Husqvarna push mower engine. Here’s What To Do If Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

Learn the reasons why a lawn mower won’t start after winter or during peak season, and how to fix those problems.

Family Handyman

Introduction

Most of the time when a lawn mower won’t start the cause is a problem with the gas or the lawn mower carburetor.

What to Do if Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

Whatever kind of lawn mower you’ve got, the last thing you want once winter finally lifts and spring has sprung is a lawn mower that won’t start.

If you’ve taken the proper steps to winterize your lawn mower, you’re far less likely to be dealing with such issues. It’s also why you should tune up your lawn mower at the start of every season. However, it’s not out of the ordinary to find your gas-powered lawn mower not starting from time to time, so it’s important to know why your lawn mower isn’t starting and how to fix it.

Project step-by-step (6)

Check the Gas Tank

Let’s start with the obvious. Before you have a heart attack pulling on the rip cord, you’ll want to check the fuel. Like any gasoline-powered engine, lawn mowers run out from time to time. Maybe you forgot it was running on fumes when you finished mowing last time. It sounds simple, but we’ve all overlooked the gas tank from time to time.

Even if there is gas in the mower, if the fuel’s been in there more than a month, that could be the problem. Gas sitting around too long in the tank can get contaminated with dirt and extra moisture.

So if your gasoline has been in the mower for more than month, drain the gas properly, dispose of it correctly, and fill up the mower with new gas. It may take quite a few pulls to suck the new gas into the lawn mower carburetor, so be prepared to clean and dry the plug a few more times.

Add fuel stabilizer when you fill up the tank to help protect the gasoline in there from dirt and moisture.

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Check the Spark Plug

Start by making sure the lawn mower spark plug cable is connected to the plug itself. It’s quite possible that it got pulled off there over the winter while the mower was being stored in the garage.

If that’s not the issue, the next step is to remove the spark plug to see if it’s wet. There’s no way the engine will start if it is. So clean the plug with carburetor cleaner and let it dry. Cleaning it with compressed air isn’t enough; you need a solvent to remove oil residue. If it’s really grimy and dirty, it might be best to change the spark plug.

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Check for Debris in the Mower Deck

Grass clippings can get clogged in the mower deck, which can prevent the blade from turning. This is a common problem if you’ve cut wet grass or let the lawn get especially long and bushy between cuttings. If the cord is hard to pull, that’s a good sign that there’s debris clogging up your mower’s deck.

This is a pretty easy problem to solve. With the mower off, flip it on its side or upside down and scrape out the gummed up grass clippings. Once that’s done, you can flip it back over and start it up again.

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Check the Air Filter

The lawn mower’s carburetor regulates the mix of gasoline and air going into the engine where it’s burned to create power. Before air goes into the carburetor it passes through the air filter which prevents dirt and debris from getting into it.

If the air filer is clogged or dirty, it throws the ratio out of whack. Sometimes that results in your lawn mower smoking, and sometimes it prevents it from starting entirely. So take a look at the air filter to see if it’s dirty. If so, you can clean it or just change it outright.

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Check the Carburetor

Another common reason for a lawn mower that won’t start is a clogged or dirty carburetor. It can also cause your mower to run rough or spew black smoke when you’re trying to cut the grass. If that’s the case, you may need to clean the carburetor.

To get to the carburetor, you’ll have to remove the air filter. Once that’s out of the way, you can remove the carburetor in order to clean it.

Once it’s out, check for corrosion. If you see chalky/powdery white corrosion like this, it’s probably better just to replace it. To clean it, take it apart and spray carburetor cleaner on the parts and inside the housing. After that, put the carburetor back together and reinstall it in the mower.

Check the Fuel Filter

Like the air filter, the fuel filter prevents dirt and debris from getting into the combustion chamber of your lawn mower’s engine, taking that stuff out before the gas gets mixed with air in the carburetor. Problems with the fuel filter might also result in the engine sputtering or rough idling, even before it gets to the point of preventing the mower from starting.

To start, tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If that doesn’t work, you might have a clogged filter.

