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YT 3000 42″ Kohler 22 hp Gas Powered Riding Lawn Tractor

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 :

Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn`t work, you might need a new fuel filter.
If your lawnmower is starting and then stalling, the most likely issue is the carburetor. The most common issue is that the carburetor is dirty. Here`s what you need to know about how a dirty carburetor can cause a lawnmower to start, then stall out and die.
The most common cause of a mower that runs for thirty minutes and then dies is a faulty armature. A faulty gas cap is the second most likely cause.
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the engine for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall.
As the fuel level drops, a vacuum begins to form in the fuel tank because air can get in to fill the space the consumed fuel occupied. After about 10 or 15 minutes, the vacuum will become strong enough that fuel will stop flowing to the carburetor and the lawnmower will die.
A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall.
If your lawn mower starts, runs briefly, then dies these are the four most common reasons that`s happening: Dirty carburetor / clogged carburetor bowl. Old gasoline that has gone bad. Dirty or defective spark plugs.
Dull, damaged or loose blades. If your blades are not sharp, are damaged or are not properly attached, this may also cause the engine to stop, especially when cutting thicker grass. Making sure the blades are in good condition and are properly attached should also be a part of your annual mower tune-up in the spring.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Lawn mower will start and run for 5 seconds and shut down
ANSWER : Will it stay running with your choke on? if so then clean your carb. if not then look for a blockage from tank to carb. ie fuel shut off, deteriorated fuel line. plugged filter etc

I have a Poulan push mower that after mowing in a ditch started making a loud noise and running rough. It almost sounded as if metal was hitting metal. The mower was vibrating more than normal. I checked under the mower and nothing is hitting. After a few times of stopping the mower engine because it sound as if it is going to die down the mower will not start now. The shaft does not appear bent and the blade appears ok. The mower has oil, a good spark plug and a clean air filter. It was running fine until that moment. I did not see anything that I hit but it is possible I hit something in the ditch like a pine cone or branch. What could the problem be and how would I go about fixing it?
ANSWER : If you are sure the oil level is correct then it sounds like it’s about to die, unfortunately. A pine cone shouldn’t cause any damage, but a large branch may do so. Was it smoking before you shut it down? The vibration could be caused from a bent blade. It could also be caused from a part breaking in the motor. I wish I could have given you better news!

Good Luck,

Jim

I have trouble starting a toro walk behind mower
ANSWER : All, I thought my carb was shot, so I replaced it. Still, start but no run (and had to use starting fluid). THEN!!! I noticed the spring to the “rev limiter” (just below and towards rear of carb) was not “tight”. The stupid bracket that holds the end of that spring had been bent down ~1/16″ and that caused all this heartache. CHECK YOUR REV LIMITER!!!

Self propelled mower will start but want stay running long? it runs about 3 or 4 min. then stop and when i restart it, it will start back up.
ANSWER : The fuel bowl has a float and needle, if the float isn’t floating to open the needle for gas to flow into the carb, it will cut off. A kit can be purchased for about $5 or take yours out and soak and clean then replace. Usually when these go bad its best to replace them.

I have had a poulan pro 550 series push mower for almost 1 year at the end of the season last year the mower would start briefly and then stop. i have cleaned out the air filter and that did not help.the mower started, i made one revolution around the yard 3/4th of the way the mower quit. I then primed the mower it started then quit and now it will not start at all. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to do. Thanks
ANSWER : There is a little spring that works the carburetor arm. If that popped off then the mower will not run.

It won’t stay running. have cleaned the gas tank and it just had a tune up. runs fine then gets rough and quits. If I push the bulb it smooths out and runs fine for a couple of minutes and then begins hesitating again. Now today it ran for about 15 min. and now it won’t start. It wants to. runs for a couple of seconds 5-10 and then quits.
ANSWER : Remove the float bowl and empty the contents out clean and replace

Mower starts and immediately shuts off and wont start again if i let it sit for five minutes it does the same thing checked oil and air filter carb is clean attempting to find correct socket to remove plug
ANSWER : Pull the fuel line from the carb & see if it is running steady, If so the next check is the carb bowl to see if maybe the float needle is partly plugged, and then it could be the valve lash clearance which will require more mechanical knowledge.

Mower start up and runs, but starts to cut back, and smokes just a little bit. The mower stops smoking when it throttle up. It will continue to run but not at full throttle. I can hold a finger gently over the fuel primer bulb and it will throttle up for a small time.
ANSWER : It sounds like she’s being deprived of the correct fuel / air mixture due to a dirty carburetor (the biggest problem with mowers when gas is left to sit for a period of time). If you do not know how to take the carburetor apart and clean it thoroughly, then I suggest taking it to the local shop (hardware store or mower shop) and having it tuned up. It’ll probably be just fine and worth the money. Hope this helps and good luck.James