Lawn mower plug wire. How does Lawn Mower Ignition Coil Works | Everything You Need To Know

How to Wire Lawn Mower Ignition Switch

Locate your lawn mower’s ignition switch and disconnect the spark plug wire from its end. 2. Disconnect the battery cable if it is connected to the ignition switch, then remove all screws holding the switch in place and carefully pull out the switch. 3. Trace each of the four terminals on the back of your new ignition switch with a continuity tester or circuit tester to ensure they are correctly labeled as “battery,” “ignition/start,” “accessory” and “ground.”

Connect one end of an 18-gauge insulated wire to one terminal on your new ignition switch, then run that same wire through an appropriately sized hole drilled into firewall plate near where you mounted your new starter solenoid (if applicable). 5. Securely connect this same wire to its respective terminal on starter solenoid–or directly onto battery connection post if no starter solenoid was installed–then repeat step 4 for remaining three terminals on back side of new ignition switch until all four wires have been securely connected at both ends (i.e., from inside engine compartment as well as from outside).

Disconnect the mower from its power source: disconnect the spark plug, battery or unplug it from a wall outlet
This will ensure safety during installation of the ignition switch
Remove any existing screws on the panel covering where the ignition switch needs to be installed and set aside for re-installation later
Locate the wiring diagram located underneath your lawn mower’s hood or in your owner’s manual to identify which wires need to be connected to each terminal on your new ignition switch according with manufacturer instructions
Connect each wire into its corresponding terminal using insulated pliers and crimp connectors as necessary for secure connection points, then twist them together for added security if needed
5 Securely attach your new ignition switch into place by screwing it tightly onto the panel you removed earlier; this is important so that no moisture can get inside and cause corrosion issues over time

What Wires Go into the Ignition Switch?

The ignition switch requires four wires to be connected: Power supply Ground (-)

Ignition coil Starter motor. The power supply and ground connect to the battery, while the coil and starter motor connect to their respective components in the engine.

All connections should be secure for proper operation of the ignition switch.

What Colour Wiring is Ignition Switch?

The ignition switch wiring is usually color-coded. Most common colors are: Red

Yellow Orange These wires originate from the battery and connect to the starter motor, relays, solenoid, and other components.

Additionally, they may be connected to other switches or accessories that control electrical functions in the vehicle.

What Does the Ignition Wire Connect To?

The ignition wire connects to the ignition switch and spark plugs. It is responsible for sending electricity from the battery to the engine, allowing it to start.-Connects to the ignition switch

-Sends electricity from battery to engine.Allows engine to startIn essence, without this crucial wire, your vehicle wouldn’t be able to turn on.

How Do You Test a Lawn Mower Ignition Switch?

To test a lawn mower ignition switch, the following steps should be taken: Locate and remove the ignition switch from the lawn mower. Connect an ohmmeter to the two wires connected to the switch.

Turn on the meter and look at its readings. The reading should show continuity when in “On” position, but not when in “Off” position. If readings are incorrect, then replace with new switch.

Testing a lawn mower’s ignition switch is relatively straightforward and can help identify problems that could prevent it from starting up properly.

Lawn Mower Ignition Switch Problems

Lawn mower ignition switch problems can be caused by a variety of issues, including worn or corroded contacts, faulty wiring, and a faulty spark plug. Ignition switches may also become stuck in the “on” position due to dirt or debris accumulation. If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your lawn mower’s ignition switch, it’s important to take action quickly before the problem worsens and causes more damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wiring a lawn mower ignition switch is an easy and straightforward task that anyone can do. As long as you have the right tools, know how to read and follow a schematic diagram, and understand basic electrical concepts like ground connections and positive voltage flow, then you should be able to complete this project with success. With a little patience and care, your new ignition switch will get your lawn mower running for many years to come.

How does Lawn Mower Ignition Coil Works | Everything You Need To Know

Every lawnmower comes with an ignition coil. By maintaining the voltage, keeps the system up and running. The ignition coil works as source for the spark plug to acquire voltage from the battery. This makes the mower continue to run by producing the spark.

But the question is, how does lawn mower ignition coil works?

Most new lawnmowers have a Magnetron ignition system. There is a common principle for all modern lawnmowers that use ignition coils. The spark plug is powered by the ignition coil, which provides a high voltage to achieve a spark.