Not all lawn mowers have a fuel filter, but for the ones that do, it’s usually located in the fuel line or the fuel tank. To find out where the fuel filter is at, check your lawn mower’s owners manual, which will also tell you what type of filter it is.

If the filter is in the fuel tank, you’ll need to drain the gas from the mower into a drain pan, assuming you can’t run the engine until it’s out of gas. If the filter is in the fuel line, clamp off the fuel line before removing the filter. Once you have the filter off, you can check to see if it’s dirty and clogged by holding it up the light. If it is, install a new one. Make sure it works with this lawn mower maintenance checklist.

Husqvarna Lawn Mower Oil Type – What Type Is Safe to Use?

Did you know that Husqvarna offers a range of lawn mowers, each with its own specific needs? It can be confusing to know which oil to use in your new mower, so we’re here to help. In this article, we will discuss the different types of oil used in Husqvarna lawn mowers and what each type does. We will also provide a list of approved oils for each model. So, what types of oil are safe for Husqvarna lawn mowers?

Husqvarna recommends 10W30 Full Synthetic is the ideal oil to use in your Husqvarna lawn mower. The Full Synthetic 10W30 provides superior protection against wear and tear and keeps your engine running smoothly.

Why Does Husqvarna Recommend 10w30 Lawn Mower Oil?

In Husqvarna, 10W30 oil is the recommended weight for lawn mower engines. This oil viscosity is perfect for hot weather use and provides good performance in both gasoline and diesel engines. 10W30 oil doesn’t thin out as much as lighter oils when it gets hot, meaning that your engine will have less trouble starting in the summer heat. Additionally, this weight of oil is also ideal for cold weather use, providing better lubrication than lighter oils when temperatures are below freezing.

Different Types of Husqvarna Lawn Mower Oil

There are many different types of Husqvarna lawn mower oil available on the market. But it is important to use the right type of oil in your lawn mower to ensure that it runs properly and lasts longer.

Engine oil is a type of lubricant that is specifically designed for gasoline engines. All-purpose oil can be used in both gasoline and diesel engines, making it a good choice for people who own multiple types of vehicles. Two-stroke oil is designed for machines that run on a mixture of gasoline and oil.

It is important to read the owner’s manual for your Husqvarna lawn mower to determine the type of oil that is recommended for your machine.

SAE 30 Oil: is a mineral-based oil that is specially formulated for gasoline-powered engines. It has a higher viscosity than SAE 10w30 oil, which makes it ideal for use in high-performance engines. SAE 30 oil is also less prone to thermal breakdown, making it a better choice for engines that are regularly subjected to high temperatures.

10w30 Oil: is a synthetic blend that is designed for use in both gasoline and diesel engines. It has a lower viscosity than SAE 30 oil, which makes it easier to circulate through the engine. This reduces the risk of wear and tear on the internal components. SAE 10w30 oil also has a higher boiling point than SAE 30 oil, making it a better choice for engines that operate in extreme temperatures.

Oil For All Husqvarna Lawn Mower

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Lawn Mower Engine Surging – Check this easy fix first!

Lawnmower engine surging is a right pain in the Jacksie; it’s an engine that runs erratically and revs up and down by itself uncontrollably. In some cases, it may only happen under certain conditions, for example, only after the mower gets hot or only when the fuel level gets low.

So what causes the lawnmower engines to surge? The most common reason for a surging lawn mower engine is a blockage in the fuel supply, but there are other possibilities:

Often you’ll find playing around with the throttle helps or applying some choke. You are not on your own; this is a regular complaint. In this guide, we will cover the diagnosis, likely causes, and solutions.

Try the easy fix first – replacing/cleaning gapping the spark plug before attempting carburetor work. If your mower engine is a Honda or Kohler, the fix is simple. Honda and Kohler’s surging is commonly caused by a blocked idle jet see “Gas starvation” towards the end of the page.

If you need more help, check out the “How to fix a surging mower video.”

If your surging mower is a Honda, check out the “Honda mower surging video.”

For many mowers, the fix is to replace the carburetor, and as carburetors are inexpensive, it just makes sense to swap it out and save a ton of messing around. You can check out the quality carburetors available and conveniently delivered to your door by Amazon.com.

