Plug: Clean or replace. Build Up of Clippings & Debris: Clean underside of your lawn mower deck as noted above.

Lawn equipment (including lawn mowers, lawn tractors, and even trimmers and blowers) is designed to run at full throttle to give the best performance. Your blade will turn faster at higher throttling, which is essential to proper cutting.
The governor system is like a cruise control system. It maintains the speed of your lawn mower or outdoor power products.
If the idle control system malfunctions, it may fail to regulate the engine`s idle speed properly, resulting in higher RPMs. This can be caused by a faulty idle air control valve (IACV), a malfunctioning throttle body, or a problem with the engine control unit (ECU) that controls the idle speed.
The problem may involve an annoying change (up/down) of engine speed while cruising at a steady pace, a low drop (or even cut-out) at idle or when approaching a stop, a wild high engine speed of several thousand rpm followed by a drop to near zero, etc.
Engine Surging Can Be an Early Warning Sign of Ignition Problems. Engine surging is usually a warning sign that your car or truck is having combustion problems. Since a vehicle`s ignition wires and spark plugs play a major role in proper engine performance, it is likely time to check your engine`s electrical components …
The mower surges when the carburetor sucks air through an unsealed gap in the air intake manifold instead of through the air filter. Dirty carburetor. Clogged fuel jets inside the carburetor commonly cause the lawn mower engine to surge. Clogged jets can`t provide the right mix of air and fuel to the engine.
What Are The Causes of Uneven Cuts from Your Lawn Mower. The causes of uneven cuts from your lawn mower are worn or dull blades, incorrect tire pressure, bent blades, or a clogged deck with grass. Also, due to the deck not being leveled, having an uneven spindle, or the belt may be in bad shape or at low speed.
Often this is a result of dirt buildup in the air intake. Other times it can be a problem with a cracked intake tube. If the IAC motor`s vacuum port is leaking, this can be another cause of high engine idling. The leak could be sourced at the seal, or more often, in one of the attached hoses.
Most lawnmowers are more than comfortable / capable, of running in the 3,400 to 3,600 R.P.M range.
(1) The blades should always be turned on at full throttle if the mower has a electric P.T.O. switch.
Periodic full throttle operation has a side benefit of helping to clear your engine`s combustion chamber of carbon deposit buildup too, so you don`t have to feel too badly about the occasional fuel “waste.”
Among the potential underlying causes are vacuum leaks, EGR system malfunctions, malfunctioning oxygen sensors, dirty fuel injectors, fuel pump malfunction, faulty spark plugs, a faulty mass airflow sensor, or a faulty throttle position sensor.
Often this is a result of dirt buildup in the air intake. Other times it can be a problem with a cracked intake tube. If the IAC motor`s vacuum port is leaking, this can be another cause of high engine idling. The leak could be sourced at the seal, or more often, in one of the attached hoses.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

My Self-propelled push lawn mower is no longer “self-propelled” while the wheels are on the ground. When not on the ground, the wheels engage but VERY slow.
ANSWER : Try putting new bail one it and see what that dose
9 out of 10 that’s what is

Read Full Q/A … : Poulan

What oil to I use in toro self propelled lawn mover is 5w30 ok
ANSWER : Hi jonconbuck…
5W30 is ok during the winter season…but use 10W30 or 30 W non detergent during the summer season
Please take time to rate me

Read Full Q/A … : Poulan

John deere oil alternatives? – Mtd Yard – Man 160cc, 21" Self – Propelled Lawn Mower
ANSWER : Sae 30

Read Full Q/A … : Poulan

Where is fuel filter located – Poulan Pro 22" Self Propelled High Wheel Mower
ANSWER : If it’s not in the main gas line it’s probably in the bottom of the carb cup.

Read Full Q/A … : Poulan

How to replace the handle lever? – Toro Lawn Boy Self Propelled CARB Walk Power Mower
ANSWER : The handle just sits in a hole you should be able to pop it out fairly easy.

Read Full Q/A … : Poulan

Seems to have oil in crank case – Poulan Pro 22" Self Propelled High Wheel Mower
ANSWER : Where would you expect the oil to be

Read Full Q/A … : Poulan

Where is battery on craftsman self propelled mower
ANSWER : Unless it’s an electric start model there is none

Read Full Q/A … : Poulan

Drive wheels wobble – Mtd Yard – Man 160cc, 21" Self – Propelled Lawn Mower
ANSWER : Lowes or home depot have replacement ones

Read Full Q/A … : Poulan