If you’ve recently bought a new lawn mower, it can be frustrating when it won’t start. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to diagnose and solve the problem. In this blog post, we’ll review all of them so that you can quickly get your lawn mower running again and have a beautiful yard in no time! Find out what might be causing your new lawn mower to not start and how to troubleshoot the issue without calling an expensive repairman.
Nine common reasons a brand new mower won’t start:
- Low Oil level In the Engine
- Old oil in the engine
- Is The Choke On?
- Fuel or Air System Issues
- Starter Solenoid Malfunction
- Spark Plug Issues
- Is The Bail Lever On?
- Plug wire off
- Is Gas Tap On?
Low Oil level In the Engine
An oil issue is one of the most common causes of a lawn mower not starting. New lawnmowers are generally shipped with empty oil tanks, and some mower engines are also fitted with a low-oil level safety switch. This means if the oil is too low, the mower won’t start – so it’s essential to check the engine for an adequate amount of oil.
The average lawn mower will take from empty .65 us quarts/.6lt of 5w30 or 10w30 engine oil. However, be sure not to overfill, as too much can cause excessive crankcase pressure that may lead to no-start conditions.
Old Oil in the Engine:
If your lawnmower has been sitting around for a while or hasn’t been used recently, then there’s likely old, stale oil in the engine. Old oil in the engine can cause a wide range of issues, from not starting to poor performance and increased emissions.
It’s essential to change out the old oil for fresh – this will also help extend the life of your lawnmower engine.
Is The Choke On?:
The new lawn mower may not start because the choke is disengaged. The choke is essential to a lawn mower’s operation as it helps regulate the air/fuel mixture required for cold starts. It must be manually switched on when cranking a cold or warm engine. Turning it off can make it difficult or impossible for the mower to start up again. Be sure that you turn on the choke before attempting to start any lawn
Fuel or Air System Issues:
Any fuel lines or air filter issues can affect how well your new lawnmower won’t start. It’s essential to regularly clean and inspect both systems for blockages or leaks to keep them running smoothly.
Starter Solenoid Malfunction:
A starter solenoid issue is another common problem that may prevent your brand new mower won t start. This component sends electricity to the starter motor when you turn the key in the ignition. If this malfunctioning, you may need to replace it with a new one.
Spark Plug Issues:
A faulty spark plug can be another reason your new mower won’t start. This component delivers an electric spark which ignites the fuel and air mixture inside your engine’s cylinder – if it’s not working correctly, your lawnmower won’t start. Pull out the spark plug and look for signs of damage or wear-and-tear to check if yours functions perfectly.
Check Bail Lever:
If you’re having trouble starting your lawn mower, it’s worth checking if the bail lever is on. This lever needs to be in the ‘on’ position for your mower to start – if it’s not in the correct position, it won’t start up.
It is also known as a dead man’s lever, which is the on/off switch in the form of a lever located on the handlebars and must be held for the engine to run and stay running. If your mower won’t start when you release this lever, check if it’s correctly engaged.
Plug wire off:
Another issue that may be preventing your brand new lawn mower won’t start is a disconnected plug wire. Ensure all cables are connected correctly and in good condition before attempting to start it again.
Check Gas Tap:
Not all mowers need a gas tap, but if yours does and it’s turned off, your mower won’t start. To check if your mower has a gas tap, follow the gas line from the tank to the carburettor or look in your owner’s manual for more information. Once you’ve located it, be sure it is switched on before starting the engine again.
Troubleshooting these common problems should help get your brand-new lawn mower back up and running again quickly so you can enjoy a beautifully maintained lawn for years to come. If you still need help after trying these solutions, it’s best to contact a professional for assistance.
They’ll be able to identify and resolve any underlying problems with your mower preventing it from starting up correctly. By diagnosing the problem properly, they can also recommend the most efficient solution so that your lawn mower is back in tip-top shape in no time!
If Still Your Brand New Lawn Mower Won’t start: Check the Owners Manual
The last thing you can try to get your mower started is to look at the owner’s manual. It may contain troubleshooting advice specific to your model or instructions on properly starting the engine. Additionally, many manufacturers have helpful videos online to walk you through any steps required to start and assemble your mower. Following these instructions, you should get your new mower up and running quickly. Good luck!
Related Question
Why is my new lawn mower hard to start?
Starting a lawn mower can be a difficult task at times, mainly if it’s brand new. There may be several underlying issues preventing your mower from starting up properly. These include a dirty carburettor, clogged air filter, starter solenoid malfunction, spark plug issues, incorrect bail lever position and disconnected plug wire. If your new lawn mower has trouble starting up, you’ll need to troubleshoot these potential causes to get it running.
What are the signs for a bad starter on a lawn mower?
A whirring noise is not followed by the start-up rumble of the engine when trying to start your lawn mower; this could be a sign that the starter motor’s gear is worn and not catching the larger gear on the motor, or the starter switch may be defective. It’s always best to have a professional diagnose any issues with your mower to determine if it needs repairs or replacement parts.
Why does my lawn mower stop running after a few minutes?
The cause of this issue is condensation. Moisture can enter the system through a faulty gas cap or loose fitting cap, leading to condensation building up in the fuel tank. The best solution is to drain the mower’s fuel tank and refill it with fresh gas. Additionally, a clogged fuel filter may also be causing your engine to die after running for a few minutes.
How long to wait to restart lawn mower?
You must wait at least 15 minutes for the gas to evaporate before restarting your mower. This will ensure the engine is not flooded and keeps it from stalling again. If you’re still having problems, contact a professional for help troubleshooting any underlying issues with your mower that may be causing it to slow.
Why does my lawn mower run for 30 minutes then shut off?
It may have happened while mowing your lawn; your lawn mower runs for 30 minutes and then dies. Various issues, including a bad spark plug, air problems, a malfunctioning carburettor, or a faulty gas cap, could cause this. To fix these issues, check the fuel level and filter first.
Last Words
This post has helped teach you how to start a lawn mower and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. With the proper maintenance and care, your lawn mower will continue to run smoothly and keep your lawn looking great for years to come. If any serious problems occur, it’s best to contact a professional for help to get your mower back in tip-top shape.
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.