In this post, we are going to go for an in-depth explanation of how does lawn mower ignition coil works. After going through this article, you will have a clear idea about how does lawn mower ignition coil works. Let’s dive in!

How Does Lawn Mower Ignition Coil Works?

Electro-Magnetic Induction
Increasing Voltage
Transistor Switching Mechanism
Operation of a Magnetron Ignition

Problem Diagnose
Check Damage
Inspect Spark Plug
Supply Of Voltage To The Ignition Coil
Primary And Secondary Coil Circuits

Step 1 – Turn off The Ignition Switch
Step 2 – Apply Some Tune-up Grease
Step 3 – Slide the Intact Coil into The Case
Step 4 – Recheck

Step 1 – Disconnect The Ignition Boot
Step 2 – Make the Connections
Step 3 – Start The Lawnmower
Step 4 – Check The Intensity

Defective Spark Plugs
Overheating
Fuel Inefficiency
Lawnmower Stalling
Quality Deterioration
Lawnmower Backfiring
Excessive Vibrations

Defective Plug
Defective Wire
Defective On/Off Switch
Defective ignition coil

Insufficient Fuel Supply
Spark Issues
Low Compression
Power Supply Issues
Unfresh Gasoline
Dead Battery
Dirty Components

How Does Lawn Mower Ignition Coil Works?

Are you wondering how does lawn mower ignition coil works? During the 1980s, most lawnmowers used to run on induction ignition systems mainly. Over time lawnmower was updated, and the Magnetron ignition system replaced the induction ignition system.

Magnetron systems can create current without the help of mechanical points. The spark plug receives this current to produce sparks.

So, how the Magnetron ignition system produces current without the help of mechanical points? A transistor pair controls the switching and ensures current for the spark plug.

So, why latest lawnmowers have a Magnetron ignition system instead of other ignition systems? Compared to other ignition systems, the primary benefit of the Magneto ignition system is that energy is generated without the need for external sources.

Electro-Magnetic Induction

Everyone knows that without an ignition system, you can’t run a lawnmower. The ignition system of a lawnmower helps produce sufficient electric current to leap over the space between the electrodes of a spark plug and run it smoothly. Finally, sparks are produced for the ignition of fuel in the combustion chamber by this system.

As part of knowing “How does lawn mower ignition coil works?” you should also know which component helps the ignition system to do it. Can you guess?

Well, by using the phenomenon of magnetic flux or flux density, the system can operate. A physicist named Michael Faraday found out this theory in 1831.

He also explained the relationship between magnetism and electricity and detected magnets could generate electric current when they pass over coils of wire. The current is basically a result of pushing the electrons back and forth in the cable.

The coil works as a medium to pass the electric current from a corollary. At last, a magnetic field is developed from the system, which can induce a current in the next coil.

Increasing Voltage

As you already know, each latest lawnmower is equipped with a Magnetron ignition system, and a flywheel supports a Magnetron ignition system.

A flywheel makes contact with the engine crankshaft, and its job is to provide power from the motor to the machine smoothly.

The sluggishness of the flywheel resists and calms variations in the speed of the machine.

The edge of the flywheel is joined with a sole fixed magnet. When the flywheel rotates every single time, a coil of copper wire is sent by the magnet, which helps produce an electric current in the engine.

However, you have already known there is a space between the spark plug electrodes to ensure proper voltage. The electric current generated due to the flywheel rotation is not strong enough to pass this gap.

That’s why the ignition system features a transformer, which transforms voltage. It works as a secondary coil while rotating more to pass the electric currents. As a result, more voltage is generated because more rotation occurs in the second coil.

Transistor Switching Mechanism

As a part of knowing “How does lawn mower ignition coil works?” it is necessary to learn how transistor switching system works.

The ignition system of a lawnmower features a switching mechanism. It helps to turn off the power to the plug and not constantly spark and disrupt the piston cycle. So, the primary task of a magnetically sensitive transistor switch is to control the flow of power.

The transistor switch inside the lawnmower includes a spinning breaker. This component makes a fleeting contact with a single electrode to shut down the circuit.

