Honda izy mower troubleshooting. Honda Mower Self Propelled Not Working? – Easy Fixes

Honda Mower Self Propelled Not Working? – Easy Fixes!

Imagine you’re all set to trim the fresh grassy heads in the lawn after a full-growth period and rely on your very durable Honda mower that has been serving you for years, to do the job but to your dismay, you find your Honda self-propelled lawn mower not working!!

At times, you would find yourself in a situation where the Honda self-propelled lawn mower either does not move, or is moving very slowly. In both cases, the quality and speed of work on the lawn would be directly affected. If you’re dealing with Honda self-propelled lawn mower problems, don’t you worry, they can easily be fixed.

While you try to fix a Honda lawn mower not self-propelling, you need to check for probable causes on the mower-

• The engine bears an issue
• The drive cable or the drive belt is loose and needs adjusting;
• The gears of the axle of the driveshaft pin is missing;
• The pulleys have worn-out; or
• The transmission is weak or has failed entirely.

The culprit can be either one of the above. So, while we proceed to troubleshoot Honda lawn mower self-propelled lawn mower problems, we’ll start off with the basics and keep ticking off the parts which bear no issue so that the correct defective part is attended to and resolved.

Hence, let’s get started to resolve the slow self-propelling of your Honda lawn mower.

How To Troubleshoot A Honda Lawn Mower Not Self Propelling:

As quoted above, the first and the most basic requirement of any lawnmower to stay running, is a sufficient and fresh supply of fuel. So, let’s start off with the engine and then, move on to the other issues which can slow down the self-propelling mechanism of the Honda mower.

There is an Engine Issue;

As a regular lawn mower maintenance practice, it is always suggested that you drain the fuel before storing the mower away but that also means that the next time you start using it, add fresh and sufficient fuel.

Is the fuel tank empty?

It’s a basic human error that usually, we forget to check the fuel in the tank and just keep wondering about why is my Honda lawn mower Smart drive not working. Without fuel, no lawn mower can move a leg!!

So, check the fuel and add a sufficient amount of fuel in the tank, as recommended in the Honda manual.

Is the fuel stale? Has it contaminated?

Another reason for engine issues can be not the insufficient amount of fuel but the bad quality of fuel in the tank which fails to power up the engine and starts clogging it instead.

• Old fuel starts breaking down and turns gummy which leaves a thick residue on the fuel system before it evaporates.
• So, if it’s been a long while since the fuel was changed, empty the fuel tank completely and add in fresh engine oil.
• At this point, add in a fuel-stabilizer too, to increase the longevity of fuel in the tank and to protect the engine.

( Also check out my latest article on Lawn mower gasoline to learn everything about the right kind of fuel for a lawn mower. )

Are the air filters clogged?

Just by changing the old fuel and refreshing the fuel tank, you think you did your bit to fix the engine issue on your Honda but sadly, that’s not the case!!

• Old fuel clogs the air filters severely and reduces their efficiency. Thus, clogged air filters block the supply of air to the combustion chamber and the air-to-fuel mix ratio becomes disproportionate.
• Due to less or restricted supply of air, fuel in the tank starts thickening up and a lot of pressure builds up in the combustion chamber, leading to an overheated and smoking engine.

Thus, the air filters must be cleaned regularly, not only while changing fuel. As explained above, for consummate combustion to take place, clean supply of air must reach the engine, otherwise, fuel and fire alone, without the supply of oxygen, won’t be able to start the engine.

Is the Spark Plug working? Is it clean? Installed correctly?

The Spark plug is a small electrical part on the engine but it can be safely said, it plays a pivotal role in starting the lawn mower engine.

When you turn the ignition on, it produces a spark which ignites combustion in the chamber and the engine starts.

• To build sufficient spark, its terminals must be clean, they must be gapped correctly and the porcelain insulators must not be broken.
• But after a period of time, the spark plug terminals can become dirty with carbon deposits around them and in rare cases, the porcelain insulators also crack when they become old.
• Thus, check the spark plug. Clean its terminals and gap them correctly.
• Test the spark plug using a multimeter. If it is not working, change it with a new one.
• At this point, also test the solenoid using the multimeter, because if the spark plug is working but the solenoid is bad, no current would pass to the ignition coil and the engine won’t start. So, change the solenoid also if it’s a faulty one.

After the quality of fuel has been restored, the air filters have been cleaned and the spark plug is checked, now start your Honda self-propelled lawn mower.

If it still does not move, the issue does not lie with the engine but with the other parts. Read on to investigate the issues further and learn how to resolve them.

A Slack Drive Cable;

The second most common reason for a Honda self-propelled mower not propelling is a loose drive cable.

It’s very easy to identify if the drive cable has gone loose.

