Mower not getting fuel. Here s Why Your Lawn Mower Won t Start And What To Do About It

john deere fuel filter not full

John Deere fuel filters play an important role in keeping engines clean and running smoothly. However, if the filter is not full, it can cause engine problems. This article will discuss what to do if your John Deere fuel filter is not full.

What can I do if my John Deere fuel filter is not full?

If your John Deere fuel filter is not full, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue. First, check the fuel level in the tank. If it is low, fill it up and see if that solves the problem. If the fuel filter is still not full, then you may need to replace the filter. To do this, consult your John Deere manual or a professional for assistance.

How often should I replace my John Deere fuel filter?

John Deere fuel filters should be replaced every 250 hours or once a year, whichever comes first. If your John Deere tractor is used frequently or for heavy-duty tasks, it’s a good idea to replace the fuel filter more often. A clogged or dirty fuel filter can cause all sorts of problems, from engine stalling to decreased performance.

What are the benefits of using a John Deere fuel filter?

There are a few benefits to using a John Deere fuel filter. One is that it can help remove impurities from the fuel, which can clog up the engine and cause it to run less efficiently. Another benefit is that it can help extend the life of the engine by keeping the fuel clean. Finally, using a John Deere fuel filter can also help improve the performance of the engine by providing cleaner fuel to burn.

How do I know if my John Deere fuel filter is full?

If your John Deere fuel filter is not full, it could be because the fuel level in the tank is low. Check the fuel gauge to see if it needs to be refilled. If the fuel filter is full, then check the air filter to see if it is clogged.

How do I replace a John Deere fuel filter?

If your John Deere tractor is not running as smoothly as it should, one possible culprit is a dirty fuel filter. Fuel filters keep contaminants from reaching the engine, and over time they can become clogged with dirt, rust, and other debris. Replacing a dirty fuel filter is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes.

To replace the fuel filter on your John Deere tractor, first locate the filter. On most models, it will be located on the right side of the engine near the fuel tank. Once you have located the filter, unscrew the cap and remove the old filter.

Then insert the new filter and screw on the cap until it is tight. Finally, start up your tractor and check for any leaks.

Why Is My John Deere Fuel Filter Not Full?

If your John Deere fuel filter is not full, there are a few possible explanations. The most likely explanation is that there is a leak in the fuel line between the tank and the filter. This can happen if the fuel line is damaged or if the connection between the line and the filter is loose.

Another possibility is that the fuel level in the tank is low. If this is the case, you’ll need to add more fuel to the tank. Finally, it’s possible that there is something wrong with the float in the fuel filter. This can cause the filter to appear empty even when there is fuel in it.

Why Is My John Deere Fuel Filter Not Full?

The John Deere fuel filter is designed to keep the fuel system clean and free of debris. However, if the filter is not full, it may not be able to do its job properly. There are a few reasons why the John Deere fuel filter might not be full.

One reason is that the filter may be old and needs to be replaced. If the filter is more than five years old, it should be replaced.

Another reason is that there may be a leak in the fuel system. A leak can cause the filter to become empty over time. Finally, the float in the fuel tank may be stuck in the up position, preventing fuel from flowing into the filter.

If you suspect that your John Deere fuel filter is not full, check for leaks and replace the filter if necessary.

How to Fix a John Deere Fuel Filter Not Full

If your John Deere fuel filter is not full, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, check the fuel level in the tank. If it is low, fill it up and see if that fixes the problem. If the fuel level is fine, then the next thing to check is the fuel line.

Make sure there are no leaks in the line and that the line is not clogged. If everything looks good with the fuel line, then the problem may be with the fuel filter itself. Try cleaning or replacing the filter and see if that solves the issue.

What to Do If Your John Deere Fuel Filter

Is Not Full If you own a John Deere tractor, you may have noticed that the fuel filter is not always full. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of a project and need to refuel. Here are some tips to help you keep your fuel filter full and avoid interruptions in your work.

I Thought I Replaced the Fuel Filter

You may have been taught that it’s important to regularly replace your vehicle’s fuel filter, but what happens if you think you’ve replaced it and you haven’t?

If you’re not seeing the benefits of a new fuel filter- like improved gas mileage- then it’s possible that you didn’t actually replace the filter. It’s a common mistake, so don’t feel bad if it happened to you. The best way to avoid it is to know how to properly replace the fuel filter yourself.