On the other hand, if your lawnmower has a magnetron system, it is mainly supported by a Darlington transistor. This transistor combines a pair of transistors, which delivers a very high DC current gain.

When the trigger winding occurs, the first transistor identifies the current. Then, it helps open the second transistor, and a free flow of current occurs from the second transistor to the main coil.

Operation of a Magnetron Ignition

While wondering about “How does lawn mower ignition coil works?” do you know the basic principle of a Magnetron ignition? A lawnmower that has a Magnetron ignition system includes a heavy wheel. It spins continuously, either manually or electronically, for storing rotational energy.

Each spin helps to generate voltage, and it directly enters inside the main coil. Once the voltage goes to the secondary coil, the voltage increases. The reason is that the turn increases more than 53 times from the main coil to the secondary coil.

The increased voltage generates approximately 10,000 amps, and it is enough to pass over the gap between the spark plug electrodes.

Once the piston compressed the fuel-air blend, the generated spark ignites the fuel. Then it causes the piston to move and push the flywheel through additional revolution. It will ultimately create a self-sufficient cycle to fuel the engine.

These are the most crucial points you want to note down about “How does lawn mower ignition coil works?”

How Do You Check A Lawnmower Ignition Coil?

How do you check a coil? Fixing a small ignition coil is not a hassle as you think. By looking at its conditions and checking its internal functions, you can figure out whether the ignition coil has become faulty or not.

Just follow the steps to get a clear view of this question: — how do you check a coil?

Problem Diagnose

If you have any Diagnostic equipment, use it to check out Diagnostic trouble codes and identify a particular problem area. Now, give a comparison of the value between the faulty coil and a well-function coil.

Check Damage

Now inspect the internal coil conditions if you can see issues, such as —

Serial No Signs of damage

Inspect Spark Plug

Spark plugs are one of the primary components of a lawnmower. That’s why you want to take out the spark plug and examine its current conditions. Make sure you notice their cables and whether there is a perfect gap between the spark plug electrodes.

Supply Of Voltage To The Ignition Coil

Now, use a multimeter to measure the supply of voltage to the ignition coil. You should note down if the voltage surpasses 10.5V.

Primary And Secondary Coil Circuits

Now, use the multimeter again to check out the circuits of the primary and secondary coil. For the primary coil, it should have resistance between 0.5 and 1.3 ohms. However, for secondary coil, it should have resistance between 2,500 and 5,000 ohms.

The coil is shorted if you notice zero reading. If it exceeds the ohms rating, it means an internal open circuit exists. Most times, if the coil becomes damaged, it will have less than 0.5 ohms. In that case, replacing the components is the best decision.

Those are all the important points you want to consider while wondering about “How do you check a coil?”

How Do You Fix An Ignition Coil On A Lawn Mower? Step by Step Guide

Are you wondering about this question: how do you fix an ignition coil on a lawnmower? We have already discussed how to check an ignition coil condition.

What did you find out? Is your ignition coil gets damaged? If yes, you want to replace it. Unless you change it, there is no point in knowing about “How do you fix an ignition coil on a lawnmower?”

Plus, we are assuming you are not a professional expert to fix the different parts of the ignition coil of a lawnmower.

Hence, you need to either take it to a nearby shop store to repair the ignition coil or replace it of your own with a new one. Since an ignition coil has a low price, replacing it is better to make your lawnmower fully functional.

Here we mention how to replace an ignition coil as you want to learn about “How do you fix an ignition coil on a lawnmower?”

Step 1 – Turn off The Ignition Switch

First of all, you want to turn off the ignition switch and give your hands to the ignition coil. Loosen all the nuts and bolts before removing them from the engine.

Also, don’t forget to disconnect the power connector. Now, it will be easy to take out the ignition coil from the engine.

Step 2 – Apply Some Tune-up Grease

Do you instantly place the new ignition coil, or is there something that needs to do? Before installing it, you want to apply some tune-up grease at the coil’s base, which will fight off greatly against moisture and prevent corrosion. If you notice your spark plug also gets damaged or is not working properly, it will be better to replace them together.

Step 3 – Slide the Intact Coil into The Case

Next, you want to slide the intact coil into the exterior case. Tighten the nuts and bolts appropriately without overdoing it. After that, fasten the electric connector to start the mower.

