Lawn mower string loose. A Convincing Explanation For “Why Is My Lawn Mower Hard To Pull Start? ”

How To Fix A Lawnmower That Will Not Start

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The two basic requirements that allow a lawnmower’s engine to startup are fuel and a spark. If you are experiencing fuel starvations (when fuel is not getting to your engine), or if you are not getting a spark at the plug, your engine will not be able to startup.

Bad compression can also be a reason for experiencing difficulty while trying to start the lawnmower’s engine. If you pack the lawnmower away for the winter with fuel still in the tank, the seals, valves, and pumps in the lawnmower’s carburetor can become blocked up with varnish deposits. Along with this, dirt and dust can get collected and end up blocking the fuel system or clog filters.

Before You Start Troubleshooting On Your Mower You Should:

Proceed with caution when working with your mower. You should first start by removing any sources of ignition. This includes cigarettes, naked flames, sparks, stoves, or other hot objects that are in the same area that you intend on working on the tank or fuel lines.

Be sure to do this if you need to remove any clumps of grass that may be jammed under the deck.

This is to avoid the oils in the mower from spilling, as this is likely to happen if left on its side.

This can be avoided if there is a small amount of gas in the tank, or if you do not think that it will reach the tank cap. However, if you are unsure of this then it would be best to just drain the tank. Another trick is to open the cap and then place a plastic bag over the opening and then put the cap back on.

You are likely to cause premature engine wear if the oil level is low. Added to this, an engine can seize quickly if there is no oil present in the lawnmower.

Checking On The Oil Level Of Your Lawnmower:

Before starting the process of troubleshooting, you should make sure that the oil level in the lawnmower is deemed acceptable. You can do this by:

• Move the lawnmower to a surface that is level.
• Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
• Place it back in the lawnmower and then remove it again.
• Check to see where the marking is. If it is relatively low, top it up to the necessary level.

You should make a mental note that the oil in the tank should be changed after every 25 to 50 hours of run time or as advised in your engine manual.

Tips To How To Get Your Lawnmower Started:

How Do You Start A Lawnmower With Old Gas?

Although, it is recommended to drain the lawnmower’s gas tank before it sits for a long period of time without any use. However, most people do not do this. The result of not draining the gas tank causes residue build-up. If this occurs, you should refer to your lawnmower’s manual for information on how to remove this build-up from the fuel tank effectively, as well as for service procedures. Or see our guide on this problem.

As soon as the build-up has been cleaned out, gather all the old gasoline and put it in a container to dispose of it properly. This can be done by running a siphon hose from the gas tank to the container and then pumping the bulb a few times. In doing this, you are moving the gas from the fuel tank and draining it into the container, which thereby cleans out the lawnmower’s fuel tank.

If your lawnmower still is not working after you have cleaned out the fuel tank and adding new gasoline to the mower, you should make sure that your spark plug is working. There is a large possibility that the spark plug wire will become loose after being stored for long periods at a time.

A common problem found when trying to restart a lawnmower that has been stored in that the carburetor gets flooded. Be sure to note the smells and sounds of the lawnmower while you are trying to start it. A strong gasoline smell could mean that the carburetor has been flooded, and as a result, the lawnmower will not start. In this case, you should wait a few minutes before you try to start the mower again.

How Do You Dispose Of Your Lawnmower’s Oil?

When cleaning out the oil in your mower, be sure to collect in a bottle-like container that screws shut. This is to prevent any spilling. Your local mechanic or oil change shop should usually take your used motor oil to dispose of properly. However, if this is not possible, there may be disposal programs for motor oil at your local dump.

If smoke is coming out of your mower, this could be a sign that the oil needs to be checked and changed. However, a lawnmower that will not start obviously will not smoke. Nonetheless, this is a good sign to look out for as it will allow you to stay on top of your lawnmower maintenance. Added to this, smoke coming from a mower could show that there is a leak somewhere. The leak causes the oil to burn when it lands on hot surfaces such as hot metal. Along with this, smoke can also indicate that there is not enough oil in the lawnmower. Not enough oil has the potential to cause permanent damage to the engine of the mower.

What Are The Options For No-Hassle Gas?

One form of no-hassle gas is a product called TruFuel and it is available in most hardware stores. Known to be “old school” gasoline that has no added ethanol. What is so great about this product is that you do not have to add any fuel stabilizers. It runs clean and can sit in storage all winter and will still start up very easily.

However, it is more expensive than regular gas. Nonetheless, when you weigh in that while using no-hassle gas you will not need to pay to replace your lawnmower or carburetor every few years.

So after reading my post on how to start a lawnmower that won’t start and you decide that it’s easier just to buy a new one, then be sure to check out my post on the best mowers that are under 300.