Need more info on the fuel system, carburetor components, and how they work, you can check them out here.

Briggs Stratton Surging

Surging BS Classic 450, 500, or 550Some engine types are famous for surging; the Briggs Stratton 450, 500, and 550 series engines are fitted with a metal fuel tank and priming bulb-style carburetor. If you have one of these types of engines and it’s surging – You’re in the right place.

If you don’t have this type of carburetor, skip this section and jump to “Surging Test” below. These engines are fitted with a metal fuel tank and carburetor combination. The gasket sandwiched between the tank, and carburetor distorts over time, allowing a vacuum leak.

The vacuum leak causes the surging; replacing the gaskets and cleaning the carburetor/tank will leave it like new, I promise. In this tutorial, we’ll remove the tank/carburetor unit, clean it and replace the gaskets. Just some basic tools are needed, but get yourself a can of carburetor cleaner; it makes the job a lot easier.

In the workshop, I use WD40 carb cleaner, and you can check out all the tools and parts I use here on the “Small engine repair tools” page.

Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a short list of tools you’ll find useful to complete the task of fixing your surging mower. These tools aren’t essential, but they do make the whole job a ton easier; you’ll need:

Fuel treatment – Every small engine owner should use gas treatment. Most people don’t know gas goes off, and gas left in small engines can cause real problems, as you already know.

Using a gas stabilizer will keep the gas in your mower and your gas can fresh for up to two years.

Carburetor gasket – If you’re fixing the BS Classic engine, then you’ll need this gasket set.

Complete carburetor – As an alternative to replacing your BS Classic carburetor gasket, replace the complete carburetor instead; it includes the replacement gasket.

Manifold – This will only be needed if you have confirmed it has failed. Note there are a few different types of manifold pipe, so be sure to check before ordering.

You can check out all these tools on this page “Carburetor Surging Repair Tools.”

This carburetor style is fitted to a few engines and is prone to gasket failure. The job of replacing is simple and will solve the surge. The process is as follows:

Remove the spark plug wire – prevents the mower from starting.

Remove – Remove and clean the air filter and filter housing – Clean it using soapy water, and when dry, smear some engine oil over the surface of the foam. This helps trap dirt.

Remove tank bolts – They hold the fuel tank to the engine.

With fuel tank bolts removed – pull the tank unit straight out gently and remove the governor control link.

Remove the black rubber elbow crankcase breather pipe. Remove the manifold seal and keeper ring. Sometimes they will come loose and get stuck on the manifold pipe.

Remove – Remove carb screws from the carburetor and set aside.

Using a can of carburetor cleaner – clean all the ports on the surface of the fuel tank.

Empty the tank and rinse it out with fresh gas.

Pull the Siphon from the carburetor; they can be stubborn. Remove both gaskets and use carburetor cleaner to clean the siphon metal filter and all ports of the carburetor. Check the primer bulb for damage; mice like to eat them.

Spray – Spray the carburetor with carb cleaner.

Remove – Remove old gaskets and discard them.

Careful of this spring; it lives under the gaskets, and it can drop off and be tricky to find, as I know only too well.

The gasket is a two-part kit; the rubber-type gasket faces the tank. (carb fitted here for demo only)

The Siphon pushes back into the carb with a click. If you don’t hear the click, it’s not right – try again.

Refit the carburetor to the tank. Don’t over-tighten the screws, as this will distort the gasket. Fit manifold seal and keeper. Smear a small amount of oil on the seal; it helps it seat.

Clean the intake manifold. The grey tube in this shot is manifold. Inspect it for any signs of damage; they are prone to cracking. This will also cause a surge.

To fully inspect the pipe, you need to remove the pull assembly.

I would only do this if there was obvious damage to the manifold or if I had replaced the carburetor gasket and the engine was still surging.

This manifold is cracked and will cause a surge.

Before refitting the tank, fit the keeper ring and O-ring seal. Lube the seal before refitting the gas tank.

Offer the carb/tank unit up to the manifold and attach the governor link and spring. Now push the unit firmly onto the manifold. Fit both bolts.

