Briggs And Stratton Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies? (We Have A Fix). Mower starts then dies

Briggs And Stratton Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies? (We Have A Fix)

If you have ever gone out to mow the lawn and suddenly realized that your lawnmower wouldn’t start, then you know the pain of this situation all too well. Whether it is due to a dirty carburetor, you have a malfunctioning spark plug, not enough gas to the engine, or simply a clogged air filter, there are many reasons why this could be happening.

When your lawnmower has this problem, you essentially have one of two choices. Either take your lawnmower into a service shop or try to fix it yourself. We recommend trying to fix it on your own first as this will save you the most money. However, if you’re unable, then it would be time to bring it to a specialist.

Since the most common cause of why your lawn mower starts then dies is due to a carburetor problem, you can typically fix it yourself. The first step is to analyze the situation and then take the time to clean it, unclog it, and change your spark plug.

This article will take you through the necessary steps in order to fix your lawnmower that starts and dies. Just by following these guidelines, you should be able to fix the problem. However, if not, as stated above, you will need to bring it into a specialist.

Understanding Your Carburetor

In order to fix your lawnmower, you will first need to understand how your carburetor works. Concerning other motors, if you own a motorcycle or any other small gas-powered engine, then you have a carburetor. The primary function of the carburetor is to mix the gas and air. It does this to make it more combustible and allow the pistons to burn.

Carburetors mix precisely the right amount of oxygen and gas. This is called AFR (Air Fuel Ratio). After starting your engine, gas will flow from the tank and will go into the carburetor bowl. Inside the bowl, there is a floater, and this controls gas going in and out of the bowl.

The Function Of Your Carburetor

As you start the engine, the air is sucked through the vent. Then, air pressure atomizes the gas and mixes this with the oxygen. This mixture will spray into an even more refined form and go into the spark plug chamber. It now creates a spark, and the engine will run.

Essentially, if your lawnmower starts then dies, you should first look into the carburetor. You can also look into the items that are also attached to it. Here we identify the common problems the carburetor has and also the best solution to fix these.

Reasons Your Lawn Mower Starts, Then Dies

If You Have A Loose Carburetor

If you have a loose carburetor, then your engine will not function properly. This is because you will not have a full flow of gas, nor will the atomization of gas be stable. To avoid this, check to make sure the carburetor is firmly attached. This can help you to know if you have serious problems or if you simply need to tighten your carburetor.

On the other hand, your problem could simply be that your carburetor is attached too tight or the wrong way. If this is the issue, then you will need to adjust it accordingly to get it to allow your mower to start.

Is Your Carburetor Clean?

This is incredibly important if you want to see if your carburetor is working. Make sure to clean it with a carburetor cleaner and get off all the dirt and grime that has built up. This is a straightforward fix and might allow your mower to start.

It’s a good idea to take the time to clean your carburetor regularly. You should look at it at least once every couple of months and then clean it as needed. This will help you stay on top of any problems that may eventually arise in the future.

Clogged Carburetor Bowl

Since most carburetors today have their carburetor bowl underneath, attached by a screw with a hole at the bottom, it is very easy for this hole to get clogged. When this happens, air won’t be able to pass into the carburetor. This prevents the downward movement of gas and will cause your lawnmower to stall.

To fix this, remove the bowl screw. You can do this by using a ½ inch plug wrench. Be sure to clean the dirt out of the bowl and then out of the screw as well. If you cannot wash it easily, take a very small wire and thread it to remove any dirt.

Once again, take your carburetor cleaner and spray the hole. As you go to recap the bowl, try not to overtighten the screw as this can affect the seal.

Residues From Old Gas

When you leave gas out for a long period of time, often it can form a residue. These residues can clog the parts of your carburetor internally and then restrict the gas inside. To remove these residues, you should drain out the old gas and replace it with fresh fuel.

Be sure to add a fuel stabilizer as well, as this will enhance your fuel quality and prevent future residues from forming. Using a fuel stabilizer can make your gas usable for up to two years.

