Like other machines, a push mower has several components that power the blades. One of these components is the carburetor – it provides fuel to the Engine and helps regulate its performance. Knowing where the carburetor is on a push mower can help you troubleshoot any issues and ensure your machine runs smoothly.
But you may be a beginner and need to know where the carburetor on a lawn mower? Because different brands manufacture various mower designs, we will guide you on how to find it here.
Location of the Carburetor & Its Function
The carburetor on a lawn mower is typically located to the side or top of the Engine, often underneath or behind the air filter cover. It’s responsible for combining air and fuel and delivering it to the Engine in the right amounts.
Most lawn mower manufacturers make the air filter housing cover easily removable to access it readily, revealing the carburetor for annual maintenance. It is typically a metal cylinder with metal fittings on either side. Some have an adjustment screw attached, allowing you to adjust the air and fuel ratio.
If you try to find the carburetor , first find the air filter housing. This is usually a metal or plastic cover secured to the Engine by screws. Once you find it, remove the screws and lift up the cover. The carburetor should now be visible beneath the air filter housing.
You can also find the carburetor by tracing the air filter or fuel lines. If you still have any doubts, consult your manual for a lawn mower diagram.
Where is the carburetor on a push mower? (All Types)
The push mower carburetor can be found in two different locations, which is as below:
1.) Under the Gas Tank (Generally use gravity fuel system)
2.) Behind the Air filter The main benefit manufacturers try to reap by installing the carburetor in this position is that it no complex ducting is needed to reach the carburetor and it facilitates easy access for adjusting or servicing the carburetor.
Riding Mowers (All Types)
The riding mower may be zero turn lawn mower or a traditional lawn tractor; the lawn mower carburetor location can be easily located by tracing the fuel lines from the gas tank to the Engine. The carburetor is usually on the side of the Engine, with the air filter overlapping it.
What Does A Mower Carburetor Look Like?
Mower carburetors vary in size, shape and design depending on the manufacturer. But typically, most of them have a metal cylinder with metal fittings on either side, and some also have an adjustment screw attached, allowing you to adjust the air and fuel ratio.
What is the Importance of the Carburetor on a Lawn Mower?
A carburetor is essential for your lawn mower as:
- It controls the fuel and air mixture supply to the Engine’s cylinders, allowing it to run smoothly.
- It is responsible for regulating the speed and power of your mower.
- It also helps maintain fuel efficiency, ensuring that only the correct amount of fuel is used.
Symptoms of a Faulty Carburetor
If you suspect your lawn mower carburetor is faulty, the following symptoms will confirm the same.
- Difficulty Starting: You may experience difficulty starting your lawn mower, as the carburetor must be in perfect working order to deliver the right fuel and air mixture.
- Poor Idling: If your lawn mower is idling too fast or too slow, the carburetor may be to blame.
- Unusual Sounds: If your lawn mower is making strange noises, it could indicate an issue with the carburetor.
- Poor Performance: The carburetor may be clogged or damaged if your lawn mower runs poorly.
- Excessive Fuel Consumption: If your lawn mower seems to be using too much fuel, the carburetor may need to be adjusted.
To ensure your mower runs properly for many years to come, it’s important to perform regular maintenance and service your carburetor regularly. Check the air filter, fuel lines, and other components for any signs of wear and tear, and replace them if necessary. This can help prevent any major issues with your carburetor in the future.
Note: The ideal air-to-fuel ratio is 12:1 or 15:1 ratio of air to fuel.
Signs Of A Dirty Carburetor
If you want your machine to work properly, we recommend constantly checking any signs of a dirty carburetor. Because a stained carburetor can lead various issues. Below we share some common signs that would help you to identify the cause:
Here are some signs:
- Old gasoline
- The Engine will not start
- Engine hunts at idle or high speed
- Lawn mower leaking gas
- Engine lacks power at high speed
How to Clean a Lawn Mower Carburetor
Cleaning a carburetor periodically is always helpful for your lawn mower, here are some easy steps to help you and save your time:
- Turn off your mower.