Step 4 – Recheck

The answer to the question of “How do you fix an ignition coil on a lawnmower?” is already cleared. But to become 100% confirm about it, you want to recheck whether any faulty code is still appearing. Also, do other tests to ensure no issues in the engine system.

So, these are all the steps you want to check while wondering about “How do you fix an ignition coil on a lawnmower?”

How Do You Test A Lawn Mower Ignition Coil? Step by Step Guide

Are you wondering about this question: how do I know if my lawnmower ignition coil is bad? You can figure out whether your lawnmower ignition coil is bad or not by looking at its conditions.

One of the most common symptoms you will notice is that your lawnmower is becoming hot while operating it. It may also shut off automatically after running it for a few seconds.

You cool it down and start the mower again. When the engine gets hot again, it turns off automatically. So, you must be thinking, how do I know if my lawnmower ignition coil is bad? Right?

The only option to know whether your lawnmower ignition coil is bad or not is by testing it. So, how do you test a lawn mower ignition coil?

If you don’t know how to test a lawnmower ignition coil, check out these steps:

Step 1 – Disconnect The Ignition Boot

First of all, you want to disconnect the ignition boot (

) from the spark plug and attach it to a spark tester.

Step 2 – Make the Connections

Now, make a connection between the open-end side of the tester and the spark plug boot by plugging the wire. Make sure you connect the boot properly. No loose movements!

Step 3 – Start The Lawnmower

Now, start the lawnmower while it is at normal temperature. Check out the display of the tester to find out its performance.

Can you see a normal spark while the engine is on? In addition, cutting some grass to check the mower’s performance is another thing you can do. Did your lawnmower shut off again while cutting the grass?

Step 4 – Check The Intensity

Check out the intensity of the spark plug while you are cutting the grass—a particular dissimilarity between when the mower is cold and when it is hot.

If you don’t see any spark or too little spark, you want to replace the ignition coil. However, if there is a decent amount of spark, your lawnmower might be having some other issues, which prevent it from running smoothly.

It is the perfect method to test a lawnmower ignition coil. Hopefully, you have learned about this question: how do I know if my lawnmower ignition coil is bad?

What Causes A Lawn Mower Coil To Fail?

Are you failing to figure out the main cause of your lawnmower coil failing? What causes a lawnmower coil to fail? The failure of a lawnmower may occur for several reasons. Here are the few common reasons you can note down:

Defective Spark Plugs

Defective spark plugs will force your lawnmower engine to run on increased output. Hence, you want to make spark plugs free from damage. Otherwise, it may cause an ignition coil failure.

Overheating

Have you experienced any overheating issues in the lawnmower engine? It may prevent the ignition coil from supplying electricity.

Fuel Inefficiency

Have you noticed if your mower engine is consuming more fuel than before? This is called fuel inefficiency, which may lead to ignition coil failure.

When this happens, your mower struggles to run itself smoothly as an insufficient amount of power reaches in the spark plug.

Lawnmower Stalling

An ignition coil failure may lead to lawnmower stalling. When this happens, you will notice your lawnmower is sparking irregularly to the spark plugs. As a result, the engine may shut down automatically after starting it.

Quality Deterioration

It is important to keep your lawnmower ignition coil in a fresh condition. Degradation of insulting may occur between the primary and second coil over time because of ignition coil failure.

So, these are all the main points you should consider when you want to know about “What causes a lawnmower coil to fail?”

Lawnmower Backfiring

Do you feel bucking, jerking, or stumbling while running your mower? So, when does a lawnmower backfires? Generally, a combustion event is supposed to occur inside the combustion cylinders. If it happens outside, it may be because of ignition coil failure.

Excessive Vibrations

Does your lawnmower vibrate excessively? The ignition coil insulation and windings might be broken because of it.

What Causes No Spark On Lawn Mower?

If your lawnmower doesn’t fire any spark, you can’t run the machine smoothly. So, what causes no spark on lawnmowers? It may happen for several reasons:

Serial No Causes of no spark

Defective Plug

Are you 100% confirmed if your spark plug doesn’t have any issue? No worn-out issues! If your lawnmower spark plugs are damaged or broken, they won’t fire to generate sparks.

