A lawnmower is not a machine that you use regularly. Therefore, it is very likely that it will not work properly immediately after starting it for a long time. If you are having difficulty operating your lawnmower, moisture in the storage environment is often the cause.
When the air humidity is high, the water condenses inside the fuel tank and carburetor and eventually mixes with the gas.
You may find it difficult to start a lawnmower that has been idle for a few months as static components can get stuck, the gas in the tank may deteriorate, or your lawnmower may have had problems before it was used put it away. It is good practice to repair and clean all types of machinery after a certain period of use or storage, and your lawnmower is no exception.
First of all, proper safety precautions are important when working with a lawnmower. Remember to wear safety gloves, safety glasses, and watch out for sharp parts of the blade and motor.
How to start a lawnmower that has been sitting
Checking and replacing the battery
Batteries tend to drain and fail after sitting for too long. If you have a test light at home, you can check the battery yourself. If not, you can charge the battery and try to start the mower.
To charge the battery, connect it to a dedicated battery charger and plug it in. Make sure to connect the negative and positive charge cables to the correct battery ports.
When the battery is fully charged, reconnect it to the mower and try to turn it back on. Riding lawn mowers use starting mechanisms that require battery power. If the engine does not move when you turn the key, it is a sign that the battery is not working.
Batteries that do not work even after being charged separately should be replaced. Look for a new battery that matches the size and specifications of the old one or the requirements listed in the owner’s manual.
Change the oil
For a mower that has been idle for a while, it’s definitely a good idea to check the oil. The best time to change the oil in your mower is about an hour after you have finished mowing. But if he has been sitting all winter, check the oil before trying to light it.
First, check that the oil is of good quality, that there is no residue, and that there is enough of it. If the oil is very dark or black, it is time to change the oil so that your lawnmower will run smoothly and last a long time.
If you haven’t done so recently, simply change the mower oil. While this is not the main issue preventing your mower from starting, it is probably a contributing factor.
Lawnmowers are small engines that don’t require a lot of oil. This makes for a fairly inexpensive frame to do it yourself at home. With a manual lawn mower, you’re looking for 10 minutes or less.
Check the socket
The spark plug is a significant part of the mower. It has two electrodes which will not work fit if damaged or dirty. This happens if they get wet for some reason or get enclosed in dirt after burning. This is why it is imperative to clean the mower parts after each use.
Now the electrodes can tire out if they have been used for a long time. The trouble-free solution, of course, is to reinstate them. But the candle also informs you of other flaws if you take a close look at it.
There are a lot of dry deposits on the electrodes, which means their fuel-to-air ratio is off or the engine gasket is out of order. But if it is the spark plug, get rid of it from the socket with a wrench and clean off the black deposits.
A vigorous plug has light brown deposits on the outside. If the spark plug is wet, it is because excess fuel is entering the combustion chamber. This means it needs to be fixed or the choke is stuck.
General cleaning
Sometimes the problem with a riding mower that has been running for years is that there is dirt, grime, or debris that is preventing the engine from working properly. Cleaning the engine can help.
First, take a dry rag, shop vacuum, leaf blower, or something similar, and clean up any visible debris around the engine bay. There is probably some grass and dirt around the motor, so take your time to remove as much of it as possible without removing any of the parts.
Next, perform a general check of all filters built into the engine. All lawn mowers have air filters attached to the carburetor, but some also have oil filters and gas filters.
Air filters that have been fitted may be covered in dust and dirt, or they may be damaged. Inspect the air filter and replace it if it looks excessively dirty or shows obvious damage. Also, inspect and clean the oil and fuel filters if your mower is so equipped.
Finally, you will need to clean the carburetor. Use a spray can of carbohydrate cleaner for a quick cleanup. Make sure you spray the carb well, even spray into the bottom drain valve or inside through the air or fuel inlet.
If you want to take your cleaning a step further, put specialized fuel and oil additives in your engine fluids to clean the inside of the engine and all fluid lines.
Spark plug
Locate the spark plug on your lawnmower. It is covered with a black rubber thread. Remove the cap with a wrench and check for corrosion or carbon black buildup around the electrodes.
If it’s not too dirty, you can clean a candle with sandpaper or a file. If the plug is too dirty to be cleaned, replace it with a new one. Make sure the new plug matches the size and specifications of the old one. Also, make sure that the connection cable is not broken or damaged.
Another important thing to remember about the spark plug is to disconnect it before performing any repairs or maintenance on your lawnmower. You can disconnect the spark plug simply by unplugging the rubber wire attached to it.
A defective spark plug prevents the engine from starting or causes it to stall during operation.
Quick Summary of Lawn Mower Troubleshooting
Before you throw your trusty lawnmower on the sidewalk, you can use the following tips to isolate most of the problems with your lawnmower.
Check the gas, filter, and fuel lines first to make sure there are no clogs or debris.
Look for mower parts in the manual before replacing them
Always follow the owner’s manual when changing the oil or replacing parts
Make sure you are using the correct type of fuel
Clean the underside of your mower after each use.
If you are using a battery-powered lawn mower, test the battery with a multimeter if you have power issues.
If you see light or white smoke coming from your lawnmower, turn it off and take it to a store.
The bottom line
Every part of a lawnmower requires special care and attention. If you get involved it can be a lot of fun. And the better you understand how it works, the more effectively you can use it. It also makes maintenance easy and cost-effective. We hope you enjoy this little piece of information. thank you