If your Honda lawn mower self-propelled is slow, it is due to the loose drive cable, which has lost all its tension and is too stretched out.

Different Honda lawn mowers have different kinds of set-up and designs. You would notice a bail lever to Start/Stop the mower and a lever for speed adjustment, at the side of the throttle lever.

“The Honda Smart Drive lawn mowers have a single control on the handlebar and such a self-drive system is rather very easy to adjust.”

• Firstly, disable the Honda engine by disconnecting it from the spark plug.
• Wear your safety gloves and turn the lawn mower with the carburetor-side facing upwards so that there is no leakage of fuel.
• Open the lock bolts using a screwdriver.
• Start turning the bolt in an anti-clockwise direction.

Note: While tightening the bolts of the drive cable, please remember that you have to reach the perfect balance between too tight and too loose. It just has to be securely tight.

Extremely tightly screwed drive belts will again not move and would be rather at the risk of breaking down and the engine won’t start.

The Drive Belt is Loose;

The Honda self-propelled lawn mowers drive belts are known to be very durable and don’t wear out easily. That is why, the Honda lawn mower generally does not showcase either transmission problems or steering issues like other lawn mowers.

But, no lawn mower is invincible when it comes to the age of the mechanical components.

• With time, the drive belt can become old, loosens up and thus, starts slipping over the pulleys. If you have to constantly fix the drive belt over the pulleys but in the blink of an eye it comes off, the drive belt only must be replaced.
• A loose or a damaged drive belt also can give birth to Honda self-propelled lawn mower transmission problems because it won’t engage the wheels and no power will reach the engine in that case, thus, engine issues erupt!

Not only this, a loose drive belt can also create a number of common lawn mower deck issues like excessive vibration and noisy operation etc.

Now how to check if the drive belt is bad?- Squeeze both ends of the drive belt with both hands. If you’re able to, then the drive belt is not sturdy anymore and has lost its tension. That is why, it’s becoming loose and keeps coming off.

Thus, to fix this, change the faulty drive belt with a new one.

( Quick Tip: When you go for a new drive-belt shopping, carry the worn-out belt along. This will help you match the belt size for your mower.)

The Axle Gears have Worn-Out;

If you still haven’t been able to identify the issue but have not been able to repair Honda lawn mower self-propelled system, let’s move ahead and check the axle assembly.

There can be two issues with the Honda axle assembly-

• Missing or broken pin of the driveshaft; or
• Worn-out gears of the axle.

• Most commonly, it is the little drive shaft pin that goes missing while the mower is used for a long time, on uneven or hilly terrains. I
• This small pin keeps the gears connected to the axles. If it breaks down or goes missing, the gears and the axles become disconnected and the Honda mower ceases to move, or at times, moves extremely slowly.
• If this pin of the drive shaft is missing, replace it.
• But if the gears of the Honda mower axles are worn-out, it’s not-so-good news as you can’t do much to repair them.
• In case of worn-out gears of the axles, you would have to purchase the entire drive axles assembly.

The Drive Pulleys are Worn-Out or Damaged;

If the axles are going good but the Honda lawn mower is not self-propelling, it can be the worn-out or damaged drive pulleys due to which the lawn mower is not moving.

The drive pulleys are the connector between the axles and the Honda engine. In case of bad pulleys, the gearbox will fail to engage the wheels assembly and as result, the lawn mower fails to move.

It can be slightly a task to change the worn-out pulleys as you would require a certain level of technical knowledge and tools. So, I suggest you get it done at a designated repair shop.

Issues with the Transmission System;

Lastly, if nothing has been able to suffice to repair your self-propelled Honda lawn mower, it’s certainly the failed transmission which can be the cause.

The gearboxes of Honda lawn mowers are very long-lasting and extremely resistant against regular wear-and-tear. They can only bear the brunt of age and time.

So, if nothing has worked out as yet, change the entire gearbox to resolve Honda self-propelled lawn mower transmission problems.

( Please note: The axles and the transmission of Honda mowers are available as a compact single unit and in case of failure of any, you would be changing both the axles and the transmission. If that’s the case, you can also think about purchasing a new Honda lawn mower as buying the whole new transmission can be a costly affair. )

Having said that, this brings me to the end of this Honda self-propelled lawn mower troubleshooting guide. Change the worn-out parts with new ones and always purchase quality parts from an authentic service station only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why is my self-propelled lawn mower so slow?

Answer – A loose drive cable is most commonly the reason why your lawn mower is self-propelling so slow. Adjust it correctly or change it if required to fix this issue.

Q2. Do self-propelled lawn mowers have different speeds?

Answer – Yes, there are variable speeds on superior self-propelled lawn mowers. In case, the single speed option is too fast for you or not as per your preferred mowing speed, you can adjust the self-propelling speed as per your desire. This is called Personal Pace or Smart Drive on a self-propelled lawn mower.