How will you know your lawnmower has spark plug issues? In that case, you want to use the spark tester to check out whether it is firing spark while the engine is on.

If not, replacing the component is essential. We have already mentioned how to test spark plugs conditions above.

Aside from here are the most common issues you will see in a bad spark plug:

Serial no Signs of bad spark plugs

Defective Wire

Have you checked whether your spark plug connector and cable are okay or not? If the terminal connector of the spark plug wire is damaged or has become loose, it will cause no spark on the lawnmower. Keeping your lawnmower free from defective spark plug wire will ensure regular spark.

Defective On/Off Switch

Each latest lawnmower is equipped with a bail level at the handlebar to turn off or on the engine within seconds. There are five parts to the bail level. Various kinds of problems may occur in these parts. Here are they:

Parts name Problem You May See

Defective ignition coil

An ignition coil either works smoothly or doesn’t work at all. However, sometimes you may see it works for seconds and turn off automatically. When the engine becomes hot after a few seconds or minutes, it shut down mechanically.

In that case, you can test out the ignition coil using a tester. We have already mentioned how to test ignition coil conditions above.

So, these are all the possible things you want to consider if you are wondering about “What causes no spark on lawnmower?”

Why Is My Lawn Mower Turning Over But Not Starting?

A lawnmower is supposed to start after turning it over. If not, there might be some issues. So, why is my lawnmower turning over but not starting? It can be related to several problems, which may be unknown to you.

Here are we are mentioning all the possible causes of “Why is my lawnmower turning over but not starting?”

Insufficient Fuel Supply

Have you ensured enough fuel supply for the mower? If the fuel filter becomes damaged or clogged up, it will prevent a smooth flow of fuel. As a result, the mower may turn over but fail to start due to lack of fuel supply.

Testing Your Lawn Mower’s Ignition | FIX.com

Spark Issues

Is your lawnmower getting sufficient spark from the engine? If not, you may struggle to start the machine.

So, why does sparking deficiency occurs? It will happen for different reasons, such as —

Defective spark plugs
Bad ignition circuit
Broken ignition switch
Unbalanced security system

Low Compression

All lawnmower engines include cylinders, which should have a sufficient amount of pressure. If they have low compression, you will struggle to start the engine.

Low compression may occur due to a blown head gasket or mower valve. Stopping the leaking gases issue is essential. In that case, you want to change the leaking part.

Power Supply Issues

If your lawnmower has a bad or failing starter motor, you may struggle to start the engine. A bad or failing starter motor consumes a large number of amps to crank the engine.

As a result, the remaining amps are not enough to support the ignition system and fuel injectors. When this happens, abnormal sounds appear after turning it over.

Unfresh Gasoline

How long have you used the same gasoline? Unfresh gasoline deteriorates its quality and lacks combustibility when it remains idle for a long time. After a certain time, it will lead to a clogged carburetor.

So, how long can gasoline stay fresh? As per professional mechanics, it is better to change gasoline after 30 days. It will ensure optimal performance for the engine and prevent the clogged carburetor issue.

Dead Battery

Most lawnmower batteries are durable and long-lasting. But you may don’t know when they become dead due to no early signs. In that case, you can use a voltmeter to see the battery’s performance.

So, how will it measure its performance? For example, if your lawnmower battery has 12 volts, the reading should be close to 12 volts. If it is too less, you want to replace the battery soonest.

Dirty Components

Lawnmowers include various components. Though you can’t clean all parts, some parts need to be regularly cleaned, especially if you used them heavily.

Parts like spark plugs, carburetor, air filter, and fuel filter are necessary to clean daily. If not, dirt, grease, and other contaminants will build up inside the parts and prevent them from functioning smoothly.

So, these are all the possible causes when you want to know about “Why is my lawnmower turning over but not starting?”

What If I Don’t Replace An Ignition Coil?

We have already learned how does lawn mower ignition coil works? But do you know what will happen if you don’t replace it when it is necessary?

The first step you need to do knows when it is the perfect time to change your lawnmower ignition coil.

Delaying the replacement will hamper the overall performance of your mower engine. In addition, it will lack sufficient power and won’t run smoothly or not at all.

over, using a defective ignition coil for a prolonged time causes various issues for other components.

