Your Mower Won't Start:

1. Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten.
2. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace.
3. 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.

How do you diagnose a small engine not starting?

Give your starter-cord arm a rest while you run these basic diagnostic tests. When a small engine won't start, the usual suspects are bad gasoline, a corroded or plugged carburetor, or a bad ignition coil.

Why is my lawn mower turning over but not starting?

The most common reason for why your riding mower will turn over but not start is likely due to bad gas or a dirty carburetor. You can usually fix the problem by removing and cleaning out the carburetor and making sure that your gas is fresh.

How do you start a Briggs and Stratton engine?

To begin, simply push the primer bulb slowly three times to deliver the proper amount of fuel to the carburetor. Then, pull to start.

Why will my Briggs and Stratton engine not start?

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.

Mower Won't Start - How to fix it! Briggs and Stratton

38 related questions found

What do you do when your lawn mower won't start?

If you run into problems getting your lawnmower ready for spring, try the following:

1. Use fresh gas. Old gasoline can cause starting difficulties. ...
2. Check the spark plug. ...
3. Use the choke. ...
4. Prime the mower. ...
5. Check the air filter. ...
6. Check the cables. ...
7. Check for water in the fuel tank.
8. Clear the starter cord of blockages.

How do you start a lawn mower with primer?

How to Prime a Lawnmower Carburetor

1. Remove the cap from the lawnmower fuel tank. ...
2. Locate the primer bulb on the side of the lawnmower engine. ...
3. Press and release the primer bulb three times with your finger to prime the lawnmower carburetor.
4. Pull the throttle lever on the lawnmower handle to the "fast" position.

Where is the primer bulb on a Briggs and Stratton?

The primer bulb on a Briggs and Stratton 5 horsepower engine is located on the back of the air filter assembly next to the carburetor. It's a small rubber button-like part that the user must press to start the fuel flow from the gas tank into the carburetor.

How do I start my lawn mower with a choke?

Open the choke all the way if you notice that it has been closed. If it has been open, the carburetor may be flooded. Close the choke, and pull the starting cord a few times. When you get the engine to sputter, open the choke, and try starting the mower.

Where is the spark plug on a mower?

Spark plugs are typically located on the back or side of a lawn mower engine. Look for a short wire that's about 1/4-in. -thick leading to the top of a short, cylindrical protrusion from the engine. If you're not sure where the spark plug is, consult your owner's manual.

What might cause a starter motor to spin but not crank or spin the engine?

If the starter motor spins but does not crank the engine, you likely have a problem with… Faulty or damaged battery. If your motor is running clockwise, try reconnecting the battery. Pinion gear issues – sticking due to dirty / damaged spline or damaged pinion or ring gear.

How do I know if my Briggs and Stratton coils are bad?

Replace the original wire with the in-line spark tester, and attempt to start the motor. Watch for the same intensity of a spark that you saw when the mower was cold, If there is little or no spark, the ignition coil is bad and needs replacement.

What causes small engines to not start?

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.

How do you start a lawn mower without a primer?

How to Prime a Lawn Mower without Primer?

1. Prepare the Mower.
2. Locate the Primer Bulb.
3. Pull the Cord (Optional)
4. Find the Air Cleaner.
5. Remove the Air Cleaner.
6. Spray Starter Fluid.
7. Reinstall the Air Cleaner.
8. Start the Mower.

Will starter fluid start my lawn mower?

Use only small-engine starting fluid on a lawnmower, which is available at some hardware stores or any lawn mower repair facility. Standard engine starting fluid is too combustible and will ruin your engine. ... Adding starter fluid directly to the engine can help you diagnose why your lawnmower will not start.

Why is my lawn mower not getting gas?

The engine can't get gas if the fuel filter is plugged or the carburetor inlet needle is stuck. Check the fuel filter (if equipped) by removing the fuel line at the carburetor. ... If you still don't get any gas, the fuel line is kinked or plugged. And check inside the tank for any debris that might clog the outlet.

How do I know if my lawn mower spark plug is bad?

The spark plug in a lawn mower could be bad if:

1. You can't get the engine to fire up at all.
2. You have to tug extra hard for longer than usual on the rewind.
3. Your lawn mower loses power while moving.
4. The gas runs out quicker than it used to.

Can old gas cause a lawn mower not to start?

Putting or keeping old gasoline in your lawn mower can cause a variety of problems. Your mower may not start, run as smoothly, and even sputter or die during operation. If your machine won't start due to old gasoline you need to remove the built-up residue that is choking out the engine.

How do you clean a lawn mower carburetor without removing it?

How to Clean Your Carburetor?

1. Turn Off Mower. Completely turn off the lawn mower and also let the engine cool down for a few minutes before you can begin any cleaning procedures. ...
2. Inspect the Air Filters. ...
3. Check all Connections to the Carburetor. ...
4. Clean the Carburetor. ...
5. Contact Your Local Dealer.