Q3. Do self-propelled lawn mowers need oil?

Answer – Like all other lawn mowers, the self-propelled lawn mowers too need engine oil for internal combustion. A simplest of a lawn mower engine can have several moving parts, that’s why it is important for the engine to be lubricated and well-oiled by a premium engine oil.

Q4. What is the most unique aspect of a self-propelled lawn mower?

Answer – Self-propelled lawn mowers are different from the regular push mowers. The regular push lawn mowers require pushing in order to move forward but to move these self-propelled lawn mowers, the bail needs to be engaged which is a bar on the handle and you would need to squeeze it to continue mowing using the mower.

Q5. Do the self-propelled lawn mowers need more battery?

Answer – Any lawn mower which is self-propelled needs more energy and thus, takes more battery. In case you have an electric lawn mower which is self-propelled, discontinue using the self-propelled feature on the mower to save the battery.

Conclusion

When it comes to repairing a Honda lawn mower slow self-propelling Smart drive system, I always suggest starting off with the basics, that is the engine issue. At times, the real reason behind all the complications can be a simple no-fuel issue, or clogging of the fuel system. Thus, always maintain your Honda mower regularly. Drain the fuel out before you park the mower so that you remember to fill in fresh fuel when you use it the next time.

If this does not help in moving your Honda, the easiest is to check the drive cable and the drive belt. If your Honda mower is self-propelling really slowly, it is the loose cable or the belt that needs adjustment. So, adjust them correctly but reach the perfect balance between too tight or too loose.

Change the worn-out pulleys too so that the gearbox can engage the wheels. But if the transmission is worn-out, replace the entire gearbox assembly.

With all this information, I hope your Honda mower will start self-propelling smoothly like before. If there’s any other issue, drop your query in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section below.

Honda Self propelled Lawn Mower not pulling [Troubleshooting]

Honda Self propelled Lawn Mower not pulling?

Don’t worry. We are here to help you!

Science and technology never solve a problem without raising ten other. Your Honda lawnmower is not an exception in this. This grass cutting machine has reduced the human effort to a great extent. However, it has brought its share of problems along. Honda self-propelled lawnmower, not able to pull is one of them. Not just this, there are few other problems that this lawnmower brings. If you are facing one such issue, and are finding a way to resolve it, then you are in the right place.

In this article, we are going to tell you some of the common issues that this lawnmower encounters and discuss the reasons and solutions keenly. In the end, we will be answering some of the questions that most of you have. So do not miss a line from here. Let’s get started.

Honda SELF PROPELLED LAWNMOWER PROBLEMS

• Wheels getting lockedHave you ever looked at the back wheels of your Honda self propelled lawnmower while making a turn? Although we expect the left wheel to rotate while turning right, none of the wheels rotates. This is because of a key that transmits power from the shaft to the driven gear. You can see this gear once if you open the wheel.

Honda SELF-PROPELLED LAWNMOWER TROUBLESHOOTING

Since the problem here is with the power transmission, we need to check the power transmission parts one by one. If you have been using your lawnmower for a good time now, and feel that your lawnmower is not moving smoothly or is pulling irregularly, then try applying lubricant. This smoothens the power transmission. Else try these steps one by one.

I. Check the drive cable:

First, it is essential to check if the command sent by you is adequately transmitted to your lawnmower. You can check this by checking the drive cable. If you can feel the instant change in sound while operating the drive cable, it is an indication that your drive cable works fine. If not, try fixing your drive cable. Do pour oil into it for smooth functioning.

II. Inspect the drive pulley:

Power from the engine is first transmitted to the drive pulley. Generally drives pulleys are made of durable material. Hence they wear only on long term usage. But as the part of the process check if these drive pulleys is good and make sure it is not worn. In case you find it broken or worn out change it.

III. Check the v-belt/ Honda mower belt:

The next thing on the line is the V-belt or Honda mower belt drive that connects the drive pulley to the driven pulley. This belt, working in tension, has a high chance of expanding and this losing the grip. A loose belt would first slip and then will not transmit power as it will lose complete grip on both the drive and the driven pulley.

So if you find this belt loose, do replace it with a new one.

IV. Wheel assembly:

If both the above are fit and sound, then check the wheel assembly. This includes the wheel and the parts necessary to fix it. If any of the wheels are not rotating though the shaft is rotating, then you need to replace the wheels.

V. Check transmission and transmission Assembly:

Though this should be discussed before the wheel assembly, we are telling it after. It is because this has a very less chance of occurrence. Transmission assembly includes a shaft and the gears. Because of continuous work, shaft and gears may wear out and thus fail to supply power.

