As a small engine mechanic, I’ve dealt with countless situations where a Troy-Bilt mower fails to start. Don’t worry! Most of these problems have simple solutions, which we will explore individually in this detailed guide. This user-friendly, step-by-step guide will help you diagnose and fix the issue preventing your mower from starting. Here are 20 common reasons and solutions:
Why Your Troy Bilt Lawn Mower Not Starting: Common Reasons
Not only you, I am also getting frustrated when my mower won’t start. It can be for various reasons that your Troy-Bilt mower isn’t starting. Below are some common include:
1. Dead Battery
- Symptoms: No response when you try to start the mower.
- Solution: Charge or replace the battery.
Use a battery charger to charge the battery and test the mower again. Also, you can purchase a new battery compatible with your mower, remove the old battery, and install the new one.
2. Dirty Spark Plug
- Symptoms: The mower is hard to start or runs poorly.
- Solution: Clean or replace the spark plug.
Disconnect the spark plug, and use a wire brush to remove and replace debris. And buy a new spark plug, remove the old one, and install the new one.
3. Clogged Air Filter
- Symptoms: Engine performance issues, such as rough or stalling engines.
- Solution: Clean or replace the air filter.
Remove the air filter from the filter box, gently tap it to remove dirt, and then clean it with compressed air. And purchase a new air filter, remove the old one, and install the new one.
4. Degraded Fuel Quality
- Symptoms: Poor engine performance or starting issues.
- Solution: Replace the old fuel with fresh fuel.
Empty the fuel tank and refill it with fresh fuel.
5. Damaged Ignition Coil
- Symptoms: No spark at the spark plug.
- Solution: Replace the ignition coil.
Purchase a new ignition coil, remove the old one, and install the new one.
6. Faulty Starter Solenoid
- Symptoms: The engine won’t turn over, often accompanied by a clicking sound.
- Solution: Replace the starter solenoid.
Purchase a new starter solenoid, remove the old one, and install the new one.
7. Malfunctioning Safety Switch
Symptoms: The mower won’t start even if you’ve followed all the proper starting procedures.
Solution: Inspect and replace any faulty safety switches.
- Check the seat switch, blade safety switch, and parking brake switch. Replace any malfunctioning switches.
8. Damaged Carburetor
- Symptoms: Starting and performance issues, such as stalling or uneven running.
- Solution: Clean or replace the carburetor.
Disassemble the carburetor, clean all the components, and reassemble. And, Purchase a new carburetor, remove the old one, and install the new one.
9. Worn-Out Starter Motor
- Symptoms: Engine cranks slower than usual.
- Solution: Replace the starter motor.
Purchase a new starter motor, remove the old one, and install the new one.
10. Loose or Broken Belts
- Symptoms: Grinding or squealing sounds while starting, or the engine fails to turn over.
- Solution: Check and tighten the belts, or replace any broken ones.
Inspect all the belts for signs of wear, tear, or breaks. Tighten any loose ones and replace any that are broken.
11. Bad Fuel Shut-Off Valve
- Symptoms: Starting issues with engine cranking but failing to start up.
- Solution: Replace the fuel shut-off valve.
Purchase a new fuel shut-off valve, remove the old one, and install the new one.
12. Clogged Fuel Line
- Symptoms: The engine won’t turn over or run poorly after starting up.
- Solution: Clean out the fuel line.
Remove the fuel line from both ends, inspect it for clogs or obstructions, and clean it out.
13. Obstructed Muffler
- Symptoms: Engine won’t turn over or runs sluggish after starting up.
- Solution: Clear any debris from the muffler.
Remove the muffler and inspect it for obstructions such as leaves, dirt, or other debris preventing proper airflow.
14. Wet Spark Plug
- Symptoms: Engine cranks but fails to start up or runs poorly after starting up.
- Solution: Dry off and replace the spark plug.
Remove the spark plug, dry it off with a cloth, and if necessary, replace it with a new one of the same type.
15. Low Oil Level
- Symptoms: The engine won’t turn over or runs sluggishly after starting up.
- Solution: Check and add more oil if needed.
If necessary, check the oil level with a dipstick and add more oil to reach the proper level.
16. Broken Flywheel Key
- Symptoms: No response when you try to start the mower.
- Solution: Replace the flywheel key.
Remove the flywheel and inspect it for damage or wear on the key slot. If there is any damage, purchase a new flywheel key and install it in place of the old one.
17. Poor Electrical Connections
- Symptoms: Starting issues with engine cranking but failing to start up.
- Solution: Inspect and clean all electrical connections.
Check all the wires and connectors for signs of corrosion or damage. Clean any dirt or rust on them, and ensure everything is connected correctly.
18. Damaged Ignition Switch
- Symptoms: No response when you try to start the mower.
- Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
Purchase a new ignition switch, remove the old one, and install the new one.
19. Fuel Starvation
- Symptoms: The engine starts but runs slowly or stalls shortly after starting up.
- Solution: Check fuel flow from tank to carburetor.
Inspect all the fuel lines for clogs, cracks, or other damage that could impede fuel flow from the tank to the carburetor, and replace any damaged parts.
20. Bad Starter Relay
- Symptoms: No response when you try to start the mower or a clicking sound when you turn the key.
- Solution: Replace the starter relay.
Purchase a new starter relay, remove the old one, and install the new one.
Final Outcome
Once you have identified and fixed the issue preventing your mower from starting, practicing good preventative maintenance is essential. This includes doing regular tune-ups based on the manufacturer’s instructions, changing the oil regularly, keeping fuel fresh and clean, replacing worn out or faulty parts as needed, cleaning out any debris in the muffler or air filter, checking electrical connections are secure and free of corrosion, maintaining proper levels of oil in the engine, inspecting belts for wear or damage, and ensuring there is no obstruction in the fuel line. Doing so will help keep your mower running smoothly and reliably for many years.
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.