Gene Caballero, Co-founder of Greenpal | GreenPal
So you're facing a non-starting lawn mower? It's a common issue, but often one that can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting. Here are some steps you can take to potentially get your mower back in working order.
First, check if the mower has gas. It may seem obvious, but it's an essential first step. If fuel isn't the issue, move on to inspecting the air filter. The air filter cover is typically a plastic rectangle located on either side of the motor or sometimes at the front. Remove it and clean any debris by tapping it against a hard surface and using a vacuum cleaner.
If cleaning the air filter doesn't help, consider using starter fluid. This can address issues related to bad gas or clogged lines. Spray starter fluid into the engine through a hole behind where the air filter sits while attempting to start the mower.
If these steps don't work, cleaning the carburetor and gas lines might be necessary. Drain any old or bad gas from the tank before removing parts of the carburetor for cleaning. Reassemble everything with fresh gas and try starting again.
Should these efforts fail, checking the spark plug is advisable. Ensure it's properly connected and replace it if needed with assistance from an auto parts store.
If after all these attempts your mower still won't start, it may have more serious internal issues requiring professional repair or even replacement consideration.
For those seeking guidance on specific components like fuel filters or spark plugs, there are detailed steps available to assist in identifying and addressing potential problems.
As for costs associated with repairs versus replacement: if professional repair seems costly compared to buying a new push mower priced between $200-$500, replacement might be more economical than incurring high repair bills.