If this happens, then you need to change the whole thing. This is the final thing that can cause your Honda self propelled lawnmower to fail. There is also a key in between the shaft and the wheel. Check that too and replace if found broken or worn.

So those were the causes, solutions, and troubleshooting tips that one has to follow to repair their Honda self propelled lawnmower. As we have known, loosing of the Honda lawnmower belt is the most common reason for your Honda self propelled lawnmower to stop working. Now let us have a look at the steps that you need to follow while changing the drive belt.

HOW TO CHANGE THE Honda LAWN MOVER BELT?

If it is your first time, to change the Honda lawnmower belt, then follow these steps to do it successfully.

• Disassemble the grass clipping collector bag from the mower. For safety, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
• Disassemble the belt housing with the help of a screwdriver.
• Remove the loose or old belt that is on the pulley.
• Locate the screw on the transmission pulley after removing the belt and rotate the screw anticlockwise. This brings the driver and the driven pulley closer.
• Now put the new belt on to the pulleys a rotate the screw clockwise.
• This tightens the belt and creates sufficient tension.

The throttle is controlled by a drive cable which connects the handlebar controls to the engine throttle. This can be adjusted by pulling it tight and then fixing it at the throttle body or the handlebar.

As mentioned above, after removing the housing, find the screw on the transmission shaft and rotate it clockwise. This tightens the Honda mower belt and thus adjusts it to the desired tension.

Many things cause your mower to stop propelling. However, the most common one is the failure of the spark plug. Do check the spark plug and wire and change if found fault.

Yes, you can push your self-propelled lawnmower just like you push your bike. It doesn’t damage the transmission in any way.

So this brings us to the end of the article.

From the article, you might have got the necessary information regarding the common problems that occur in Honda self-propelled lawnmower. This is the most selling lawnmower round the clock. Though it has small problems, it’s self-propelling capability is attracting the users and is reducing their effort to a great extent.

GUIDE CREDITS: Honda Support Team

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Lawn Mower Sputtering? Here’s How to Fix It

Lawnmower maintenance is a crucial part of keeping your mower running properly. Regular maintenance promotes the overall health of your lawnmower and its ability to properly operate. But even with regular maintenance, there may be times when you experience issues with your mower. One common problem among lawnmowers is sputtering. Lawn mower sputtering is generally an inexpensive and easy fix that can be done on your own as part of your regular maintenance.

In this article I’ll share what causes a sputtering lawn mower, and what you can do to fix this common problem.

About Lawn Mower Engines

The engine of your mower relies on the right combination of fuel, air, and a spark (for combustion). Your mower needs each of these to prevent the mower from sputtering and eventually dying.

For the most part, many of the issues that cause a sputtering mower can be fixed by the weekend warrior.

However, there are times when it is best to use a professional for the job.

You’ll want to check a few items to determine what’s causing your mower to sputter, and that will determine if it’s a DIY fix, or you need to call in a professional.

Let’s look at some reasons why your lawnmower may be sputtering and how you should address each of these issues.

Identifying the Cause of a Sputtering Lawn Mower

Below are some of the more common reasons for sputtering lawnmowers and how they can be resolved.

Old Fuel or the Wrong Fuel

The gas you get at the local gas station will generally contain about 10% ethanol. It’s cheaper than pure gasoline, and works fine for cars, but I don’t use it in my mower because it’s low quality.

Ethanol burns quickly and can potentially melt plastic parts, leading to sputtering in your mower. And if you use ethanol blended gas, only buy a little at a time.

If it sits in your garage for more than a couple of months it will go bad and can lead to a sputtering mower.

You can use a fuel stabilizer to extend the life of the gasoline, but I recommend using an ethanol-free gas. It’ll burn cleaner and help your mower to start on the first pull and roar like a tiger.

I use 4-cycle Tru-Fuel in my Honda mower, and love it. It’s pricey, but I highly recommend you try it. You can buy it locally at most box stores, or you can order it online (Amazon link).

Clogged or Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters are one of the most common reasons lawn mowers sputter.

Dirt can be present in the apertures that lead from the carburetor and the fuel filter and interrupt the flow of fuel supply to the combustion chamber.

You want to be sure to clean or replace dirty air filters.

Paper air filters will need to be replaced. But you can generally clean foam air filters with a drop of liquid dish soap and warm water.

After cleaning the air filter, squeeze dry and air dry.

My Honda mower uses a paper air filter which I replace every year as part of my spring mower tune-up.

During the summer, I remove it and blow the dust and debris off before each mow.

Dirty Fuel Filters

Any filter will get dirty with time, and just like the air filters, fuel filters in a lawn mower need to be clean.

Replace yours if they’re dirty.

Clogged fuel filters prevent the flow of gasoline to the engine which can lead to a lack of fuel needed for proper functioning.