In fact, many garden experts recommend not using your lawnmower if you think it has some problems with the ignition coil. It may seriously damage the engine, and even professionals can’t repair it anymore. Hence, you have no option but to buy a new one.

Wrapping Up

Like other vehicles, a lawnmower has so many components, and an ignition coil is one of the most important parts of this machine. It is important to know how does lawn mower ignition coil works.

Knowing how does lawn mower ignition coil works will help you to decent any issue that occurs inside it. As a result, you can take quick action and save the machine from any extra damage. Hopefully, you have earned enough knowledge to know everything about lawnmower ignition coils. Thanks for reading!

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Lee Safin was born near Sacramento, California on a prune growing farm. His parents were immigrants from Russia who had fled the Bolshevik Revolution. They were determined to give their children a better life than they had known. Education was the key for Lee and his siblings, so they could make their own way in the world. Lee attended five universities, where he studied plant sciences and soil technologies. He also has many years of experience in the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a commercial fertilizer formulator.

Thoughts on How does Lawn Mower Ignition Coil Works | Everything You Need To Know

How To Remove Spark Plug from Lawn Mower

When it comes to lawn mowers, many things can go wrong. One of the most common problems is when the spark plug stops working properly. If this happens, you’ll need to remove the spark plug and replace it with a new one.

Luckily, this is a relatively easy process that anyone can do. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to remove spark plug from lawn mower.

Read on, and learn the steps for this simple task.

How to Remove Spark Plug from Lawn Mower-Step by Step
Signs Your Spark Plug Needs Changing
1. Trouble Starting Up
2. Engine Dies Quickly
3. Poor Performance
4. Engine is Hard to Start
5. Foul Smell Comes Out of the Engine
6. Smoke Comes Out of the Lawn Mower
FAQ’s on Removing Spark Plug from Lawn Mower
Do You Need a Spark Plug Socket to Remove a Spark Plug?
Can You Remove Spark Plugs by Hand?
Can You Use Wd40 to Remove Spark Plugs?
Author

How to Remove Spark Plug from Lawn Mower-Step by Step

Step: 1. Make sure your lawn mower is turned off and that it’s not running. Also, make sure to remove the old spark plug properly. Do not use any tools or anything else that can damage it because this will be important for getting the lawn mower started again.

Step: 2. Find out where your spark plug wire is located. It’s best to do this by visually inspecting it because there are often multiple wires that can come from different places. You need to find out which one is your spark plug wire because the other ones are for other components on your lawn mower.

Step: 3. Once you have found the right wire, disconnect it using your ratchet or an extension wire. Make sure to stand somewhere safe when doing this because there may be sparks flying out of your lawn mower.

Step: 4. Now that the spark plug wire is disconnected, everything else should fall into place easily. Your goal now is to take off the old spark plug by unscrewing it. You can do this by hand or with a ratchet.

Step: 5. After unscrewing the old spark plug, replace it with the new one and screw it back in. It’s always best to use the same spark plug type for your lawn mower so that everything works properly again.

Step: 6. If you have a multimeter, you can use it to test the new spark plug. This is an optional step, but it will tell you if your lawn mower has started working again or not.

If you put the red screen of the multimeter on top of the spark plug’s end and then pull that off with your hands, there should be enough power for a small spark to come out. If that is not happening, your lawn mower will not work again.

Step: 7. After everything is done, all you have to do now is put the new spark plug wire back onto its original place and connect it. Make sure to do this securely so that sparks don’t fly.

Step: 8. Now, you can go ahead and start your lawn mower again to see if it works properly. If everything is done right, your lawn mower should turn on just fine after this repair. Good luck.

FAQ’s on Removing Spark Plug from Lawn Mower

Do You Need a Spark Plug Socket to Remove a Spark Plug?

No, you don’t need a spark plug socket to remove a spark plug. It is much easier if you can turn the spark plug by hand.

That way, you can decide exactly when to pull it out of the lawn mower’s engine.

Can You Remove Spark Plugs by Hand?

Yes, you can remove spark plugs by hand. However, it can be difficult to get the plug out if it is stuck. You may need to use a spark plug socket to remove the plug.

This tool is specially designed to fit the plug securely but is still small enough to fit in the spark plug cavity.