-Before beginning the replacement process, make sure that your car is parked on level ground and that the engine is cool. You don’t want to accidentally puncture the old filter while trying to remove it.

-Next, locate the fuel filter.

Should a fuel filter always be full?

If you’re a John Deere owner, you know that one of the most important maintenance tasks is to keep your fuel filter full.

A full fuel filter means clean fuel, and clean fuel means a happy engine. But what happens when your fuel filter isn’t full? In this article, we’ll take a look at what can cause a John Deere fuel filter not to fill up, and how to fix it.

Why is my John Deere mower not getting gas?

If your John Deere mower Scag mower deck problems isn’t getting gas, it could be because the fuel filter is not full. The fuel filter is located in the gas tank and is responsible for keeping the fuel clean. If the fuel filter is not full, it can’t do its job and the mower won’t run.

To check the fuel filter, remove it from the gas tank and look inside. If it’s empty, then you’ll need to replace it. If it’s clogged, then you’ll need to clean it out. To do this, unscrew the top of the filter and carefully remove the debris. Once the filter is clean, screw it back on and fill up the gas tank.

How do I know if my riding lawn mower fuel filter is bad?

It’s frustrating when you go to fill up your John Deere tractor and the fuel filter isn’t full. You know you need to change the filter, but you don’t want to have to do it more often than necessary. Here are some tips on how to avoid this problem.

How do you unclog a fuel filter?

If you’ve ever had a clogged fuel filter, you know the frustration of trying to figure out what’s causing the problem. A john deere fuel filter not full is one possible culprit. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of a clogged fuel filter and how to fix it.

Why you shouldn’t run your John Deere with an empty fuel filter

When it comes to operating your John Deere tractor, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

This includes ensuring that the fuel filter is always full before starting the engine. Running the tractor with an empty fuel filter can cause a number of problems, including decreased performance and damage to the fuel injectors.

Decreased performance is one of the most common problems associated with running a John Deere tractor with an empty fuel filter.

The fuel filter is responsible for removing impurities from the fuel before it reaches the engine. When the filter is not full, these impurities can build up and clog the injectors, resulting in reduced power and efficiency.

Damage to the fuel injectors is another potential problem that can occur when running a John Deere tractor with an empty fuel filter.

Conclusion john deere fuel filter not full

In conclusion, if your John Deere fuel filter is not full, it is most likely due to a leak in the fuel system. Check all fuel lines and connections for leaks. If you find a leak, repair it and then check the filter again. It is also a good idea to check the filter regularly to avoid this issue in the future.

Here‘s Why Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start And What To Do About It

Standing in your garage with a dead lawn mower, a phone browser open to Google, and the vast untamed landscape of small engine troubleshooting before you, it can be easy to get discouraged. After all, just about anything that prevents a lawn mower from running well can also prevent it from starting. Let’s simplify all these possibilities and zero in on common starting problems, and ones that you’re likely encountering.

Of course, your situation could include all manner of devices thought of as mowers. You could have a simple push mower, or maybe an electric start push mower. But, you could also have a riding mower, an electric mower, or a zero-turn mower that costs more than a Chevrolet Spark. You might even have a tractor towing a rotary cutter like a Bush Hog, in which case you’re probably not reading this article. We’re going to take a look at the most common: push mowers and riding mowers. Your electric mower is essentially always started, and your licensing agreement might prohibit your working on your own tractor. We also won’t deal with zero-turn mowers directly, but obviously a lot of the info for small engines in general will apply to zero-turns. Let’s dive into some of the reasons your mower may not be starting, and what you should do about it.

Ignition system problems: spark plugs

At some point — possibly when the words we have ignition from the Kennedy Space Center Firing Room — many of us began to think of the word ignition as synonymous with starting, but that’s not exactly what’s going on with ignition systems. An ignition system is actually about producing a spark that ignites a fuel-air mixture within an engine’s cylinder(s). Ignition happens continually when you’re using a mower. A few components of this system can be culprits when an engine won’t start.