This imbalance of air and fuel in your engine can cause your mower to sputter and run rough.

A Bad Gas Cap

Misfires can occur with an improperly vented gas cap on your mower.

If your gas cap has improper venting, too much air can be allowed to enter the gas tank (or too little). This can cause a vapor lock.

It’s an easy fix – just replace the cap if it is damaged or bent or if you see that the vent hole is restricted.

That Carburetor is FILTHY

Gunky deposits can occur in the apertures and carburetor.

This buildup is from the sticky by-products of hydrocarbon and combustion.

Using a carburetor cleaner spray (this one on Amazon is what I use and swear by) on a regular basis can loosen dirt deposits and keep your mower’s apertures and hoses clean.

I give my carb a shot every time I clean my air filter before I mow.

Water in the Fuel Tank or Fuel Line

Water prevents the mower cylinder from properly igniting. Remove the cap and check the gas tank for evidence of water (if you see the liquid separating or looking like two different colors).

If there is water in your tank, siphon or drain it, then add new gas.

After old gas in the line works its way through the mower’s engine it should stop sputtering and run like new again.

Check the Spark Plug

Worn or damaged spark plugs make the engine difficult to start. If the plug is damaged, worn, or deteriorating you should replace the plug.

If the tip is fouled or dirty, just clean it with a wire brush and reset to the mowers manufacture’s settings.

You can also look into purchasing another brand of spark plug to see if the mower runs better with a different brand. The plug that comes from the factory with some mowers doesn’t work great on some lawn mower brands.

The spark plug is generally not the first thing I’ll check for a sputtering mower. But a dirty or damaged plug can sometimes be the cause.

Your spark plug is an easy item to replace, and costs about 8 at your local hardware store.

I replace my plug every other year as part of my annual maintenance routine. If it has been more than two years since you’ve bought a new plug, I recommend replacing it as part of your tune-up to fix your sputtering lawn mower.

Your Carburetor Has Issues

Some carb cleaning spray will help if your carburetor is simply dirty, but sometimes there are other issues that can cause lawn mower sputtering.

The carburetor affects how well the mower runs. The wrong blend of air and fuel can cause the carburetor to run rough.

The carburetor must have the right amount of air and fuel to run correctly, and while the average weekend warrior can probably find and remove his mower’s carb, due to its complexity, the carburetor can be tricky to clean or repair.

If you’ve tried everything else on this list, it’s likely a carburetor issue and your mower may require professional service.

A professional can determine the repairs, cleaning, and replacements needed. They’ll then get the carburetor working properly.

First, check to see if your mower is covered by a warranty of any kind. If it’s not, find a local small engine repair guy (or gal), and have your mower serviced.

It’ll be cheaper than you expect.

A Dirty Mower Deck

Caked grass on the mowing deck can cause the mower to sputter.

If you have tall or wet grass you may have noticed that your mower started sputtering as you mowed your lawn.

Check the underside of the mower for excess grass caked on.

Use a wrench to remove the spark plug to prevent the mower from turning on while you work. Then scrape the excess grass using a scraping tool such as a paint scraper.

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by Sarah The Lawn Chick

Sarah’s blog, Lawn Chick, is read by over 2 million homeowners each year and she is regularly cited as an expert source of lawn care knowledge by major publications. Her goal is to meet you where you are, and help you achieve a yard you’ll be proud of. Ready to take the next step toward improving your lawn? Grab her free lawn care cheat-sheet: What to Do When. Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care, or upgrade your garage by browsing her favorite DIY lawn care products.

thoughts on “ Lawn Mower Sputtering? Here’s How to Fix It ”

I am a 62 year old female just having to learn how to care for my own mowers, riding push. Your article was more informative than the many others I’ve read! Thought it was sputtering due to the spark plug but now I’m sure it’s the carburator. FYI, when my husband was the main mower man both mowers spent more time in the shop than on the lawn and the cost of repairs would have bought me a brand new one. If it didn’t start immediately off it went to the shop. It never cost less than 100, usually more plus 60 for a 1 mile pick up. I really think the repair man had my husband pegged for a sucker and that may be accurate. That’s the main reason I decided to care for them myself. Since I became the main mower lady and actually read articles like yours it’s smooth riding! Lol Thank you so much for your help.

Thanks, Teresa! Your article made my day – I’m so glad you found this helpful and are tackling these projects yourself!

My Lawn tractor Craftsman R1500 30″ deck, Mod.#247.29900 by MTD, sputters (like running out off gas) after 20-25 minutes of operation and eventually dying. After cooling off for 30 minutes or so, it starts and run again. It is frustrating! Can you please help my with my problem? I installed new fuel filter, put new gas. (I run out gas as season changes). What else can I check to make it work? Thank you in advance Mick T.