Refit the air filter and spark plug wire. Use only fresh gas; make sure your gas can is clean. Gas older than three months is stale.

If, after fitting the gaskets, you still have a surge – Replace the Manifold.

Surging Test

As you know, gas starvation causes an inconsistent flow of fuel which in turn causes erratic running. And you also know a vacuum leak will cause erratic running, but it is a much less common cause; however, some carburetors are prone to vacuum leaks.

As engine manufacturers strive to make their engines more efficient, they have also made the carburetors more likely to clog; this has become a common issue.

To quickly diagnose which problem you have, a clogged carb or vacuum leak, follow this simple test.

You will need a helper to hold the bail lever or improvise with duct tape. CAUTION careful where you place your fingers and toes; the engine will be running, so the blade will be spinning.

Your mower will have a Manual choke, Auto choke, or a Primer bulb. Identify which type your mower has; the test is slightly different for each.

If you have a manual choke – apply half choke with the engine running.

If the engine now runs without surging – Gas starvation is the likely fault. If it runs just the same – A vacuum leak is a more likely fault.

If you have an Auto choke – Remove the air filter cover and filter – place a clean rag over the intake while the engine is running.

If the engine now runs without surging – Gas starvation is the likely fault.

If the engine runs just the same – A vacuum leak is the more likely fault.

If you have a primer bulb – you can still do the test – while the engine’s running (need a helper); give it some extra gas by pressing the bulb.

If the engine now runs without surging – Gas starvation is the likely fault.

If it runs just the same – A vacuum leak is a more likely fault.

Gas Starvation

If the test revealed gas starvation, it also showed that your problem is likely a dirty fuel jet in the carburetor, or the gas may be stale or contaminated by water.

Cleaning the main jet usually does the job.

Idle Jet Surging – Honda and Kohler use a relatively easy-to-access idle jet that clogs up and causes surging. The Kohler is easier to access than the Honda.

The Kohler is easier to access than the Honda.

Briggs has fitted a plastic carburetor to a range of engines which also clog up and cause surging.

All of these carburetors can be repaired by cleaning, which I’ve covered previously in videos (links below). Videos cover step-by-step removal, cleaning, refitting, and adjusting your carb.

Fixing this is not difficult. Sometimes you can get lucky by just draining and cleaning the gas bowl, which only takes a few minutes.

I have written a complete guide to Carburetor cleaning with pictures; it includes the gas bowl clean-out, which, as said, is worth trying first.

If cleaning doesn’t work out for you, go ahead and swap out the carburetor for a new one. Check out “New lawn mower carburetors page,” here, I’ve listed good quality replacement carburetors for all the most popular engines.

Carburetors aren’t expensive; messing around with them doesn’t make sense.

You might find this page helpful too – “Carburetor repair tools” I’ve listed some really useful tools that make the job easy. Some of these tools I’ll bet you already have some.

But do try cleaning the gas bowl before removing the carburetor.

Finding a Vacuum Leak

Air that enters the combustion chamber without passing through the carburetor is un-metered. This means the fuel-to-air ratio is unbalanced and, in turn, causes erratic engine performance.

When air sneaks in like this, it causes the engine to run lean (lacks gas). A lean engine runs hot, which isn’t good for an engine, especially an air-cooled one.

Vacuum leaks usually occur because of damaged gaskets. Gaskets are sealing materials fitted between the mating surfaces of engine components. Their function is to create an airtight seal.

They are commonly made from paper, felt, cork, Teflon, neoprene, metal, and rubber. The material type is dependent upon where the gasket is to be used.

Gaskets wear out and break down, and that causes surging.

Extreme Caution – You need to be careful, the engine will need to be running, and so the blade will be spinning when running this test.

A vacuum leak check is performed with the engine running and a can of carburetor cleaner; WD40 works, too, (is there anything WD can’t do?)

Spray the cleaner around all carburetor gaskets anywhere the carburetor meets the engine. The trick is to hear an instant change in engine note; that’s the sign of a vacuum leak.