Dirty Or Defective Spark Plug

If you have a dirty or non-working spark plug, it might be due to a huge amount of carbon build-up. This typically happens in the socket of the spark plug and will eventually weaken it.

Always make sure your spark plug is not worn out. Check the spark cap for dirt as well. If you do see signs of carbon deposits or oil, be sure to clean it up. Unfortunately, sometimes the only answer is to replace it.

Blocked Gasoline Cap

Although not all do, some gasoline caps have holes in them. This can help to stabilize air pressure inside your gas tank. If you do happen to have these holes on your machine, if the holes get blocked, you will have a major issue.

Basically, the blocked hole creates a vacuum in your tank. This will once again disrupt the gas flowing into the carburetor. The fix for this is simple, clean the hole with a small wire. If the cap is damaged, you should purchase a new one.

Too Much Oil

Although you would never assume this would be a problem, if you have too much oil in your machine, then you may have too much fat in your oil reservoir. Always be sure to clean your carburetor first.

If you have cleaned your carburetor, your engine stalls, and there is also white smoke coming out of the engine, then that is a sign of too much oil.

Old Carburetor

If you have been using your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower for many years, then your carburetor might eventually fail you. Whether you simply need to repair it or you need to replace it, these are great lawnmowers and are worth fixing.

If your carburetor is old, bring it into a home improvement store where they sell mower parts. Tell them that you want to order that same type of carburetor so that you ensure you replace it with the correct model. Otherwise, you will find that your mower doesn’t start again.

How Much Does A Carburetor Cost?

At Home Depot, the price for a Briggs and Stratton carburetor costs around 25 before tax. Also, they sell a carburetor cleaner for 2 to 4 per can. So, by providing the correct maintenance, you can forgo the 25 and pay just 2 to 4 a month to keep your carburetor clean.

Although, even if you had to replace the carburetor, it still doesn’t cost that much! That’s relatively cheap for a necessary part. However, if you were to bring it into a shop for a specialist to repair it, then it will cost you between 100 to 180 depending on the amount of time and the shop that you take it to.

Related Questions

How do I know if I have too much oil in my reservoir?

Tilt your lawnmower up and put a heavy object on the handle. This should hold it up. Allow the oil to go to other parts of the engine; leave it for about an hour. Then run the machine and see if it runs for a while without dying. If this happens, then you simply have too much oil.

How long should I go without cleaning my carburetor?

Cleaning your carburetor every six months is a good idea. If you are a commercial business and use it more often, then you may want to do so even more often. Maintenance is key to keeping healthy machines.

How often should I change my oil?

You should change your oil either every 25 hours of use or every season.

Wrapping It Up

While your lawnmower dying is exceptionally frustrating, the fix is relatively simple. often than not, it turns out to be your carburetor that is the problem. By cleaning it, fixing it, or replacing it along with your spark plug, you can have your mower running like brand new in no time.

Real estate agent and copywriter, originally from California. Chloé brings her real estate expertise into her writing to create effective and helpful home guides for you! When not writing or selling homes, she spends her time as a digital nomad traveling the world.

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Lawn mower starts then dies? This is how you fix it

There are very few things in the world more annoying than when your lawn mower starts then dies. You have to stop what you’re doing and try to figure out the problem just to get a little bit of yard work done. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to troubleshoot lawn mowers and be up and running in no time.

Common problems with lawn mower brands

The first thing you have to consider when your lawn mower won’t stay running are the common problems that you run into with most lawn mower brands. Most people have issues with their lawn mower after they haven’t used it for a while, like the first time they break it out after a long winter. As a result, your lawn mower can develop some problems during idle times and need a little coaxing to start properly again.

Some of the most common issues you’ll encounter relate to the fuel and the carburetor. If your carburetor is full of gunk, you’ll want to get a socket set and some carburetor cleaner to get rid of all of the buildups. You can get both of these items at virtually any hardware store. Carburetor issues are one of the primary reasons why your lawn mower starts then stops because they prohibit the lawn mower from getting the fuel it needs to stay on.