Can You Use Wd40 to Remove Spark Plugs?

WD-40 can be used to remove spark plugs, but it’s not the best method. The lubricant can help loosen up the plug, so it’s easier to take out, but you may still need a spark plug socket or wrench to get the job done.

Now that you know how to remove spark plug from lawn mower, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice.

Be sure to always wear safety goggles when working with any machinery and read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before starting.

If you have any questions about properly maintaining your lawn mower, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information. Thanks for reading, and happy mowing.

Author

Hi, I’m Ricky. I’ve been involved in lawn care and landscaping from when I was 15. To be honest, I didn’t like the idea of pushing mowers, collecting grass clippings, and maintaining flowerbeds at the time. But having seem the passion my parents had for gardening and outdoors and the effort they put in maintaining the health and beauty of our landscape, I couldn’t help but not only admire their hard work but also I became a part of it. As someone who loves to spend time with nature’s best, I find myself learning a lot more about gardening and outdoors on a daily basis. Not to mention I love to share the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years with my readers at We Mow Dallas. To be clear, I don’t have a Master’s degree in gardening or anything like that. Everything I’ve learned about gardening, landscaping, and lawn care spring from passion and engagement with my parents. And with a ton of free information out there, plus the ability to run tests and determine what works best for lawn care and landscaping, every day is an opportunity to learn and implement something new. My goal with We Mow Dallas is to teach you exactly how to maintain your lawn and landscape. And since I walk the talk in reality, you shouldn’t hesitate to join me in this wonderful world of landscaping and lawn care. View all posts

How To Change Your Lawn Mower’s Spark Plug

This maintenance task is as simple as it is important. Here’s when and how to examine, repair, and even change your plug.

Your spark plug is one of many lawn mower components that wears out over time. It’s important you address your spark plug during your yearly lawn mower maintenance. In this article, we’ll explain the how and the why of swapping your mower’s spark plug.

Why change your lawn mower spark plug?

A spark plug includes two electrodes that protrude into the combustion cylinder of an engine. When the engine’s electrical system runs power through the plug, a spark leaps from one electrode to the other. This spark ignites the mixture of fuel and air in the cylinder, creating the explosion that drives the engine.

According to the Champion spark plug company, a worn-out spark plug can cause numerous issues. An engine with worn plugs may misfire or idle roughly. It may be hard to start or cease to start at all. It may even suffer compromised gas mileage, reduced power, and poor acceleration.

Whenever you do your yearly lawn mower maintenance–whether it’s while winterizing in the fall or reactivating your mower in the spring–it is important that you service your spark plug.

How to change your lawn mower’s spark plug

First, locate your lawn mower’s spark plug. You are looking for a metal and ceramic shaft that protrudes from the lower engine block of your lawnmower. It is the diameter of a finger and capped with a thick spark plug wire.

You should pull this wire off the end of the spark plug before servicing your mower anyway. Below the plug’s ceramic insulator, near your engine block, you will find your spark plug has a hexagonal ridge, similar to the head of a bolt. Your spark plug is also threaded like a bolt, that is how it stays in place in the engine block. You will need to fit a deep-well socket or a special spark plug wrench over the plug and twist it free like you would any bolt.

Installing a spark plug is just as easy: insert the threaded, electrode end into the engine. Double-check that the plug’s threads are lined up with the threads in your motor, the plug should turn freely at first. Once the shoulder of the plug is flush with the engine, torque it until it’s held firmly in place. This final tightening shouldn’t take more than 1/8-1/4 of a turn. Finally, press the spark plug wire firmly onto the plug. You should feel it snap into place and stay there.

Can you clean and repair an old spark plug?

If your lawnmower is running poorly, you can remove and examine your spark plugs ahead of schedule. If the plug electrodes are wet with oil or gas, or scorched, that will tell you something about your engine. You can also clean and re-gap your plugs.

Cleaning your spark plug is as simple as using a soft wire brush to clean scouring and debris off of the plug’s electrodes. Re-gapping your old spark plug is a bit more complicated. Sparking for thousands of combustion cycles actually misshapes a spark plug’s central and outer electrode.