This can be challenging; you must train your ear to notice the instant change in engine note (and not the surging).

Just do a small section at a time; this will allow you to pinpoint the failure area. Jumping the gun and replacing gaskets without finding the actual leak may work out for you or leave you with the same problem after the rebuild.

You’re right in thinking carburetor gaskets usually cause the problem, but other components, such as manifold pipes, can crack or become loose, causing surging.

Fixing A Vacuum Leak

If a leak is detected, replace all carburetor gaskets, and as you have the carburetor removed, go ahead and clean it. Replacement gaskets are available online; you will require the make and model numbers from the engine.

All manufacturers will have a model number printed on a sticker placed on the body or on the engine. Have a poke around; you’ll find it. Most engine manufacturers will stamp the model numbers in an accessible area. Briggs Stratton stamp their numbers on the metal engine cover.

A new carburetor comes with new inlet gaskets; I like to fit original parts where I can; they fit and are guaranteed.

If, after replacing the carburetor gaskets, the engine still surges, you’ll need to go a little further and replace the manifold intake and gasket.

It’s not a big job, and they don’t give a lot of trouble, but they do crack as they get older. I wrote a step-by-step guide showing you everything you need to know – “Briggs Manifold Replacing.”

Related Question

Honda lawn mower surging fix? To fix a surging Honda lawn mower engine, clean the carburetor, gas tank, and fuel filter. Use fresh regular gas or e10. What causes a lawnmower to run slowly? The most likely cause is a throttle linkage bent out of shape by bumping into the shrubbery or a throttle spring has detached itself.

Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.

I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.

And the best part. it’s free!

What Oil Is Best For A Husqvarna Lawn Mower?

Husqvarna lawn mowers are a popular choice for many homeowners and business owners alike. But if you are a new owner, then you need to know the best oil to use for your Husqvarna lawn mower. Let’s take a look at what the manufacturer suggests.

Husqvarna recommends using full-synthetic 10w-30 oil in their lawn mowers. This blend of oil is perfect for push-behind lawn mowers, tractors, and zero-turn mowers. Whether it’s for residential or commercial use, this oil will provide the best engine protection.

No matter the engine, oil is vital to the proper functioning of your lawn mower. In this article, we will take a closer look at why this is the best oil for Husqvarna lawn mowers. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the maintenance schedule for Husqvarna mowers, so read on!

What Oil Should I Use In My Husqvarna Mower?

Husqvarna is known for manufacturing lawn mowers that provide high-level performance and power as well as long life. To ensure that your mower will remain operational for years to come, it is essential that you use the correct oil in your engine.

The manufacturer recommends using full-synthetic 10w-30 oil in all Husqvarna lawn mowers. This type of oil has been specifically designed to handle high temperatures and reduce engine wear.

Not only should this oil be in your lawn mower, but it is also recommended to be used in Husqvarna tractors. If you are a business owner, using the best oil possible is especially important.

This is because you will be operating the equipment for extended periods of time. The higher-quality oil can help prevent any issues with your engine, so it is important that you follow Husqvarna’s recommendations.

Plus, most lawns are mowed during hot weather. If you don’t use the right oil, then your mower can overheat and cause serious damage to the engine.

For residential work, you may be able to get away with using cheaper oil. However, your mower may not last as long or perform as well as it should.

No matter what type of mower you use, always make sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to oiling and maintenance. Doing so will ensure that your Husqvarna lawn mower lasts for years without any issues.

How Often Should I Change My Oil In My Husqvarna Lawn Mower?

The oil change schedule for lawn mowers is different than for vehicles. For vehicles, you typically will change the oil by mileage or by so many months, whichever comes first.

Lawn mowers, on the other hand, go by hours or season. Husqvarna recommends changing the oil every 5 hours of continuous use or at least once per season.

You can either do the oil change yourself, or you can take it to a service center. Keep in mind that if you don’t use synthetic oil, you may need to change the oil more often since it can break down faster.

If you are interested in buying a used Husqvarna lawn mower, then ask the previous owner for the maintenance records. This will give you an idea of how often the oil was changed during their ownership.