You’ll also want to look at the air filter and spark plug. Sometimes your spark plug can get damp during the winter, rendering it ineffective. Remove it, clean it, and allow it to dry thoroughly. You’ll also want to change the fuel for good measure. Sometimes old fuel can cause internal issues in your lawn mower and even damage it further.

Make sure that you put fresh fuel in your lawn mower, and you should be in business in no time.

Craftsman lawn mower starts then dies

Craftsman is one of the top lawn mower brands on the planet, but even these great models can have some issues when it comes to running correctly. For example, if your lawn mower starts then stops after a few minutes, you likely have a clogged carburetor. Carburetors regulate air and fuel flow within the lawn mower, so it’s imperative that they’re clean and obstruction-free.

Carburetors generally get clogged up when you leave old fuel in the mower for an extended period of time. So if you try to fire up your Craftsman after the winter and find that your lawn mower won’t stay on, it’s probably because old fuel got into the carburetor during the long winter and caused it to malfunction.

Fortunately, it’s easy to clean your carburetor. Simply invest in some carburetor cleaner from your local hardware store, and remember to change your gas more frequently. Most of the time, gas is only suitable for a month or so. So if you don’t use all of your gas before 30 days, or if you’re putting your Craftsman lawn mower away for the winter, flush out your gas.

Toro lawn mower won’t stay running

There could be plenty of reasons why your Toro lawn mower won’t stay running. The most likely culprit is a problem with the combustion process, specifically an obstruction that prevents gas or air from circulating within the machine. There could also be an issue with your Toro’s spark plug.

Toros tend to be particularly susceptible to moisture in their engines. If your engine is wet, you’ll find that your lawn mower sputters and dies. Fortunately, there is a relatively easy fix for this common problem. Remove all of the gas from your tank, flush it out, and put in fresh gas.

If changing the gas doesn’t work, try looking at the fuel filter. Sometimes if you leave your lawn mower dormant for too long with old gas in it, debris can clog up the carburetor and fuel filter. Simply swap out your fuel filter, give the carburetor a good cleaning, and you should be back in business.

If your lawn mower shuts off suddenly, you might have a problem with your spark plug. Occasionally, you can dry and repair wet spark plugs, but sometimes you need to replace them. You can get a new spark plug for your Toro lawn mower from any authorized Toro dealer or online.

Husqvarna lawn mower won’t stay on

If your Husqvarna lawn mower starts then dies, you might be looking at either an electrical or mechanical shortcoming. If you’re firing up your Husqvarna right after the end of winter, you might find that your riding lawn mower runs for a while then dies, which can cause significant problems if you’re trying to mow a larger piece of land.

The first thing that you need to do is ensure that your parking brake is properly off. Husqvarnas will not start properly if the parking brake is on. If the brake is fully off, it’s time to drill down into what the issue could be. One of the primary reasons why your riding lawn mower starts then dies is damage to the drive belt. Replacing the belt will undoubtedly solve the problem. You can get good replacement parts at any authorized Husqvarna dealer.

You might also be looking at an electrical issue. Husqvarna riding lawn mowers use Operator Presence System to avoid accidents and malfunctions. Although the vast majority of the time, this works in your favor and keeps you safe, it can experience some dysfunction if your electric sensors are off. Husqvarnas are designed to stop when you leave the driver’s seat. If the wiring is bad, the machine might stop suddenly, even when you’re in the seat.

Unfortunately, unlike many of the common problems on our list, electrical issues aren’t as easy to fix. If you suspect that this is the problem, take it to your authorized Husqvarna dealer. Keep your Husqvarna riding mower happy and running like a dream by keeping the carburetor clean and replacing the gas every thirty days. Make sure that you drain the gas fully before putting your lawn mower away for the winter.

These tips can also apply to other riding lawn mowers. If your John Deere riding mower keeps stalling, follow the same advice that you would use for Husqvarna, and take it into the dealership if you suspect an electrical issue.

Other possible reasons why your lawn mower won’t stay running

There are a few major reasons why your lawn mower won’t stay running properly. You might have an issue with old or gunky fuel, your carburetor could be blocked or dirty, or the ignition could be compromised somehow. Cleaning your carburetor, changing your gasoline, and swapping out your air filters will probably do the trick. Additionally, you might need to clean or replace your spark plugs.