- Remove the spark plug cable.
- Place an area with good ventilation
- Clamp the fuel line with a clamp or turn the shut-off valve.
- Detach the throttle cable with needle nose pliers.
- Take out your air filter with a screwdriver and clean it with a rag.
- Remove the carburetor.
- Unscrew the carburetor bowl and clean the nut with carb cleaner and a wire brush.
- Detach the bowl and clean it with carburetor cleaner.
- Clean your carburetor with carburetor cleaner.
- Finally, reinstall the carburetor, the air filter, and the throttle cable.
How to Replace the Carburetor in a Riding Mower?
We’ve made a list of steps to replace your riding mower’s carburetor. However, it would be best if you always referred to the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions.
- Switch off the engine and remove the key.
- Please raise the seat of the mower.
- Detach the negative cable from the battery and ensure it does not touch the post. You can do this by folding it away.
- Uncover the engine cover of your mower.
- Take out the air duct screws and remove the air duct.
- Twist each of the knobs on the air filter cover in a counter-clockwise direction and remove it.
- Take out the air filter.
- Unscrew the air filter housing fastener.
- Remove the front and rear blower housings by removing their mounting bolts.
- Lift and put aside the blower housing.
- Unfasten the lower dash, after which you can take it off.
- Clamp off the fuel line using a pair of hose pinch-off pliers.
You can now access the carburetor and start replacing it. Once done, you must reverse all these steps to put your mower back together. Ensure that all connections are secure before testing out your bike.
Carburetor Placement By Brand
Carburetors are placed differently depending on the brand. Also, carburetors from different companies may have varying specifications.
- Push Mower Carburetor: You should trace the fuel lines and air intake filter to locate the carburetor.
- John Deere Mower Carburetor: A John Deere carburetor is found at the mid-right side under the lawn mower engine hood. The carburetor has a recognizable black bowl and a small needle valve on the bottom.
- Husqvarna Mower Carburetor: A Husqvarna carburetor is located on the right side of the lawn mower engine housing. This is typically found under the hood linked with springs and choke levers controlling the engine rpm.
- Craftsman Mower Carburetor: A Craftsman carburetor can be found below the air filter housing. Initially, it would help if you located the air intake and filters. The carburetor is found beneath the engine hood on the right.
- Briggs & Stratton Mower Carburetor: A Briggs & Stratton carburetor can be recognized with its plastic and metal gas tank assembly. It can be found under the air filter and has levers and springs for controlling rpm. It does not utilize a fuel bowl but has a gas tank assembly.
- Walbro Mower Carburetor: Locating the Walbro Carburetor can be done by finding the number stamped on the body of the carburetor. Follow these steps to locate the carburetor.
- Locate the carburetor on the Engine
- Search the body of the carburetor for the identification numbers
- Identify the model of the unit using the identification numbers
FAQs
How Frequently Should You Clean The Mower’s Carburetor?
Ideally, it would be best to clean the carburetor every month.
Where’s the carburetor on a lawn mower?
The carburetor on a lawn mower can be found on the right side of the lawn mower engine housing and typically under the hood, connected with springs and choke levers controlling the engine rpm.
Which type of materials are used to make lawn mower carburetors?
Lawnmower carburetors can be made of plastic, metal, and other materials. The material used to create a lawn mower’s carburetor depends on the manufacturer.
Conclusion:
We hope you have answered your query about where a carburetor is on a lawn mower. And how to replace it. The carburetor of your lawn mower is integral to the Engine and helps control the fuel/air ratio that goes into the Engine.
It is essential to regularly clean, inspect and replace the carburetor of your lawn mower if necessary for optimal performance. Remember the manufacturer’s instructions while returning it, and always wear protective gear.
Now that you know where the carburetor is on a lawn mower, what are you waiting for? Get started with your DIY project today..
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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.