Bad gas…this “new gas” will last a few months. take the tank off, drain old gas out. if that doesnt solve it, the problem is in the carb. it will need to be taken apart and cleaned. next time use a product like staybil mixed in the gas, if its going to set for more than a month.
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 :
A dirty or fouled spark plug can cause your lawn mower to not start. It can also work itself loose, causing issues. If the spark plug appears to be seated correctly but the engine doesn`t start, a new one may be in order. For a few dollars, this easy fix can get your small engine working again.
If the plug is clean or you`ve replaced it and the mower still won`t start, the issue could be a lack of fuel. Either the carburetor is dirty and not able to mist the fuel to be mixed with incoming air, or no gas is getting to it to begin with.
For lawn mower spark plugs, the maximum lifetime from manufacturers is two years. While this is the maximum lifetime, it is not the ideal lifetime. For your engine to remain at optimum performance, it is recommended to replace your spark plugs once a year or after 30 engine hours.
A dirty carburetor is one of the most common causes for a lawn mower not being able to start after sitting unused for months or years at a time.
Do spark plugs go bad if not used? No. As long as they have not been damaged in some way or subjected to a lot of moisture, they will be fine.
Many factors can cause a spark plug to fail; from incorrect heat ranges to improper gapping, to chemical contamination. Yet 90% of spark plug damage claims are due to improper torque. Many factors can cause a spark plug to fail; from incorrect heat ranges to improper gapping, to chemical contamination.
Your Mower Won`t Start:
Other possible causes include: 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.
Even if you`re not having problems you`ll still want to have your spark plugs changed out at every 30,000 mile interval. For most drivers, that will mean that you`re due for spark plug service once every 2-3 years!
Most carmakers recommend replacing spark plugs and wires every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. However, some factors – including engine type, driving habits, and weather conditions – can affect how often your spark plugs and wires need to be replaced.
The most common cause of your mower engine not starting after a long period of storage is stale fuel, but there are many other possible reasons there could be a fault. Our advice is to contact your local lawn mower servicing provider for a professional inspection.
Use Carburetor Cleaner Fortunately, you can generally do this without even taking the carburetor out of the engine. Start by purchasing some commercial lawnmower carburetor cleanerOpens a new window, which comes in a simple spray can and will make it easy to clean the inside and outside of the carb.
One way to remove the gas is to use either a hose to siphon off the gas or a baster/pipette to remove the gas from the lawn mower gas tank to a gas can. Alternatively, the fuel line connecting the fuel tank to the carburetor can be disconnected at the carburetor and fuel emptied into a gas can.
Bad and Leaking Fluids In addition to the tires and battery, extended rest can also do a number on your vehicle`s fluids — from gasoline and motor oil to power steering, brake, and transmission fluid. Moisture can collect in the gas tank over time.
Luckily, spark plugs don`t require replacement very often and can go years and many miles before replacement is needed. Most auto manufacturers suggest having new spark plugs installed about every 100,000 miles; however, spark plug longevity depends on the engine, condition, and spark plug type.
Loss of spark is caused by anything that prevents coil voltage from jumping the electrode gap at the end of the spark plug. This includes worn, fouled or damaged spark plugs, bad plug wires or a cracked distributor cap.
Soft, black, sooty dry deposits on plug indicate carbon fouling. Carbon fouling is an indication of a rich air-fuel mixture, weak ignition, or improper heat range (too cold).
Disconnected, dirty or fouled spark plugs are common causes for engines that won`t start. For small engines, spark plugs typically need to be replaced every season or after 25 hours of use. You should also check to make sure the spark plug gap is set correctly.
Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. If the starter motor does not run, the motor itself is probably defective.
Compression Stroke – The inlet valve is closed and the piston travels back up the cylinder compressing the fuel/air mixture. Just before piston reaches the top of its compression stroke a spark plug emits a spark to combust the fuel/air mixture.
Check to see if the switch and terminals are free from rust and replace any damaged or broken spark plugs wires as necessary. Alternatively, it could be a bad ignition module. A simple way of testing the ignition module is to leave the car idling for 30 minutes and then tap the ignition module with a screwdriver.
A spark plug usually lasts about 30,000 miles, but cleaning them and maintaining them periodically lets your engine perform better and increases your plugs` lifespan. If you see rust, carbon, gunk, dust, or any type of buildup during the inspection, it may be time to clean them.
Bring the lawn mower to a recycling center and put it in the scrap metal bin or take it to a private scrap metal recycler. Make sure to ask about any fees beforehand and bring an accepted form of payment with you. Most recycling centers have a scrap metal bin, but you can call ahead to verify.
And, just like your plugs, the wires wear out over time. Once they begin to wear, the electrical charge sent to the spark plugs can be unreliable, which creates problems with engine operation, including rough idling, stalls, and other issues.
Step 1: Empty the gas tank or add a storage fuel stabilizer.
How long can gas sit in a lawn mower? Depending on the gasoline formula it can degrade in as little of 30 days. Properly treated gasoline can stay good for up to a year.