If you do decide to do the oil change yourself, then check the oil capacity of your mower. Every mower is different, and overfilling with oil can cause problems with your engine.

Lastly, adding oil isn’t a substitute for changing the oil. You should still follow the same schedule for changing your oil even if you have to add some in-between changes.

How Much Does It Cost To Change The Oil In A Husqvarna Lawn Mower?

Before the next season starts, make sure to change your oil, air filter, and spark plug in order to keep your mower running smoothly. The cost will vary depending on the type of mower, the oil you use, and where you purchase it from.

On average, you can expect to pay 25-50 or more. This is a relatively inexpensive cost when you put it into perspective.

It is worth getting multiple price quotes and comparing them, as can vary between different service centers. If you are doing the oil change yourself, then you can save money by purchasing the oil and filter from a local store or online.

If you want to learn how to do the oil change yourself, then keep reading for the complete instructions.

How Do You Change The Oil In An Husqvarna Lawn Mower?

Follow the steps below to change the oil in your Husqvarna lawn mower:

Prepare Supplies

You will need the following supplies to properly change the oil:

• The proper amount of engine oil (refer to owners manual)
• Oil filter
• Drain pan
• Oil funnel
• Towels

Once you have the supplies listed above, you can continue to the next step.

Prep The Mower

Next, you will need to prep the lawn mower for an oil change.

• First, run the engine until there is no fuel left.
• Disconnect the spark plug and move the spark plug wire so it won’t come into contact with the spark plug.
• Using a towel, clean the oil cap and filler spout.
• Remove the oil cap and dipstick.

Remove The Old Oil

It may seem odd, but most lawn mowers have the old oil drained directly from the oil spout. When doing this, lay something down to avoid a mess.

• Tip the lawn mower on its side and drain the oil into the oil pan.
• Ensure all of the old oil is out of the lawn mower.
• Then remove the old oil filter.
• Add the new oil filter.

Add New Oil

Once all of the old oil is drained, it’s time to add the new oil. Make sure that you are using the proper type and amount of oil for your lawn mower (refer to the owner’s manual).

• Using an oil funnel, slowly pour the new oil into the filler spout.
• There will be a max fill line indicated on the oil cap, so make sure not to overfill.
• Put the oil cap and dipstick back in place.
• Tighten the oil cap until it is secure.
• Wipe off any excess oil.
• Replace the spark plug and reconnect the spark plug wire. It’s important to ensure that the plug is tight before starting up the mower again.
• Start the lawn mower to ensure the oil is properly circulating.

If everything looks good, then be sure to dispose of the oil responsibly. Most automotive service centers and auto parts stores will accept used motor oil for proper disposal.

Remember, unless you just recently replaced the spark plug and air filter, you may want to consider replacing them as well.

Congratulations, you just successfully changed the oil in your Husqvarna lawn mower! Following these steps will ensure that your mower is running smoothly and that it will last for many seasons to come. Be sure to check the oil level again after a few hours of use and before storing it for the winter.

Do You Have To Use Husqvarna Oil?

Most dealers will recommend using their brand of oil for their machines. However, you don’t necessarily have to use Husqvarna oil for your lawn mower.

You can use any type of oil that meets the engine requirements listed in the owner’s manual. Just be sure to check what viscosity and grade are recommended for your specific model before making a purchase.

This is similar to vehicles when it comes to oil changes. For example, Lexus recommends using their Genuine Motor Oil, but you can still use other brands as long as they are within the correct viscosity and grade.

Should You Warm Up A Husqvarna Lawn Mower Before Changing The Oil?

It’s always a good idea to warm up an engine before changing the oil. If you run your Husqvarna lawn mower for 10-15 minutes to change the oil, you will ensure all of the impurities are out of the oil, and it will empty easier.

This is also a great time to check the air filter, spark plug, and other engine components for any signs of wear or damage. If any parts need attention, you can address them before putting the mower away or using it again.

Final Thoughts

Changing the oil in a Husqvarna lawn mower is an essential part of proper maintenance. Be sure to double-check your lawn mowers owner’s manual before changing the oil, as each model may have different requirements.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful: