A smoking lawn mower is never a good sign. If you’ve noticed this problem before, don’t panic. You’re not alone in experiencing this issue. There are several reasons why this could be happening, and just as many solutions to fix it. This article will provide a quick and in-depth guide on troubleshooting and repairing a smoking lawn mower engine. We aim to be helpful and informative, so you can return to mowing your lawn without further issues.
The Main Causes lawn mower blowing white smoke.
- Over-filling the engine oil:
- Mower tipped over incorrectly
- Mower burning too much gasoline
Other possible causes white smoke coming from lawn mower include:
- Damaged or leaking head gasket
- Faulty crankcase breather
- Cylinder and/or rings are worn
- Incorrect Oil Grades
The Main Causes lawn mower blowing white smoke.
Over-filling the engine oil:
This is one of the most common causes of white smoke from your lawn mower. Adding too much oil to your engine will cause the drive shaft seal to break and allow oil to enter the combustion chamber. When heated up by the spark plug, this excess oil can create thick white smoke.
Draining excess oil can be pretty tricky for some kinds of mowers, but on walk-behind mowers, it’s typically accessible (tilt the mower, and it drains out of the hole where you added it). Investing in a special oil extractor isn’t bad if you own a riding mower. This one on Amazon runs about $25.
How to fix It.
Ensuring your lawnmower’s engine oil is not overfilled is essential, and avoiding overfilling it requires some basic steps. When it comes time to change the oil in your mower, refer to the user manual to find out exactly how much engine oil is required. Typically, a lawnmower will only need 20 ounces.
Once you have filled your lawnmower’s engine with oil, you must check that the level is within the indicated mark on the dipstick. If you have accidentally added too much oil, don’t worry – it happens to the best of us. The first step is to remove the excess oil, which involves draining all of the oil from the engine and then adding it back in the recommended amount.
However, it’s worth noting that an overfilled engine is less damaging than an underfilled one, as most lawnmower engines use the splash lubrication method. This means that a small amount of oil is splashed onto different engine components while the rest stays at the bottom, ensuring that everything is properly lubricated.
You may have a more significant issue if the white smoke isn’t gone after running your lawnmower for roughly 15 minutes.
Mower tipped over incorrectly:
If you’ve changed the oil recently in your lawn mower and now see white or blue smoke emanating from the engine, don’t worry. Some oil may have been spilt onto the machine during the process.
Either, you may have mowed on a slope greater than 15 degrees or tipped the mower on its side. While the smoke may seem concerning, there’s nothing to worry about.
How to Fix It.
The best action is to restart the mower and let the spilt oil burn off. If you regularly tip the mower for cleaning or maintenance, it’s a good idea to consult the owner’s manual to see how you can minimize the risk of oil leaks. Rest assured that this is a common issue and quickly be resolved.
Mower burning too much gasoline.
If your lawn mower emits white or blue smoke, it could be due to an overly rich fuel mixture. A few different factors can cause this. It could be related to the air filter getting clogged or fuel lines getting blocked. If you don’t maintain your mower correctly, these issues can occur.
How to Fix It.
The first step is checking the air filter and fuel lines for blockages or clogs. If you don’t see anything obvious, it’s time to clean the carburettor. Carburettor cleaner spray should do the job nicely and won’t take too long. Once you’re done, start the mower and check for any smoke again. If it still doesn’t work, it may be time to look closely at other parts of your mower’s engine.
Other possible causes, white smoke coming from lawn mower include:
Damaged or leaking head gasket:
The head gasket is placed between the cylinder head and the engine block, which helps seal the fuel mixture. If this seal fails, it could cause lawn mower white smoke due to a buildup of pressure released as exhaust. A crack or hole in the head gasket itself can also cause it.
How to Fix It:
The only way to fix this problem is by replacing the head gasket. A qualified mechanic should do this as it can be quite an involved process. Once that’s done, you should notice less smoke from your mower’s engine.
Faulty crankcase breather:
The crankcase breather is another engine part that can cause a white smoke lawn mower. It helps regulate engine air pressure and prevents harmful gases or vapour buildup. If it’s not working correctly, it could lead to smoke coming from the exhaust.
How to Fix It:
Replacing a faulty crankcase breather is the best way to resolve this issue. A qualified mechanic should do it as it can be quite an involved process. Once that’s done, you should notice less smoke from your mower’s engine.
Cylinder and/or rings are worn out:
Mower’s cylinder and/or rings may be worn out or damaged. This can cause white smoke from exhaust lawn mowerdue to increased fuel consumption and decreased overall engine performance.
Piston rings may get damaged due to any number of reasons, but the most common ones include:
- A dirty or worn-out air filter may allow dust and other particles to enter the combustion chamber and damage the piston rings.
- Replacing the engine oil on time or dirty oil will cause poor lubrication and damage to the piston rings.
How to Fix It.
Replacing the cylinder and rings is the only way to resolve this issue. A qualified mechanic should do this as it can be quite an involved process. Once that’s done, you should notice less smoke from your mower’s engine.
Incorrect Oil Grades:
Using the wrong oil grade in your mower can also cause white smoke to come from the exhaust. While it may seem minor, it’s severe and must be addressed immediately. Different engine models require different oil grades, so using the right one is essential for the best results.
How to Fix It.
The best way to resolve this issue is by switching to a higher-quality oil. This should be done as soon as possible, and it’s a good idea to consult your owner’s manual to ensure you use the correct grade of oil for your mower model. Once you’ve done that, start the mower and check for any smoke again. If still white smoke coming from lawn mower, it may be time to look closely at other parts of your mower’s engine.
Lawn mower white smoke then dies – Why?
If your lawn mower is emitting white smoke and then dying, this could mean there is a problem with the fuel system. There are several causes of white smoke. The first is an issue with the carburettor or air filter that can cause fuel to leak and be burned in the engine, which produces smoke.
Another likely cause is a clogged fuel injector, which blocks the flow of gasoline into the engine resulting in poor combustion and smoke. It could also be due to worn spark plug wires or faulty spark plugs not igniting fuel efficiently and causing white smoke. To determine what is causing your lawn mower to emit white smoke, you should take it to a qualified repair shop for diagnosis and repairs. They will be able to identify the source of the issue and provide the necessary repairs.
Once your lawn mower is repaired, you can help prevent this by regularly changing air filters and spark plugs, checking fuel lines for leaks, and ensuring the carburettor is clean. Keeping up with regular maintenance on your lawn mower will help it run properly and efficiently for years to come.
What is the Main Cause of Toro lawn mower white smoke?
White smoke from your Toro lawn mower can be concerning, but it is not necessarily a cause for alarm. It may be due to something as simple as using the wrong type of oil or overfilling the oil reservoir. This excess oil can then burn off and create the white smoke you see.
Another possible reason for the smoke is a dirty or clogged air filter, which can restrict airflow and cause the engine to burn oil. Checking and cleaning the air filter is a relatively easy fix that can prevent further damage to your mower.
If you have tried these solutions and are still seeing white smoke, it may be time to seek professional help. A certified Toro repair technician can diagnose the Toro lawn mower white smoke and provide the proper repairs to keep your lawn mower running smoothly.
Is the lawn mower blowing white smoke and won t start?
If you notice white smoke coming from your lawn mower and it won’t start, don’t panic. This problem is more common than you think and can be caused by several issues. The first thing to check is the oil level- if it’s overfilled or has the wrong type of oil, it can cause smoke and prevent the engine from starting.
Another possible cause is a clogged air filter or fuel filter, which can restrict airflow and prevent the engine from firing up. It’s also possible that the carburettor is dirty or needs adjusting. If you’re uncomfortable troubleshooting the issue, taking your lawn mower to a professional for repair is always a good idea.
By taking prompt action, you can ensure that your mower is back up and running quickly, so you can return to maintaining that beautiful lawn.
Concision:
If your lawn mower is blowing white smoke and won’t start, it may be due to overfilled oil or a clogged air filter. You can attempt to troubleshoot the problem by checking the oil level, cleaning or replacing the air filter, and inspecting other components for wear and tear.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing these steps, take your mower to a certified repair technician who can diagnose and fix the issue quickly and safely. With proper maintenance, you can keep your lawn mower running like new.
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Douglas Mackalie is a Founder of Mackalies Garden. He is one of the most exciting people you’ll ever meet. He has 25 years of experience in horticulture and gardening, most of which he’s spent outdoors getting his hands dirty.