Hey, Mick – It sounds like you may have a clogged gas cap vent. The gas cap on most lawn tractors has a small hole in it which allows air to get into the tank. This is important because as your mower burns fuel, that empty space in the tank needs to be replaced with air for the correct mixture of fuel in the engine. If air can’t enter the tank as your mower burns the fuel backward pressure is created and your engine will struggle to get enough gas, which is why you may hear your engine surging or sputtering the same way it would if it was running out of fuel. Typically when I hear that the mower works well at first, then this issue happens after 20 minutes or so, this is the culprit, because that’s when you’ve used enough of the fuel for the pressure imbalance to become an issue. A good way to trouble-shoot and determine if this is definitely the issue is to run the mower, and when this happens and your mower won’t start, open up the gas cap and then put it back on. This will relieve the pressure, allow air in the tank, and get things back in balance. If the mower starts up right afterward and runs fine, you’ve identified the problem. Clearing the vent is easy – just find something small enough to slide through the vent hole and clear out any dirt or debris that’s in there, and you’re good to go. If it’s cold where you are, you may need to bring the cap inside to warm it up first as the solids in there may be frozen, making them tougher to remove. Hope this solves your problem!

Great help. My lawnmower was starting and sputtering and dying in a couple of seconds. Tried NEW GAS (the one in the tank was a year or more old) and it WORKED.

My Self-Propelled Mower Won’t Work…Help!!

So, what happens when the wheels on your self-propelled don’t turn or the mower won’t go anymore?

It’s simple, here are 6 troubleshooting steps that you can use to get your lawn mower back on track!

Whether your push mower is a Honda, a Craftsman, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, or any of the best push mowers of 2020.

You will likely find the information you need to fix your self driving push mower in this article.

Step One: Inspect the v-belt.

Here’s the deal, the v-belt connects to the pulleys. This in turn drives the lawn mower wheels.

From time to time, the belt may wear out and needs to be replaced. Simply put. if that belt is worn out or broken. the wheels won’t turn.

Below is a helpful video on how to replace the v-belt.

Step Two: Check the drive pulley.

The next step is to check the drive pulley. The drive pulley connects to the crankshaft and is turned by the v-belt. If that drive pulley is defective. the transmission will not be able to engage the wheel assembly and turn the wheels.

So how do you fix it?

It’s easy, with a few tools in the garage, the drive pulley can be replaced if defective. Start by removing the lawn mower blade. From there it should be pretty easy to remove the belt if it needs to be replaced.

Step Three: Check the self-propel cable.

This cable runs from the handle of the lawn mower to the transmission. The location and high use of this cable make it susceptible to breaking. It can be checked by seeing if the control cable moves freely. If it doesn’t, some WD40 should be used to lubricate it a little.

But, if that doesn’t work, it may need to be replaced.

To Check the Self-drive Cable:

• Inspect the line for kinks
• Check both connections of the line
• Check for loose parts or cracking plastic
• Make sure that the cable moves freely

If you have ever folded your lawn mower handles down and your self-propel feature stopped working. There is a good chance you kinked the cable and need to replace it.

Step Four: Check the transmission.

The transmission is powered by the drive belt that connects to the crankshaft. When working properly, the drive belt powers the transmission, and the wheels turn.

To check the transmission, carefully watch the transmission when the engine is running. If the pulley is spinning, and the wheels aren’t turning, the transmission is bad.

Unfortunately. if this is broken, it may be time to buy a new mower because this part is generally unreplaceable.

Fortunately. the transmission will often get clogged up with grass. Often times, you can remove the grass from around the transmission gears to get the self drive mechanism working again.

Step Five: Check gear box and wheels.

If the mower is lifted off the ground, and the other gears work The wheels have to be taken off to make sure that the toothed gear is engaging with the toothed wheel.

The problem could be that a clip slipped along with the washer or that either the gear or the shifting keys are broken or worn out causing the gears to slip.

For more information on checking the gearbox see the video below.

“My self-propelled mower only works in 1st gear”

Step Six: Check tension on v-belt.

Yep another belt issue! The v-belt tension should be tight. If it’s not, it could be slipping and only turning the wheels in first gear, or not at all.

Having the belt too loose can also cause long term engine damage.

In order to tighten the v-belt, refer to this video below.

A Note on The Design of the Modern Lawn Mower

Lawnmowers and guns. These two items do not normally go hand in hand, but thanks to Edward Beard Budding, an English Engineer, they share a connection.

In 1827, Budding was working in the cotton mills and noticed blades sheering excess fibers from the surface of cloth and adapted the principle to the world’s first lawnmower.

Then in 1830, Budding designed a pistol more technically advanced than Sam Colt’s revolver of 1835, but it never saw full scale production.