The most common culprit is probably a spark plug that needs cleaning or replacement. Buildup from a constantly exploding engine cylinder will eventually degrade the performance of the plug until it can’t function properly at all. It’s a little easier to diagnose a bad spark plug in an engine that will barely start than one that won’t start at all, and if you’ve recently noticed that your mower makes you pull the starter rope harder, is prone to losing power while running, or starts using more gas than normal, the plug might be the problem. The clearest sign of plug trouble is when your engine will turn over but not actually start.

It’s a good idea to replace them at least once per year, and cleaning or replacing your plugs is a reasonable first step in resolving just about any starting problem. You can try gently cleaning a spark plug with fine-grit sandpaper, a file, or a soft wire brush, and you can use carburetor or plug cleaning spray to help. Just be gentle; damaged plugs will not be kind to your engine. There are other potential plug issues (wrong plug, bad gapping, or a cracked insulator) that might not be worth diagnosing, given that replacing the plug with a new (and correct) one addresses all these issues at once.

Ignition system problems: plug wires and coil

After dealing with the plug, it’s just about time to get serious with your diagnostics. But first, inspect your plug wires for obvious wear or damage. If they appear to be in poor shape, they probably are, which makes replacing them a good idea regardless of whether they are the full cause of your starting troubles. Next, it’s time to verify that your engine isn’t getting a spark. Ground your plug’s threads against a metal part of the engine itself and have someone attempt to start the mower as you observe the plug. If you consistently don’t see a spark, you should start looking at other possible causes.

If your plug wires are in good shape, ensure they’re making good contact with the spark plugs. Clean their terminals and, if necessary, squeeze the terminals slightly with pliers. If your mower has an on/off switch, use an electrical tester to make sure it’s functioning. Switches on mowers with pull cords can be slightly tricky to diagnose, so it might be a good idea to check the on/off function with a multimeter set to continuity mode. The point is that the continuity should change when the switch changes from on to off; some switches might close a circuit when on while others might open the circuit, but there should definitely be a change when the switch, well, switches. Check that the coil control wire connecting the engine to the coil isn’t abraded; if it shorts to the engine, the mower won’t start or run. Finally, consider replacing the coil. These are not user-serviceable, but they are affordable and critical to starting and running your mower.

Batteries die for a living

By far the most common element of the ignition system that can prevent a riding mower’s starting is the battery. Almost 20% — 11.8 million — of Google’s search results for the word battery include the phrase dead battery, because that’s what batteries fundamentally do: expend all their energy and die. And lawn mower batteries are almost always flooded lead acid batteries, which die more easily and more thoroughly than any other sort.

A lot of the work of fixing a battery problem is the same as properly maintaining the battery to begin with. That is, it’s stuff you should do regularly anyway. So, clean the battery terminals with a wire brush (clamp-on terminals might require a special type of brush, often cone-shaped). Use battery terminal cleaner if it’s necessary, though it rarely is. Make sure all electrical connections are clean and tight. Batteries that haven’t been maintained with a trickle or Smart charger while in storage, such as over the winter, will probably need to be charged and will sometimes even need to be replaced. If your battery is in good condition, check out your alternator and starter. Testing an alternator is simple on equipment with working headlights, as many riding mowers have. Just observe the lights. If they don’t dim when you turn off your engine, you probably have an alternator problem.

After verifying that you have a fully charged battery and a working alternator, check all the wires connected to the alternator and starter for damage. (You can test them with a multimeter if you’re suspicious of their condition.) If everything else checks out, test your solenoid and starter switch using the procedures outlined in this Briggs Stratton guide.

Fuel troubles

Every now and then you’ll see news about a possible perpetual motion machine devised in a scientist’s lab (or mind), but until you can pick one up at Home Depot, you’re going to be dealing with fuel for your lawn mower. This usually means gasoline, and there are a few common points of failure small engines can experience when trying to get fuel from the tank to where it’s needed for internal combustion.

First, make sure you have gas in the tank to begin with. This gets overlooked more often than you might guess, especially when you’re already half-expecting other mower problems and your brain primes the pump by framing everything in that context. Next, examine the age of the gas in use. Did you buy the mower used? Has it been in storage for more than a couple of months? Has the gas itself been sitting in the gas can for a while? Gas can go south in as little as a month, so if someone’s telling you it can sit for two years (a common number in mower lore) without chemical assistance or consequence, you should take your maintenance advice from someone else.