In the case of riding mowers, your power brake might be activated, or you could have an electrical issue. While most of these problems are ones that you can solve at home, never attempt anything too complex that you feel is beyond your ability. Lawn mowers are expensive pieces of equipment, and if you’re not sure what you’re doing, you might exacerbate the problem.

Lawn mower starts then dies

It can be exceptionally frustrating to have a malfunctioning lawn mower. You might be asking yourself, “why does my lawn mower only run for a few seconds then die?” A very common cause is fuel contamination. When you leave fuel for too long in your lawn mower, it can evaporate and get sticky. This gunky, leftover fuel gets into your fuel line and carburetor, rendering them ineffective and unable to move air and fuel around the inside of your mower.

Additionally, if your lawn mower’s interior gets wet, it could develop internal condensation, damaging the spark plug or the air filters. Condensation is one of the leading reasons why your lawn mower doesn’t work properly, especially after a long winter.

Make sure that you totally drain your fuel and clean your lawn mower before putting it away for the winter. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your lawn mower in a dry, relatively warm spot to discourage internal condensation and keep it safe until spring.

You should also make a point to change the air filter regularly. Air filters are inexpensive, you can get them anywhere, and they’re relatively easy to swap out. Simply changing the air filter will keep your lawn mower running more effectively and stave off bigger problems down the road.

For the most part, you should be able to fix your lawn mower at home. Usually, problems come down to just a few root causes, and you can take preventative measures to ensure that your lawn mower is safely stored moving forward. To avoid major headaches, check your lawn mower before taking it out, especially after a long winter.

Check the air filter, spark plug, and fill it with fresh, clean gas. This will give you some peace of mind and ensure that your lawn mower runs smoothly without stalling.

Is your lawn mower not starting after standing still in the winter? Try to fill it up with fresh fuel.If this isn’t working check out ‘common problems with lawn mower brands’.

Changing your gas may help sometimes but not always. if you want to find out another solution, take a look at ‘Toro lawn won’t stay running’.

There are multiple problems that can occur on your lawn mower. although there are a lot of problems that you can fix on your own.Check out this blog for all the solutions and after nothing has worked you can call your supplier.

Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies? Try These Easy Fixes

A lawn mower which starts up then quickly dies is quite a common problem.

Many others face this problem, and have found themselves on Google with their mower sitting out in the yard over the long grass.

In this article, we cover all of the main causes for this issue. The quick answer is that

If your lawn mower starts then dies, it’s gas may be bad, not enough oil, dirty carburetor, or bad spark plugs. If it’s an electric mower starting and dying, it may need more charge, be overheating, or have an electrical fault.

The answer depends on the type of mower and what specifically is happening. Since there’s both gas and electric mowers which can start and die, there’s a good amount of detail to go into.

If you want to get this problem solved, then read on and let’s breathe some life back into your lawn mower.

What Kind of Mower Do You Have?

Yes, it’s important to know what kind of mower you have to identify possible reasons why your lawn mower is starting and then quickly dying. Specifically, do you have a gas-powered or electric-powered mower? For example, if you have an electric mower, you don’t have to worry about bad gas being the problem.

Since gas mowers are the most common, let’s look at why your lawn mower may be cutting out on you.

Why Your Gas Mower Starts Then Dies

If your gas mower is starting and then shutting down, one thing you can say for sure is that a power cord isn’t the problem. No, when it comes to a gas-powered engine, you’re going to look at several things not seen on an electric-powered mower.

Old Gas

A key concern and common culprit with a gas lawn mower is how long it’s been stored and how old the gas within it is.

The reason this is a concern is the longer gas sits in a mower, and if the mower goes through a range of temperature changes in the surrounding environment, things like sludge and condensation can build up in the gas. The result of this can be poor to incomplete combustion.

Poor or incomplete combustion ends up with a mower that will die quicker than it runs.

To fix this, you can try adding new fuel, fuel stabilizer, or siphon the gas out and refill with a whole fresh tank.