Since Budding’s inventions, the lawnmower has been a ubiquitous marvel that keeps getting more efficient, easier to use, and cheaper to obtain. Mass production by companies like Murray and Honda have made mowers available to virtually every homeowner as well.

Although the lawn mower has gotten more complex throughout the history of the lawn mower. it has always improved.

The Bottom Line: Repairing your Own Self-Driving Push Mower

Most homeowners prefer the chore of mowing their lawn just for the exercise and to save money; any disruption of this can be a significant inconvenience and can even lead to fines by the city if not mowed in ample time.

In addition, regular mower maintenance can help in prolonging its life. For example, changing oil and sharpening blades regularly.

Additionally, using gasoline without any ethanol may also help to reduce build up in the engine, ensuring the mower will run smoothly for years to come.

Hope these tips have answered the call for help!

However, if none of these tips work, hiring a landscaping professional may be an option.

Hi, I’m Gene Caballero and I’m the co-founder of GreenPal. At GreenPal, we’re helping hundreds of thousands of Americans solve one of the trickiest problems: a reliable, fast, and affordable way to get lawncare taken care of. On behalf of GreenPal, I’ve been featured in the Indianapolis Star. the Sacramento Bee. Entrepreneur. Inc.com. and dozens more. Please feel free to say hi on or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Lawnmower with Honda GCV engine will not start and is hard to pull

Lawn mover starting problem. Honda lawn mower won’t pull start? The lawnmower won’t start after winter? How do you repair a lawnmower that is difficult to recoil start? Is your Honda GCV engine hard to pull? What to do when the lawnmower does not get a spark on the spark-plug? Does your Klippo Excellent not start?

Why does your lawnmower not start?

This is how you fix Honda lawn movers like Klippo Excellent that won’t start. You will find two specific and common problems for this model and their relatively easy solutions in this article.

A lawn mover engine, or any other fuel engine for that matter, needs three things to run: AIR, FUEL, and a SPARK. If your lawnmower is hard to pull-start, you can struggle even to get a spark. The spark plug is often the first thing people try to replace when a lawnmower doesn’t start, and then they replace the air filter, and that’s it!

If it doesn’t start now, ordinary people usually give up and hand it into a repair shop or buy a new lawn mover. There are many cheap and easy things you can check and fix to get your lawn mover running again!

This guide FOCUS on lawn movers that has no spark, is hard to pull, don’t start, and describes in detail specific problems with the popular Klippo Excellent model with Honda GCV engine. But first, we should check common starting problems which will apply to all lawn movers regardless of brand or design.

Lawn mower with Honda engine won’t start

First, check this list of typical lawn mover starting problems and their solutions, then check the Klippo Excellent specific problem section further down. This will reveal a less common starting problem with modern Honda engine lawn movers. It can be quite hard to trace down this problem if you are not a repair guy or mechanic yourself.

Common starting problems with lawn mowers

These are the most common problems listed on many websites and explained in various YouTube videos. I used this guide myself when troubleshooting my Honda GCV engine. Here is another great resource on how to fix a lawnmower with Honda engine is also excellent. My list of common problems preventing lawnmowers to start is presented here:

Problem: Fuel valve off

Solution: Turn fuel on. I don’t know how many times I tried to pull-start something forgetting to turn on the fuel valve. That’s why it’s the No. 1 problem! Luckily it’s cheap and easy to fix

Problem: No fuel.

Solution: Refill tank. Yes, I know it’s lame to list this one, but this is one of the more common problems with lawn movers not starting.

Problem: Old gasoline.

Solution: Fuel become bad after some time. Petrol station gasoline with ethanol can go bad already after one month, and it will be hard on your carburetor if you leave fuel in the mover. This could be your problem after the winter when the lawn mover that ran smoothly the previous season suddenly does not start this season. Replace the fuel in the tank with new fresh fuel and clean the carburetor. The invention of alkylate fuel solves this problem and is much more friendly against your engine, your body, and the environment.

Problem: Recoil start is stuck.

Solution: Check if a branch or something has jammed the cutting knives or cutting table under the lawn mover. Remember to disconnect the spark plug before you put your hands under there!

Problem: Air filter dirty.

Solution: This is the problem that almost everyone knows – even my mother! The air filter gets dirty and sometimes oily when you turn the lawn mover on the side with the air filter at the bottom. When the filter gets greasy and dirty, it will not let enough air through, and your lawnmower won’t start. Replacing air filters is a quick and easy fix in many cases. You can check if this is the problem by just removing the air filter and give it a try without it.

Problem: Lawn mower will not start.

Solution: Sometimes spraying starting gas or even WD-40 or similar in the hole where the spark plug is will be enough to kickstart the engine.