Hi, Alex Kuritz here. Growing up I remember that my family had one of the best lawns in the neighborhood. Richly green and lush. I did a lot as I grew up in terms of caring and tending for not only my family’s lawn but also my neighbors. I can say I have years of experience, and I am here to share it with you.

A Convincing Explanation For “Why Is My Lawn Mower Hard To Pull Start?”

The mower getting hard to start is not uncommon, especially when you use an old machine. Without regular maintenance and weather impacts during the usage process, your mower can decrease in quality and malfunction.

So, why is my lawn mower hard to pull start ? I will discuss the reasons behind this issue and introduce some effective methods to fix your machine.

Now let’s jump straight in to avoid wasting your time!

Why Is My Lawn Mower Hard To Pull Start?

When the spark plug gets damaged due to collisions or environmental impact, it will make the machine fail to pull start.

However, this component is not the sole cause of the problem. Sometimes the issue may come from the mower’s air filter, which is responsible for directing the airflow to the machine’s engine. Over time, the dirt and debris from grass will slowly build up and block your air filter.

As a result, the airflow cannot get to the engine, making it fail to pull start. In addition, you need to inspect the other essential parts of the machine, like the carburetor, battery, and fuel mix.

You should not leave the fuel mix in the tank unused for too long because it will get stale and damage the mower’s engine. Like the air filter, the carburetor can get clogged with dirt and debris, thus blocking the engine’s fuel supply.

For modern electric mowers that use a battery instead of fuel, the most likely culprit is the battery cell. Check if your machine’s battery is dead or has decreased in capacity after a long period.

Old Mowers May Have Worn Down

How Can I Make My Lawn Mower Pull Easier To Start?

As mentioned above, the dirty, damaged, or loose components in your mower machine will cause pulling start problems. Here are a few measures you can follow to fix this problem.

Open the machine cover and inspect the spark plug first because it’s the foremost critical part. Ensure that the spark plug is not loose, dirty, or damaged.

You can also use a clean cloth to wipe the dust stuck on the spark plug and retighten it. Then, move on to the air filter, fuel filter, and carburetor to check and perform the same process.

All these components will inevitably get dirty and clogged with dust after a long usage time. If any of them has worn down and made it impossible to start the mower, you should replace the damaged components.

Lastly, don’t forget to check the fuel line. A clogged or loose fuel line will emit the gas when it’s transferred to the mower engine. Also, ensure that the fuel in the tank is pure and in good condition.

After checking and fixing all the components, use an ignition device to limit if your mower can start now. If the problem persists, please bring your machine to a professional machine repair store.

Dirt And Dead Grass Can Build Up On The Machine’s Components

Can You Start A Lawn Mower Without The Pull Cord?

Most mower machines can only pull start by using the pull cord. This component allows users to remove the mower manually by moving its flying wheel.

However, you can still start a mower without using the pull cord if the machine features a push-button or electric starter. However, you still need to move the flywheel inside the device to start it.

If you want to pull the machine without using the cord, the only solution is to move the flywheel utilizing some mechanism manually. I will introduce one efficient way to do this in the next section.

How To Start A Lawn Mower Without The Pull Cord?

You can start the mower by wrapping a rope on its flywheel and pulling the chord to move the component. In this situation, the string plays the role of the pull cord, and you need to pull it correctly to start the machine.

To access the flywheel, please open the mower’s cover and remove the plastic box that protects this component. The plastic cover may be attached using a few screws, so you will need a screwdriver for this task.

After removing the plastic box, wrap the rope on the nut of the flywheel (a metal ring located in its center). Now, you can quickly pull this rope with sufficient force to trigger the combustion system and start the machine.

Can You Use A Drill To Start A Lawn Mower?

Like the previous method that uses a rope to move the flywheel, you can use a drill to spin this component and start the machine. However, I don’t recommend this method because it can potentially damage your mower.

Without properly securing the flywheel, the drill could damage this component and cost you a lot of money to repair. If possible, please use a pull cord or a rope to minimize the risks.

Use a Drill to fix a Lawn Mower

How To Start A Lawn Mower With A Drill?

The process is straightforward. You must first ensure that the drill’s size can fit the nut (the metal ring in the middle of the flywheel). Then, attach the drill to this nut and start spinning to pull the mower.

Final Thoughts

In summary, damaged components like spark plugs and battery or dirty air filters and clogged carburetors can make the mower fail to start.

It’s critical to scrutinize these components to find out the problem. For traditional mowers that run on fuel and gas, check if the gas mixture inside its engine has gone stale. Old fuel will make it harder to burn and can potentially damage the engine.

I hope the answers provided in this post can help you understand more about the causes and come up with proper solutions. Thank you for reading!

Are Lawn Mower Blades Meant to be Loose?