To re-gap your spark plugs you’ll need a re-gapping tool. Check out our extensive lawn mower service schedule or see how to re-gap plugs yourself in the video below:

Where is the Spark Plug on a Lawn Mower?

Most people have heard of a spark plug before, but locating spark plugs and figuring out what exactly they do requires a little bit more digging. But don’t worry, unlike a bunch of other engine parts, the spark plug is actually pretty easy to access and identify. There are a bunch of reasons why you might wonder, where is the spark plug located on a lawn mower? Usually this question comes up when the new season starts and it’s time to change the spark plug or when you need to swap out a bad lawn mower spark plug. In either case, the first step is to find your spark plug.

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First of All…What Does the Spark Plug Actually Look Like?

Before solving the riddle of where is the spark plug on a lawn mower, you’ll want to be familiar with what to look for. This can be sort of tricky because the spark plug is actually covered by the spark plug wire and hood. However, the spark plug wire and hood are super easy to identify.

Spark plug cables are almost never concealed. You should be able to notice the wire sticking out of one side of the engine.

The spark plug cable will be pretty short, about a quarter of an inch thick, and usually black. One side of the cable will end at a plastic piece that is thicker than the cable itself and forms a right angle. This piece is the spark plug hood and is what covers the spark plug itself. If you pull the hood off, you’ll reveal the white ceramic body of the spark plug with its metal terminal at the end.

Where is the Spark Plug on a Lawn Mower? (Places to Look)

Now that you know what the spark plug should look like, I’ll talk a little bit about where you can look for it. Though the brand and engine type can somewhat affect where the spark plug on a lawn mower is, there is a surefire method to find them.

Where is the Spark Plug Located on a Push Lawn Mower?

On a gas powered push mower, you can almost always find the spark plug on one of the sides of the lawn mower’s engine. One end of the spark plug is connected to the spark plug cable and hood, and the other side of the spark plug will be screwed into the cylinder. Because the spark plug is used to ignite the fuel in the engine’s cylinder, you’ll always find the spark plug attached to the engine. If your brand new mower won’t start, the first thing I’d do is check the spark plug, because it could be simply a case of the hood not being properly connected.

Where is the Spark Plug on a Riding Lawn Mower?

The spark plug on a riding lawn mower serves the same purpose as one on a push mower, and you can use the same method to find them: inspect the sides of the engine and look for the spark plug cable and hood.

The only thing that makes finding spark plugs a bit harder on riding mowers is that different styles of riding mower have the engines in different places. For example, lawn tractors have engines in the front that are covered, while zero turn riding mowers have partially exposed engines in the rear. Still, once you take a look at the engine you can find the spark plug.

Does the Mower/Engine Brand Affect Spark Plug Location?

Lawn mower manufacturers use a similar but unique approach when it comes to the design of their equipment. What this means is that different mower and engine brands put their spark plugs in slightly different locations. Because of this, I’ve taken a quick look into the most common spark plug locations on a few of the most popular brands and will describe them below.

Where is the Spark Plug on a Craftsman Lawn Mower?

Craftsman tends to orient the engines on their push mowers so that spark is delivered to the cylinder from the front. I found that the spark plug is usually at the middle of the front side or just below. If you have a Craftsman lawn tractor, the spark plug will usually be on the front right side. And if you have a Craftsman zero turn mower, check the rear sides on the engine for spark plug cables.

Where is the Spark Plug on a Toro Lawn Mower?

Toro models generally place their spark plug on the side of the engine. This is especially true for their lawn tractors. To access the engine and find the spark plug on a Toro lawn tractor, you’ll first need to open the hood of the mower. After doing this, look on the sides of the engine for the spark plug hood and cable. Most of the time Toro will put their spark plugs on the right side of the engine.

Where is the Spark Plug on a Husqvarna Lawn Mower?

When it comes to Husqvarna models, I’ve found that they have pretty specific spark plug locations: the front left side of the engine on lawn tractors, the back sides of the engine on zero turn models, and front and center on their push mowers. Check these locations out first before looking elsewhere.

About Tom Greene

I’ve always had a keen interest in lawn care as long as I can remember. Friends used to call me the lawn mower guru (hence the site name), but I’m anything but. I just enjoy cutting my lawn and spending time outdoors. I also love the well-deserved doughnuts and coffee afterward!