Problem: No spark on the spark plug.

Solution: Replace the spark plug. This is also a problem most people know and try first. But sometimes it is the starting coils that need to be replaced. However, experienced mechanics know that the starting coil is rarely the problem on a lawn mover since it has no moving parts. Usually, the starting coils are one of the pieces on a lawn mover that survives the longest. The problem is likely somewhere else like in a lousy cable, which has become unshielded because a rat was there and had a meal on it during the winter. Sometimes the wire from the coil (ground cable) is glitchy and needs to be fixed or appropriately isolated. Sometimes the spark plug is just wet and needs to dry a little in the sun.

Problem: Carburator is dirty.

Solution: The carburetor needs to be very clean, and it contains very tiny channels that get clogged. See a YouTube video on how to clean the carburetor on Honda engines here:

Problem: Speed control broken.

Solution: Sometimes, the brake wires need replacing. This could also be caused by the little metal pin jumping off its seat on the carburetor. Check that all cables and wires are connected to the top of the carburetor.

Problem: No oil.

Solution: This is actually the first thing you should check on any engine, and you know it! If the lawnmower does not start when you try to cold-start, it could be because you have no oil, and the piston is stuck. Refill oil SAE-30W or similar lawn more oil and gently turn the blade underneath, this should free the piston. Remember to disconnect the spark plug!

Problem: Flywheel key broken.

Solution: If you hit a stone or a thick stump, you can break the flywheel key, making it impossible to start. This is also called a timing problem. It can be a real pain to fix since you need to take the whole engine apart and reassemble it again. You also need special tools even to get the bolt out that covers the room where the flywheel key is located. If this is the problem, I recommend you hand the lawn mover into a repair shop. This video will give you a good idea about if you think you can do it yourself:

There is an easy way to check if this is the problem, and that is to simply remove the rubber that covers the spark plug cable and try it bare metal against metal without any cover. If it starts now, then you have solved the problem cheaply and easily!

Hard to pull-start

Any lawnmower can get so dirty inside garbled with grass, branches, and soil to the degree it becomes jammed or at least tough to pull-start. A full cleanup of all moving parts will usually solve this problem. But for the Klippo Excellent with the Honda GCV engine, there is a specific problem that is due to something of a design flaw.

The Klippo Excellent with, in my case, the Honda GCV 135 engine became harder and harder to pull-start. Eventually, after the winter, it did not start at all. What is the problem here?

I completely dismantled the whole lawn mover, cleaned everything, including carburetor and recoil starter pulley. But it was still hard to pull and didn’t start. I could not even get a spark when I unscrew the spark plug att put it against the metal of the engine (the common spark plug test you can see in many YouTube videos about lawn movers).

Finally, I realized the problem came from somewhere else. On the Klippo Excellent and other modern lawnmowers, there is a dead man’s control lever on the handle that you squeeze when starting and running:

If you let it go, the lawn mover stops completely. This is due to a small brake that resides close to the starting coil and which pushes against the flywheel with the aid of a spring. When the dead man’s control handle is squeezed, the brake is lifted from the flywheel, and the recoil starter can move freely and easily. If the springs are rusty and broken or, in my case, the actual wire to the handle is broken, this brake block will never lose contact with the flywheel!

Bypass dead man’s grip

If you don’t have a new spring or wire at hand, then there is a quick trick you can do to get the lawnmower to work anyway. But using a cable tie (ZIP-TIE, hose tie, tie-wrap, zap-strap) or whatever you like to call them, you can swiftly connect the brake against the location where the wire starts and simply turn the lawn mover into an “always-on” state. You will need to shut down the engine with the speed control lever instead, basically turning off the engine by strangling it from fuel.

This is the way the old movers worked before the dead man’s control levers (dead man’s switch) became standard design.

On the Klippo Excellent, the design makes rain go straight into the wirehouse and accumulate in the bend at the bottom of the wire, eventually making it rust and break.

This is a design problem on this model, which is shared with some other types of lawn movers too. The brake-block will then get stuck more and more firmly against the flywheel, and the lawn mover will gradually become very hard to pull. When the wheel turns slowly, you will not get a spark on the spark plug, and many people end up buying new spark plugs and starting coils in vane. You often need to get over 250 RPMs on the flywheel to get a spark. At this point, many people give up and buy a new lawn mover. But the Honda and Briggs Stratton engines are engineering marvels and usually never break during a lifetime. People inherit these machines for God’s sake, and they run forever!

The problem is almost always somewhere else. Not in the actual engine.

If you have a Klippo Excellent that is hard to recoil start, then there is a cheap and easy fix! You don’t need to buy a new lawnmower, this is very easy to repair and fix yourself. But the problem can be very hard to trace down if you’re a non-mechanic.