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Have you noticed your lawn mower blades move freely on their own? Maybe this concerned you and it should, because that is not supposed to be the case. Mower blades have to be fastened securely so they do not fly off when in use. In this post you will learn how to tighten loose lawn mower blades and how to prevent it from happening.

Lawn mower blades should not spin freely, but you should be able to move it by applying a bit of force. A push mower has a tightness level between 35-60 torque foot pounds, and for rider mowers it is 70-90 foot pounds.

How Tight Should Lawn Mower Blades Be?

Mower blade tightness is measured in torque foot pounds. There is no standard as the torque varies depending on the manufacturer, make and model. Check your mower operating manual or the company website for information.

This table is meant to give you an idea of the typical tightness range. You should check the instructions that came with your lawn mower to find the exact specifications required.

Table. Lawn mower blade tightness comparison

As you can see, the range is pretty wide. The reason is brands have their own specifications, designs and mechanisms that affect blade tightness. Depending on the mower, blade and design, you may have to tighten or loosen it. So if you have a Craftsman M105 for instance, the blade replacement must be specific for that model.

Some blades have more mobility even when tightened, while others are more rigid. It comes down to the design which is why you should consult the owner’s manual for the recommended torque.

Signs of Loose Lawn Mower Blades

Given how dangerous lawn mower blades can be when loose, it is important that you are aware if the blades are coming loose. While you are at it, remember to follow lawn mower safety guidelines.

If you inspect your mower regularly, loose blades are easy to spot. But even without examining the blade closely there are other signs the blades are not tightened properly.

Grooves in your lawn. You will definitely notice this if you keep your lawn short. If the blades have come loose they could make contact with the lawn and create grooves on the surface.

Ragged cuts. Loose blades will move all over the spindle, so some cuts are low and others high. If the blades are tight this should not happen, so if it does you know there is a problem.

Noisy. If the nuts securing the blade come loose even by just a bit, it will create a noise. Every time you us the lawn mower, the blade will make contact with the other parts, producing a loud sound. There could also be a problem with the alternator if your lawn mower has one.

If you notice some or all of these signs, you have to tighten the lawn mower blades. In the next sections you will learn how to tighten the blades on push and rider mowers.

The following is for general information purposes only. You should follow the instructions particularly for the tightness level required.

Bolt is Too Tight

This is the exact opposite: you can over tighten and damage the bolt, the blade or both. When this happens the blade will eventually come loose. If the blade is too tight it will snap off when it runs into hard materials.

Even if the bolt does not break, over tightening leads to deformity and loss of threads. When this happens the only solution is to replace the bolts. So to prevent this you have to apply just the right amount of pressure when tightening the blade.

Blade is Not Centered

Lawn mower blades will come loose if they are not centered. If the bolt is not a perfect match for the holes, the blade will veer off to one side or another.

The main cause of this is incompatibility. You should only use blades that are compatible with your lawn mower. Not all blades are the same even though they look similar. The construction and the way it fits into the mower will depend on the compatibility. Bottom line: never use blades that your mower brand does not recommend.

Damaged Blade

If the blade runs into something hard it could get damaged or deformed. Either way this can cause the blade to loosen up.

Deformed mower blades can also lead to imbalance. An unbalanced bade will spin freely and loosen the bolt. Any number of things can happen next, such as the blade suddenly coming off or it could wear out.

Either way the fix is the same: buy and install a new blade. There is no sense in using broken blades because one, it is dangerous and two, the results will be unacceptable.

Uneven Sharpening

Sharpening blades helps performance, but if it is not done properly will cause balance problems, and an unbalanced blade will eventually loosen.

The key here of course is to sharpen the blades evenly. You should also note if it is time to replace the blades. However this is probably the last thing you should consider if the blade keeps coming loose. The other reasons given above are more likely to make them loose.

I love the outdoors and all the tools for maintaining gardens, yards and lawns. The only thing I am more passionate about is sharing what I know about garden and outdoor equipment.

How To Fix A Lawnmower: 5 Common Problems

Lawnmower won’t start? While some lawnmower problems are preventable, others are inevitable.

It is important to learn how the mower works and how to fix a lawnmower at home. Always consult the owner’s manual for any mower before attempting repairs at home. If the mower is under warranty, consult the manufacturer before trying to figure out how to fix a lawnmower at home.

Common Problems And Lawnmower Troubleshooting Tips

Fortunately, it is easy to learn small engine repair and basic lawnmower repair when it comes to simple issues. Most problems can be remedied with a few tools, replacement lawnmower parts, and patience. To save money, always use these lawn mower repair tips for fixing a lawnmower at home before running out to buy a new mower.