Mowers should be stored without gas or with an added fuel stabilizer (the aforementioned chemical assistance), to prevent such issues. Old gas clogs and damages fuel lines and carburetors, and won’t start an engine very well even if it makes it to the right place. If you already have old gas in your mower, you might need to remove and clean the fuel system components, as described here by Simple Green.

Fuel troubles: the fuel system

Replace your fuel filter regularly, especially if you’ve had old gas in your engine. If your engine has a fuel pump — and it probably does — it will reside between your fuel tank and the carburetor. When you’re out of options, check that it’s actually pumping by using a guide, like this one from Hello Practical.

There’s also the possibility that you aren’t availing yourself of some aids many lawn mowers have built into them to ensure the proper fuel/air mixture makes it to the engine. First, there’s the priming bulb: usually a clear, rubbery protrusion near the carburetor you can press. It will fill itself with fuel, injecting the fuel system with additional fuel as needed for starting.

You should also learn to use your engine’s manual choke feature properly, if it has one. Many newer engines have an automatic choke, and mowers generally have either a choke or a priming bulb, as they both perform the work of enriching the fuel/air mixture for starting your engine. Start your engine with the choke on, then move it to the opposite position once the mower is running properly. Leaving the choke on will stall or potentially damage the engine. Also, check to see if the tiny hole in your gas cap is clogged. That hole creates a vent to allow fuel to move down the fuel lines, and if it’s clogged, your engine will be starved of fuel.

Air filters

Of course, when it’s time for things to blow up inside your engine’s cylinders, gas is only half of the story. Your choke (if you have one) tells the other half: You also need air to mix with the gas, and some mechanisms to help with the mixing. The choke makes the fuel/air mixture richer by restricting (temporarily) the flow of air through the carburetor. Once the engine is running, you should return the choke (and, thereby, the airflow) to normal. But there are a few possible reasons you might continue to have airflow problems.

The first is a dirty air filter. Like most parts of a lawn mower, the air filter is prone to becoming filthier than seems possible. This means it’s doing its job, and it also means the filter requires cleaning or replacing from time to time. A dirty air filter will cause an engine to misbehave in all manner of ways, including not starting easily or at all. Your mower has one or two filters, any of which may be either foam or paper. It’s usually better to replace a paper filter if possible, but otherwise tap it against a hard surface and blow it out gently from the inside with an air compressor.

Foam filters are a bit more involved. Start by tapping and blowing it out like a paper filter, then spray it thoroughly with a filter degreaser and allow to soak for 15 minutes. Rinse under clean running water and allow it to dry, and then apply a filter oil spray. To the extent it’s possible without damaging the filter, squeeze the filter to work the oil throughout. After a few minutes, reinstall the filter and wipe away any excess oil.

air: carburetor

Sometimes your fuel/air mix is off because the carburetor isn’t doing its job properly. In extreme cases, this could prevent the engine from starting. At that point, you must choose between cleaning and rebuilding the carburetor. Fortunately, these processes are mostly very simple. The standard process for cleaning a carb is to remove and clean (or replace) the air filter, then inspect the carburetor inside and out for stray debris. Finally, spray carburetor cleaner into the carburetor while the engine is running, per directions on the spray can.

If this doesn’t work — perhaps because the gum and gunk inside the carburetor is extreme as a result of age or being run with old gasoline — removing and rebuilding the carb isn’t as scary as it sounds. It’s basically a process of taking the carb off and then cleaning everything off of it that you can. It’s also a good idea to take some photos along the way, so you can be sure of how everything goes back together. Finally, just reassemble. Briggs Stratton has a good online overview of this process.

If this makes you too nervous, try adding a cleaning mixture of 4 ounces Sea Foam Motor Treatment and 8 ounces gasoline to the tank. Remove the spark plug(s) and then prime and crank or rope-pull the engine to draw the mixture into the carb. Allow it to sit 24 to 72 hours, then run the engine per Sea Foam’s instructions.

Odds, ends, and tips

There are a few other fairly common situations that can interfere with starting a mower. It’s never a bad idea to change your oil, but be sure to do it properly. Old oil, insufficient oil, overfilling with oil, or using oil that’s the wrong weight (viscosity) for the temperature outside can all contribute to difficult starting.

Keep your mower deck clean; an overabundance of grime and debris can slow blade rotation and hinder starting. Similarly, if you’ve run into something recently with your mower, inspect the mower deck to make sure the blades can rotate freely. A blade striking the deck can prevent the mower from starting altogether.