Dirty Carburetor

Continuing with the theme of incomplete combustion, if the gasoline is good or new, then the next avenue to inspect is your mower’s carburetor.

If you’re wondering what the carburetor does or why it’s important, let’s retreat back to that whole incomplete combustion topic. There are two important requirements for a gasoline engine to run: gas and air.

You’ve already addressed the gasoline. Now you need to check the carburetor to ensure enough air is getting mixed with the fuel prior to combustion.

If the carburetor is the issue, then you’ll likely just need to do a good clean-out. Although there are several ways to do this, it’s recommended to follow your manufacturer’s guidance for your specific mower. That being said, cleaning a carburetor usually always involves pressurized air and a cleaner that gets gunk out.

Bad Spark Plugs

Yes, more talk about issues with combustion. Already addressed the gas and the gas/air mixture needed for combustion. Now let’s get to the actual possible problem with making that tiny explosion within the engine that is converted into power (or makes the mower work).

In this case, you may have a bad spark plug. If you don’t know what a spark plug does, it basically provides the spark that allows for the combustion of the gas/air mixture. It creates the BANG!

Your Electric Mower is Overheating

This one you might not consider your mower is overheating right off the bat. After all, you were barely able to run it. How can overheating be the reason it’s shutting down.

Well, in this case you need to take into account the climate you may be dealing with and where you store your mower. If you live in a place that gets hot and humid, your mower is probably more than hot before putting it to work.

If you live in such an area and you store your electric mower in a place that gets hotter than the air outside, your mower might already be in an overheating situation before you run it for long.

In either or both cases, try to mow in the morning or late afternoon when it’s somewhat cooler. And let your mower at least acclimatize to the outside air for a while after pulling it out of the garage or shed. Letting it sit in a nice breeze can do wonders.

Now, if your electric mower does run for a while and then overheats and shuts down, you may have clogged vents. Inspect them and clean them out if they’re clogged up or obstructed with lawn debris. Clogged vents are a good way to see your motor overheat, which will almost always lead to a shutdown.

Your Mowing Height is Too Low

The good thing here is a power problem or a motor problem. You’ve simply got the mower height set too low and you’re essentially tasking your mower with more volume than it can handle. As a result, the mower shuts down similar to a gas engine stalling out.

The solution is as simple as raising your mowing height and not overloading the motor.

Grass and Debris is Collecting Under Your Mower

A quick visual inspection should let you know if this is an issue within a few seconds.

Take a look under the mower (after you secure your power cord or battery). Are there large chunks of matted clippings or dirt or both? Any branches that could be preventing your blades from rotating efficiently or rotating at all?

If the answer is yes, clean out whatever’s preventing normal blade rotation and get back to work.

Electrical System

Here, you’re just going to have to do a good visual inspection of your electrical cabling, checking for damage, cuts, and loose connections. If you have a corded mower, inspect your power cord as well.

Lastly, check your breakers on your mower if you have any and reset them if they’ve tripped.

Your Motor May Be Failing

This is the worst case scenario but shouldn’t be considered until the other tips above have been exhausted. If none of those correct your mowing issue, then it may be time to call a service center and consider the possibility of having to repair or replace the motor.

Conclusion

Lawn mowers should run when they’re expected to. But like a lot of technology, it doesn’t always happen the way you want every time. That being said, the causes of an immature mower shutdown are often common and easily correctable.

The main thing is to know your mower and what your manufacturer recommends as far as troubleshooting for your design and to not jump to the worst case scenario without exhausting those recommendations.

Hi there! I’m Craig, and I’m the founder of Appliance Analysts. When it comes to appliances and anything electrical, I’ve always loved opening things up, figuring out how they work, and fixing them. This website is where I share free advice from myself and our experts to help our readers solve their appliance/HVAC problems and save money. Read more

Hi there! My name’s Craig, and I started Appliance Analysts back in 2017.

Fix 90% of Briggs lawn mower not starting problems. Easy repair.