The Starter Rope Is Stuck Or Is Hard To Pull

This problem is usually caused by the engagement of the engine flywheel brake. Check to see if the flywheel brake is pressing against the handle before pulling the rope again. When the flywheel brake is not the issue and the problem persists, check the lawnmower blade.

A rope that is stuck or hard to pull may be caused by the blade dragging on the ground or by clippings getting stuck to the blade. To address this issue, place the mower on a hard surface. Make sure the engine is shut off and the spark plug wire is not engaged. Carefully clean the bottom side of the blade to remove any clippings or dirt, put the mower back into position and try pulling the cord again. If the problem persists, one or more lawnmower parts may not be functioning correctly and will need to be repaired. Consult the owner’s manual or search online for repair guides for the specific model and brand of mower.

The Lawnmower Loses Power While Moving

At some point in time, nearly every lawnmower owner will be pushing the mower along and suddenly hear it sputter as the engine stops.

• One of the most common causes is a dirty filter. Use the owner’s manual to determine where the filter is. Remove the filter and clean it. If the filter is very dirty it may need to be replaced. This is one of the most inexpensive lawnmower parts to replace.
• If the filter is not the issue, compare the height of the grass to the mower’s cutting height setting. If the grass is tall, adjust the cutting height accordingly.
• Another way to fix lawn mower power issues is to clean the blade. Refer to the owner’s manual and use the manufacturers instructions to clean the mower blade.
• If this does not fix the issue, check the spark plug. Many people are able to quickly repair their lawn mowers by cleaning or replacing a spark plug. Spark plugs are also affordable mower parts that are sold online or in home improvement stores.

The Lawnmower Starts Smoking

This is one of the most startling issues to encounter – most people assume that the engine is about to die or blow up. However, this problem is usually not very serious. The engine often smokes when the chamber that holds oil is too full. Check the chamber to see if this is the issue. Another problem may be a leak in the oil chamber. If the mower leans to one side while mowing on a slope, the oil may leak out onto the muffler and cause the smoking. When the mower’s engine is off and has cooled, inspect the oil chamber area for leaks. The issue may be that the cap is not on tight enough. If the part must be replaced, it may be easier to look for the part online than to search for it in stores.

In rarer cases, the smoke may be a sign of a serious issue. If the smoke is white or very light in color and the mower does not run continuously, it is time to have a professional repair company look at the mower.

The Lawnmower Will Not Start

The first step in learning to repair lawn mower starting issues is to check the gas tank. An empty gas tank is the most common cause of a lawnmower not starting. Mower owners who are diligent about keeping their tanks full should still check the tank to see if there is a leak. If the tank is empty but should not be, inspect the outside of the tank for leaks. Replacement tanks can be found using an online lawnmower parts site.

Remember, in order to keep your fuel fresh if you’re going to be storing your lawnmower, use STA-BIL® Storage. It will keep your fuel fresh for 12 months and help protect the fuel tank from the effects of ethanol gas. Also, if there is a shut off valve for the gas lines, by all means, use it.

If the gas tank is not the issue because the mower runs on a battery, check the battery for signs of damage. Lawnmower batteries may also lose their ability to hold a charge as they age. Look for replacement lawnmower batteries if the battery needs to be replaced. Lawnmower batteries vary in price depending on the brand and model of mower.

Another important step in learning how to fix a lawnmower that will not start is checking the spark plugs. If they are dirty, clean them thoroughly. Reconnect them if they are loose. Old spark plugs should be replaced with new ones. If the fuel is not getting to the engine, knock on the carburetor’s side to help the gas flow again. If this does not fix lawn mower issues of this nature, look for a new fuel filter online.

The Lawnmower Loses Speed

When a lawnmower slows down considerably, the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt. This part is located in the motor casing. Consult the owner’s manual to verify the location. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. If the belt is loose but not damaged, reattach it. If it is damaged, replacement belts are usually easy to find online from a lawnmower parts site. A new belt should repair lawn mower issues of this type. If the lawnmower runs on batteries, check the battery. Some lawnmower batteries may cause this issue if they malfunction, however, it is not common for lawnmower batteries to slow a mower’s speed.

How To Prevent Lawnmower Problems

Knowing how to repair a lawnmower at home saves time and money. The easiest way to avoid frequent problems is to maintain the mower. Follow these simple tips to keep the mower in good condition:

– Always use the correct type of replacement lawnmower parts. – Clean the blade regularly. Make sure to pull the plug so there is no chance that the blades can move while you’re cleaning them. – Oil any moving parts when needed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. – Change the oil as recommended. – Use the correct type of fuel. – Recharge lawnmower batteries according to instructions but avoid overcharging them. – Store the mower in a cool, dry and covered space when it is not in use. – Have the mower serviced as recommended by the manufacturer or warranty.