Finally, there’s the unpleasant business of the starter rope — that thing you yank on a mower with a recoil starter. There are two types of mower owners: those who have cursed the fortunes and questioned the character of mower manufacturers for inventing the recoil starter, and those who haven’t used a recoil starter at all. Common causes of starter rope problems include overfilling with oil and debris interfering with rotation in the mower deck, as mentioned above. Similar problems include bent mower blades and damaged mower deck shrouds. The cord may also be difficult to pull because the flywheel brake (controlled by a bar you must hold while using the mower) is stuck. Try loosening or tightening the cable, then repeatedly open and close the bar that engages the flywheel brake. If this doesn’t work, you might need professional assistance. If you feel up to it, Briggs Stratton has flywheel brake replacement instructions. Similarly, a hydrolocked engine (one that has seized after getting water in the engine) will normally require professional help, unless you’re up for these steps from Garden Guides.

Problems that aren’t (exactly) problems

Sometimes you’ll hear that the cause of some problem is a feature and not a bug, but the distinction isn’t helpful if you can’t start your lawn mower. The best example of this is a mechanism called a safety interlock (or often safety switch), by which your mower won’t run because some other thing isn’t quite right. For example, riding mowers that won’t start unless you’re sitting in the seat. Some cars have interlocks that prevent you from operating them if you’ve had a few beers, but fortunately mowers don’t have this feature yet, as it would prevent about 90% of Saturday afternoon lawn mowing from happening at all.

The safety switches on most riding lawn mowers include a seat switch that will not allow the engine to run unless the seat is occupied; a PTO safety switch that might prevent the blades from turning in certain situations and prevent the mower from starting when (for example) the blades are engaged; a brake switch to keep the mower from starting unless the brake is applied; and a reverse switch, that prevents mowing. Obviously several of these can prevent an engine from starting if they malfunction.

It might be tempting to disable some or all of these safety switches. Don’t — they’re there for good reasons. Unless you’re handy with a multimeter and circuits, dealing with faulty safety switches might be another job for a professional.

Troubleshooting guide

So, how do you know which of these problems is preventing your mower from starting? Let’s look at a few questions that will help you narrow down the most common problems and their solutions. If your mower is full of fuel but only runs for a few seconds, check the pinhole vent in your gas cap for obstructions. This could also be a sign of old gasoline. If the engine hasn’t been run in more than a month, treat the gas as suspect. You might also clean the carburetor and clean or replace the spark plug(s).

If your engine sounds like it’s cranking, but won’t fully turn over, you might have an electrical problem — possibly the starter. If you hear a clicking sound but nothing else, that similarly suggests starter, battery, or related problems. If you don’t hear anything at all when you turn the key, check the starter solenoid and its connections. This also might indicate issues with the battery, coil(s), ignition switch, or safety interlocks. Hearing nothing at all could also indicate that your mower is refusing to start because it is low on oil.

If the engine is cranking slowly, you probably have a failing battery. Check the battery and alternator. If your pull cord is difficult to pull, check that the flywheel brake is disengaged. Be sure you don’t have too much oil in the engine, and that it’s the correct weight for the season. Another sign the engine might be overfilled with oil is the presence of blue or white smoke when it does run. Black smoke, on the other hand, indicates the fuel mixture is too rich. Replace the air filter and check the choke mechanism.

Lawn Mower Carburetor Not Getting Gas

I was mowing and it just died. It was like it ran out of gas. I looked and I had a third of a tank. From that point on it would only run if I sprayed gas in the carb. When I do it right it runs at an idle speed only. It is not getting gas to the jets in the throat of the carb.

I replaced the carb with one I know works, but the same thing happens. So far at least 3 experts including Briggs Stratton techs are baffled. It is a YT3000 Sears with a 21 horsepower engine and 46 inch cut. Thanks.

Answers

Perhaps you need a new fuel pump.

Check all the fuel lines to the carburetor. If those are good, then check the fuel pump.

All that has been done all my info says ethanol gas causes problems and no fuel is coming out of the jet other then that its all flowing great also even when I spray gas I can’t get past a fast idle.