My mission is to help our readers solve appliance-related issues without paying through the nose for contractors or a whole new model. I’m joining up with experts from across the HVAC, Appliance Repair, DIY industries to share free expert advice that will save you time, stress, and money.

Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies – Troubleshooting

Lawn mowers can be hard to troubleshoot. If your mower is starting and then stopping, what should you do?

We’ve all been there. One day as you are pulling your lawn mower out of the shed to cut your lawn to the proper height, the engine suddenly stops working. When your mower dies on you like this, it’s not only a nuisance, it ruins your entire weekend plans.

What could cause your machine to behave in this manner?

There are four possible culprits who could be robbing your lawn of its mowing session. And this article will go over all four of them. We’ll go over each potential issue and what causes it, as well as how to fix it so you can get back to work.

Old Gasoline

Obviously, your lawn mower won’t run without gasoline. But, for the sake of argument, suppose you forgot to drain the gasoline before storing the lawn mower for the winter. Or perhaps you had to evacuate due to a hurricane (as I recently did) and were gone for an extended period of time.

That gasoline, however, evaporates over time and loses not only its potency but also forms a residue that can accumulate on the inside of the tank. This residue has the potential to clog the working parts of your lawn mower.

These clogs restrict the gas flow through the machine, causing it to start and die or not start at all.

How to Fix the Problem

You’ll need to do one of two things depending on your fuel level. If the tank is less than half full, try adding some fresh gasoline to dilute the impurities and free up the gas flow.

If your tank is more than half full, you must drain the old gas and refill it with new gasoline.

Whatever option you choose, you’ll need to mix a fuel stabilizer into the gasoline. For up to two years, a fuel stabilizer prevents the residue that caused the clogging in your lawn mower’s engine from accumulating. The stabilizers cost between 10 and 15 per bottle and are well worth the investment in order to keep your mower running.

An Issue With the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are the components that ignite the air/fuel mixture in your lawn mower’s engine and start it up. There is no combustion without the spark. Your lawn mower will not move without combustion.

There are a few issues that can arise with spark plugs. They may be filthy, defective, or simply worn out. Whatever the case may be, you must replace the spark plugs or your lawn mower will become a lawn ornament, which you did not intend.

Riding Lawn Mower starts then dies. FIXED

Worn Out Spark Plugs

If you’ve had your spark plugs for more than two years without changing them, they’ve probably just worn out on you.

The plugs should be easy to find, particularly on a walk-behind mower. A spark plug cable should be located near the front of your lawn mower. To remove the spark plug, you’ll need a wrench or socket wrench that fits the spark plug.

After you’ve removed it, simply replace the spark plug and reconnect the cable. If the problem was worn-out spark plugs, the engine should start right up.

Dirty or Defective Spark Plugs

Engines powered by gasoline are not the cleanest of machines. Over time, the various parts and pieces collect all kinds of gunk, residue, and buildup. Your spark plugs are no exception. So, if you remove your spark plugs and discover that they are dirty but not filthy, cleaning them with the appropriate cleaner and a wire brush may save you from having to buy new ones.

Simply take a wire brush and some WD-40 and get to work. However, if your plugs are extremely dirty or have a dark carbon residue buildup, it’s probably best to just buy a new spark plug.

If you need to replace the spark plugs, you should also change the oil, oil filter, and air filter while you’re at it. The entire package should cost no more than 30. It will also help to extend the life of your lawn mower.

Clogged Carburetor Bowl or Dirty Carburetor

When your lawn mower starts then dies, there is a good chance that a faulty carburetor is involved in some way. And, like the spark plugs, the carburetor is an important component of your lawn mower engine. It’s in charge of combining just the right amount of oxygen with the fuel in the gas tank to produce just enough combustion to power the engine while not blowing your lawn mower 50 feet into the sky.

This process can be hampered if your carburetor is clogged or dirty. And, as you are aware, without combustion, your lawn mower is nothing more than a lawn ornament.

How to Fix the Problem

Because the carburetor is one of those internal parts that is critical to the engine’s performance, you will need to clean it. To complete the task, I recommend using Gumout Small Engine Carb Cleaner. It has the power of an aerosol spray and a straw attachment for directing the spray into smaller areas.

