Lawn Mower Won't Start After Winter

Lawn Mower Won't Start After Winter? Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Spring is here, and you're ready to get your lawn looking its best. But when you go to fire up your lawn mower after its winter slumber, it refuses to start. Don't panic! This is a common problem, and in most cases, it's easily solved with some basic troubleshooting. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons your lawn mower won't start after winter and how to fix them.

Common Reasons Your Lawn Mower Won't Start After Winter

Several factors can prevent your gas-powered lawn mower from starting after a long winter. These include issues with the fuel, the spark plug, the air filter, or even the battery (if your mower is electric or has an electric start). Let's explore these possibilities:

1. Old or Stale Fuel

• The Problem: Gasoline degrades over time, especially when exposed to air and temperature fluctuations. After sitting all winter, the fuel in your lawn mower's tank may have gone bad, gumming up the carburetor and preventing the engine from starting. This is often the culprit.
• The Solution: Drain the old gas from the tank completely. You can use a siphon pump or carefully tilt the mower to drain it into a suitable container. Then, refill the tank with fresh, high-quality gasoline. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer to your gas next fall to prevent this issue in future winters.

2. Dirty or Fouled Spark Plug

• The Problem: A dirty or corroded spark plug prevents the spark needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture. Winter moisture can also contribute to corrosion.
• The Solution: Locate the spark plug (usually under a cover on the engine). Use a spark plug wrench to carefully remove it. Inspect the plug; if it's dirty, corroded, or the gap is incorrect, replace it with a new spark plug of the correct type. Clean the area around the plug before reinstalling it. Make sure to tighten it properly to avoid leaks.

3. Clogged Air Filter

• The Problem: A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, preventing it from getting the oxygen it needs to run properly. Dust and debris accumulated over time, especially during storage, will affect performance.
• The Solution: Locate the air filter (usually a simple box-like element near the carburetor). Remove it and inspect it. If it's dirty or clogged, clean it by tapping it gently against a hard surface or replace it with a new air filter.

4. Dull or Damaged Blade

• The Problem: A severely damaged or bent blade can put excessive strain on the engine, preventing it from starting.
• The Solution: Inspect the blade for any damage. If it's bent, dull, or damaged, consider sharpening it or replacing it completely. A new sharp blade will ensure proper cutting and less strain on the engine.

5. Battery Issues (Electric Start or Electric Mowers)

• The Problem: If your mower has an electric start or is battery-powered, a dead or weak battery is a common reason for failure to start. Winter temperatures can drain even fully charged batteries.
• The Solution: Check the battery's voltage using a multimeter. If it's low, charge it fully. If the battery is old or consistently fails to hold a charge, consider replacing it with a new one.

6. Carburetor Issues

• The Problem: The carburetor is a complex component responsible for mixing fuel and air. Over time, it can become clogged or malfunction, especially after prolonged storage. This often requires professional attention.
• The Solution: Cleaning a carburetor is often a DIY project, but it's more involved than the previous steps and may require specialized tools and knowledge. If you're not comfortable disassembling and cleaning it, it's best to take your mower to a qualified repair shop.

Prevention is Key

To avoid these issues next year, remember to:

• Drain the fuel: Before storing your lawn mower for the winter, drain the fuel tank completely.
• Add fuel stabilizer: Adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas before storage helps prevent fuel degradation.
• Clean the air filter: Clean or replace the air filter before storing.
• Change the oil: Change the oil before storage to remove any contaminants.
• Store properly: Store your mower in a dry, sheltered location to protect it from the elements.

By following these steps, you can successfully troubleshoot most lawn mower starting problems and get back to enjoying a beautifully manicured lawn. Remember, safety first! Always disconnect the spark plug before performing any maintenance on the engine.