I would suggest starting off by downloading the YT 3000 operation manual. Here they have a help section and a carburetor design. It seems you are having an issue with the ethanol gas. I would start by taking my carburetor apart and giving it a good cleaning. You could have a stuck valve inside the carburetor that isn’t allowing the gas to flow freely. You might need to replace your fuel jets on the carburetor. Here is the manual you can download online:

Jets are all clear. I have replaced the carberator coil gas and spark plug. It will start and run smooth at idle speed as long as I spray gas in the throat of the carb.

It seems you have tried everything the experts instructed you to do but nothing worked. have you talked with the Sears Service Center about this problem? I know they have always been helpful with my problems and usually have suggestions to try (given over the telephone) but its for sure they should know more about your mower even if others have failed.

Did you also replace the fuel lines and the filter? If not, replace those fiirst before thinking about the fuel pump.

Some gas lines after exposure to ethanol will pinch under even the slightest vacuum. Replace the fuel line.

Check your wires. that plug in to bottom of carb. That allows gas to go in it might need pushed up to plug in properly. Try that and hopefully that fix your problem.

Questions

Ask a Question Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

Question: Mower Carburetor Not Getting Gas?

I have a Sears 16 HP twin riding mower. When I went to start it the engine didn’t suck gas through the gas line. After cleaning the carburetor the engine sucks gas part way to the carburetor. What do I do? How do I check the fuel pump and where do get a new one?

Answers

Could the fuel line need blowing out?

Could the fuel line need blowing out? Or do you need a new spark plug?

The fuel pump works off a vaccum so make sure your vaccum hose is good n has no bad places.

I have used my Craftsman 42 lawn tractor for over 25 years. the vast majority of those years I used regular 89% gas. no problems. I used the same gas in my Honda ATV. but I do not use the ATV often, and it became hard to start. I removed the carburetor, and the metal had turned green. I ordered a new carburetor. installed a new play, and breather, and the problem was solved. I decided it was time for me to switch to no ethanol gasoline. It was only a few weeks before I had a problem with my mower. It cut off during cutting with no warning. I removed the gas reservoir cap, and saw a couple black things floating in the gas. Then I inspected the gas filter, and saw tiny specs of black inside the filter. I pulled the tank off, cleaned it. I also removed the rubber gas lines and found one was eroding at the connection to the gas filter.

The gas lines are only a couple years old, so I assumed that changing from regular gas to high octane gas must have caused the rubber to break down. I cut off the ends on the rubber gas lines, blew out the lines, checked for any obstructions, and reinstalled them onto the filter. I cut grass almost every day when the weather permits. It is my relaxation. I do have a problem that I had once before, and I can’t remember what it was. I can be riding along with no problems and my mower will shut off, with out any sputter. I look at the gas filter and it is empty. I get off. wait a few minutes. the filter is again full, and my mower cranks perfect, and runs for about 30 minutes and the exact thing occurs. Like I stated this happened a long time ago, but I can’t remember what the fix was. please someone remind me.

Archives

ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.

Archive: Mower Carburetor Not Getting Gas

I can’t get my lawnmower started. I have changed the fuel, changed the spark plug, changed the air filter, changed the air filter gasket, and changed the oil. When I dump lots of fuel in the carb it will run for about 2 seconds, then it dies. Any suggestions?

Archive: Mower Carburetor Not Getting Gas

I have a 4 HP Briggs and Stratton push mower (Murry). the carburetor is not getting any gas, even when the tank is full. Do I need to get another or is there some other things I can try first?

Archive: Mower Carburetor Not Getting Gas

I have a Briggs and Stratton engine on my push mower. The primer will not move any gasoline to the carburetor. Once I took the carburetor apart and it worked for a short while.

Should Lawn Mower Fuel Filters be Full?

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns commissions from qualifying purchases. For more information click here.

A fuel filter strains the fuel before it reaches the carburetor. Its purpose is to keep dirt and other particles from getting into the engine. Because the filter plays such an important role you have to make sure that it is properly configured. This brings up the question of whether the fuel filter has to be filled or not.

Lawn mower fuel filters have to be filled so air does not get into the combustion chamber. Air will cause the engine to overheat and misfire. If the filter is only half full, there also won’t be enough fuel for the engine.

The mower fuel filter is situated right along the pump that transmits gas into the combustion chamber. The filter has to be full so the engine burns fuel properly. If it is not filled or the fuel line leaks, your lawn mower will not start correctly, if at all.