Begin by removing the carburetor bowl from the engine by unscrewing it. Once you’ve removed it, clean it thoroughly with your preferred product. Make sure to clean the screw as well as the hole where the screw goes. This is where the directional straw comes in handy for these smaller areas.

When reattaching the carburetor bowl to the engine, be careful not to overtighten the screw and strip it. You may end up jeopardizing the seal.

Another useful tip is to spray your cleaner into the air intake hole of the engine. When you start the engine, the intake will suck the cleaner into the engine and clean up any residue that has accumulated in the intake. On most lawn mowers, the intake is located behind the air filters.

Too Much Oil in the Oil Reservoir

Too much oil in an engine is analogous to too much water in a human. It may appear to be a good idea at first, but too much oil in an engine or too much water in a human can cause the entire machine to fail.

When there is too much oil in the engine, the telltale sign is white smoke emitting from the exhaust.

How to Fix the Problem

Too much oil in the tank causes engine stalls and is a fairly simple fix. Simply take an oil dipstick and measure the engine oil level to determine how much to drain. The excess oil should then be sucked out. While siphoning, keep checking the oil level with the dipstick to see when it reaches the proper level. Allow the oil to settle for a few moments before attempting to start the engine.

You’re in good shape if you’re no longer seeing plumes of white smoke and the engine doesn’t stall. Go ahead and cut the grass.

Seek Professional Help

Hopefully, your issue falls into one of these four categories, which you can resolve on your own. If none of these work, you may need to seek the assistance of a professional small engine mechanic. Because things like a clogged fuel line, a faulty choke, or a worn-out carburetor may require replacement. And these are best examined by a professional.

Jeffrey Douglas own a landscaping company and has been in the business for over 20 years. He loves all things related to lawns or gardens and believes that proper maintenance is the key to preventing problems in the first place.

Why My Bad Boy Mower Starts Then Dies? (Fixed)

Do you find it frustrating that your Bad Boy mower starts and then dies? But you don’t know the actual reasons and their solutions, right?

The most common reasons behind this issue are fuel system failure, fault in the carburetor, clogged air fins, and electricity issues.

You can solve these issues with some troubleshooting methods. These procedures include inspecting the electrical system, replacing the damaged parts, and refilling oil.

In this article, I will explore the possible causes of this problem and provide troubleshooting and prevention tips.

This guide will help you keep your Bad Boy mower running smoothly.

So, let’s dive straight into the article without any further delay.

Bad Boy Mower Starts Then Dies – Reasons

Many reasons can cause your Bad Boy mower to start and then die. Here we will discuss the most common reasons, so let’s start.

Fuel System Failure

A common cause of a Bad Boy mower starting and then dying is a problem with the fuel system.

If the fuel filter is clogged, it can prevent fuel from reaching the engine. Therefore, it will cause it to start and then die.

Plus, if the fuel injectors are dirty, they can restrict fuel flow to the engine. It can result in the mower stalling.

And a faulty fuel pump can also cause the engine to start and die. Check the fuel pump and replace it if necessary.

Bad gas is another reason for the mower to start but then die. If the gas has been sitting for a while or is contaminated, drain the tank and refill it with fresh gas.

One of the primary causes for a Bad Boy mower starting and then shutting off is a defective carburetor.

The carburetor is responsible for mixing fuel and air in the proper proportions and delivering it to the engine.

When the carburetor is not functioning correctly, the engine may start but stall shortly afterward.

Here are some issues with the carburetor that may cause this problem:

Dirty Or Clogged Carburetor

If the carburetor is dirty or clogged with debris, it can restrict fuel flow to the engine.

A dirty carburetor can also cause the engine to run rough or backfire.

Faulty Carburetor Components

The carburetor comprises several components, including the float, needle valve, and jets. These parts can wear out or become damaged over time.

If any of these components are not functioning correctly, it can cause the engine to stall.

Incorrect Carburetor Adjustment

If the carburetor is not adjusted properly, it can cause the engine to run too lean or too rich. Resultantly, it can cause stalling.

