Tips on How to Troubleshoot and Repair Your Lawn Mower

If your lawn mower does not start you don't have to sell it at a garage sale and buy yourself a new one. There are several things a novice repair person can do to troubleshoot what is wrong with the mower, and then fix the problem. Most of these only involve a simple set of wrenches and screw drivers.

The first thing you can do to find a problem is to take out the spark plug, and examine it. If it does not look like it is supposed to that is probably your problem. To test if your spark plug is working correctly, attach it to the wire and hold the rubber part away from where the spark will occur. Now have a friend gently try to pull start it. Remember you don't want your mower to move while you are doing this so you may want to chalk the wheel. When your friend pulls the cord as if he is starting the mower, you should see a spark, if you don't get a new spark plug and try again. If that does not work you might have a problem with the wire, or one of the other components that generate electricity.

If the problem is not in the spark plug there is probably a problem with the fuel check to see if there are any leaks. There could be a leak in the carburetor that is preventing the gasoline from getting to the engine. If this is the case you might have to rebuild the carburetor, or purchase a new one.

If there is not a leak check the fuel line. To do this you will need to take off the hose clamps. The hose clamps will either require a screw driver or pliers to remove. Once you have done that, check the line to make sure that it allows gasoline to flow. If it does not flow out you probably have a block somewhere in the line. These can occur if you get dirt, leaves or other debris in you gas tank. To sole the problem, it is best to try and clean your gas tank as best you can. You will probably not be able to get everything but try your best. Also you should clean out the carburetor as well. Now get yourself a new piece of fuel line, the size of your old piece and replace the line. The mower should start.

The last and easiest thing you can do is check the cables that control everything. If one has come loose, it might be stopping the engine from firing by unintentionally engaging a safety mechanism.