Why Should You Fill Lawn Mower Fuel Filters

If the fuel filter is partially empty, fuel efficiency is reduced. There will not be enough fuel in the combustion chamber and this will negatively affect how your lawn mower works.

There are many problems that can arise from a half empty fuel filter. The most obvious is the lawn mower runs poorly. The blades do not cut smoothly, the engine stalls or smokes and requires more effort to start. Both push and rider mowers handle poorly with a half filled fuel filter.

Another sign of a half empty fuel filter is the loud noise. Your lawn mower will be noisier than usual because the engine is trying to draw more fuel but all it gets is air. The end result is a noisy, smoky engine that keeps stalling. This can affect all kinds of models including the Craftsman M105, so fix it as soon as possible.

The engine will also overheat and smoke due to lack of gas. Lawn mowers must have a specific gas and oil ratio to burn correctly. If the fuel filter is lacking, the ratio will be off and cause problems.

Signs of a Clogged Fuel Filter

The most obvious sign is a leaky fuel filter. But there are other indicators even if you don’t look at the filter itself. An overheating engine, poor performance or stalling engines are common indicators.

Engine problems can also be due to a faulty spark plug or something else, so the best way is to look at the fuel filter itself.

To find out if the filter is clogged, observe your lawn mower. Is it louder than usual? Is it overheating or there is smoke? If the answer is yes to any of these, turn the mower off.

Give the engine time to cool down and take off the spark plugs. Whenever you do any type of lawn mower troubleshooting, it is best to remove the spark plugs as a precaution.

Examine the fuel filter thoroughly. If it is dirty and leaking it will be very obvious. If it looks larger than when you installed, it is probably filled with debris and grime.

Remove the fuel filter so you can clean it. If there is only a bit of dirt, wiping with a piece of cloth will be enough. But if it leaks heavily and/or caked with dirt, follow these cleaning instructions. This method works with many types of lawn mowers including the Power Smart 209cc.

How to Clean a Lawn Mower Fuel Filter

Cleaning fuel filters is a bit more involved that say, cleaning mower bags. But if you follow these steps you should be done in a few minutes.You will need socket wrench to detach the fuel lines and protective eyewear to avoid oil spills getting in your eyes.

Step 1. Turn off the lawn mower.

Step 2. Take out the fuel pump fuse. Refer to your owner’s manual for its location. After removing it, allow the engine to run for a couple of minutes. Turn it off.

Step 3. Disconnect the fuel lines using the wrench.

Step 4. Remove the fuel filter. Tap it to remove residue and dirt struck inside. You can use a carburetor cleaning solution or plain water to spray the inside and outside of the filter. Let the filter air dry.

Step 5. Put the filter back on once it is dry, and put everything back in the reverse order of how you took them out.

Should You Clean or Replace Fuel Filters?

Metal filters can be cleaned with water or other cleaning solutions. Fuel filters made of nylon or paper have to be discarded. Once they leak or covered with dirt, replace them with new ones.

Paper and nylon filters are one-time use only but they are cheap and easy to replace. Metal fuel filters can be cleaned and reused. Replace if damaged however.

Your lawn mower manual includes information on what fuel filter it is using. In general though any metal filter is reusable. If there are signs of clogging of blockage, follow the directions given earlier to clean it.

The cleaning method will depend on how dirty the filter is. A piece of cloth will do if there is just a small amount of dirt. For moderate levels of dirt and grime, use water. You can wipe the filter with a damp cloth or place it under running water.

Do not use harsh chemicals or too much water. Unless the filter is really dirty, cleaning will take just a few minutes.

The next question you are probably asking is how often to clean lawn mower fuel filters. The answer is as often as necessary.

If your lawn mower exhibits any of the signs of a dirty fuel filter, clean it or get a replacement. If your mower is running smoothly then the filter is fine. You should still check it when performing lawn mower maintenance however.

When and How to Replace Lawn Mower Fuel Filters

Lawn mower fuel filters should be replaced after 200 hours of use. But you should replace the filter immediately if it is clogged up and the engine is having difficulty running.

If you notice symptoms of a clogged fuel filter, clean it following the instructions given in this guide. If that does not work or the filter is too dirty or damaged, get a replacement.