So, you should check the carburetor adjustment and adjust it if necessary.

Low Or High Oil Level

If the oil level is low or high, it can cause the engine to stall. So, the engine’s crankcase must have a particular amount of oil.

If it exceeds the limit, then it will develop pressure. Therefore, the engine will overheat and eventually shut down.

On the flip side, if the oil is low, it will not be sufficient to keep engine parts lubricated. So, the resultant friction will cause heat accumulation.

Plugged Or Broken Cooling Fins

The engine will get extremely hot if your mower’s cooling fins are not working properly.

So, you should check it, and in case of clogging and damage, change it immediately.

Fuel Cap Issues

If the fuel cap is not venting properly, it can create a vacuum in the fuel tank. So it will prevent fuel from flowing to the engine.

You can solve this issue by checking the fuel cap and replacing it if necessary. You can check the 3.5 inches Tethered Fuel Cap here.

Bad Ignition Coil

When the mower is hot, the ignition coil winding might get separated.

In this situation, the spark plugs cannot receive the voltage necessary for the spark. As a result, the mower may die after working for some time.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your Bad Boy mower is starting and dying, some easy methods can help resolve the issue.

Here we have shortlisted some troubleshooting tips to help you diagnose and fix the problem:

Check The Fuel System

If the issue is created due to old fuel, empty the tank with a fuel siphon. After that, refill the tank with new oil.

You should also check the fuel system parts, such as the fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pump, and gas tank.

Make sure everything is clean and functioning properly. If these parts are not working accurately, replace them.

Inspect The Electrical System

The next step is to inspect the electrical system components. And try to figure out any faults and damage.

You should check out electrical parts such as the battery, spark plug, alternator, safety switches, and wiring harness.

If you find an issue in any of the abovementioned components, repair or replace them.

Clean Or Replace The Carburetor

If the carburetor is dirty or damaged, it may need to be cleaned or replaced.

Use a carburetor cleaner to remove any buildup and improve fuel flow to the engine.

Replacement of Ignition Coil

With the assistance of an ohmmeter, you can detect the issue in the ignition coil. If you find any break in the continuity, there is a problem.

So, you should fix this issue by replacing it with a new ignition coil. You should give a try to the DEF Ignition Coil.

Prevention Tips

It’s possible to prevent the issue that causes your Bad Boy mower to start for a few seconds and then die.

All you need to do is follow some prevention tips. So, here we have compiled some tips that can be effective.

Regular Maintenance

Maintenance is necessary if you want optimal performance from your Bad Boy mower.

So, perform regular maintenance on your mower, including oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups.

Quality Fuel

If you are using below-par fuel, it will not only affect the efficacy but can also damage the mower.

So, you should always use high-quality fuel that is fresh and free of contaminants. It will ensure the smooth functioning of a Bad Boy mower.

Proper Storage

Store your Bad Boy mower in a clean, dry, and secure location when not in use. It will protect it from the elements and prevent damage to its components.

Keep the storage place away from access to children or animals. Cover the mower with a sheet to prevent dust and debris from building up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my lawn boy mower start but won’t stay running?

If your lawnmower has this issue, check out the fuel cap vent.Mostly, the cap gets blocked or clogged and restricts the air. Resultantly, the Bad Boy mower stops working.

What are the symptoms of a bad spark plug?

The following are the symptoms of a bad spark plug:

Trouble starting2. Engine misfiring3. Lack of acceleration4. High fuel consumption

Why does my lawnmower run for a few minutes and then die?

In most cases, the main reason for this issue is the bad spark plug.You need to check the spark plug and replace it immediately.

Conclusion

I must say that multiple issues can cause a Bad Boy mower that starts and then dies.

So, it’s extremely important to pinpoint the actual cause. It will surely aid you in picking the accurate troubleshooting method.

Note

If the issue with your Bad Boy mower is not going away even after following the troubleshooting tips, you should visit a technician.

Hey, It’s Noah Smith, writer and founder of this blog and horticulturist by profession. I’m here to make your lawn, garden, and backyard perfectly green and full of beauty.