Mower Troubleshooting

Common Mower Problems

Top Mower Problems:

• Mower won’t start
• Engine surging
• Mower hard to push
• Engine white smoke
• Chute clogging

Starting Problems

Top Problems:

• Engine won’t start
• Engine starts then stops
• Pull cord won’t catch
• Engine hard to start when hot

➡️ See All Starting Troubleshooting Guides

Engine Performance Problems

Top Problems:

• Engine surging up and down
• Engine blowing white smoke
• Engine blowing black smoke

➡️ See All Engine Performance Guides

Drive Problems (Self-Propel)

Top Mower Problems:

• Mower drive system slow
• Mower hard to push
• Self-drive common faults (video)
• Self-propelled wheels won’t turn

Cutting Problems

Top Problems:

• Mower leaving uncut grass
• Chute clogging
• Grass bag won’t fill
• Blade bolt stuck

➡️ See All Cutting Troubleshooting Guides

Fluid Leaks

Top Problems:

• Engine flooded with gas (video)
• Engine leaking gas
• Engine leaking oil

Oil & Fuel Maintenance

• Engine tune-up
• How to check and top up oil
• Fuel stabilizer – mixing and adding
• Gas removal
• Carburetor bowl cleaning
• Carburetor cleaning

Blade Maintenance

• Blade removal (video)
• Blade sharpen (video)
• Torque wrench use (video)

Air Filter & Spark Plug Maintenance

• How to clean or replace an air filter
• Spark plug check
• Spark plug cleaning (video)
• Spark plug gapping (video)

Belt and Cable Checks

• Drive cable adjustment
• Drive cable replacement
• Drive belt replacement
• Wheel replacement (video)

Deck & Body Maintenance

• Deck cleaning
• Deck replacement
• How to protect the mower deck
• Mower cleaning tools
• Rust prevention (video)

Seasonal Maintenance

• Winterizing your mower (video)
• Gas stabilizer mix and add
• Storing your mower

Parts & Tools for DIY Repairs

• New carburetors
• Carburetor removal and cleaning tools
• Best torque wrench for tightening mower blades
• Mower blade tools
• Mower accessories
• Small engine repair tools

➡️ See All Parts & Tools

Walk-Behind Mower FAQs

• Are mower blades universal?
• Where to sell my mower?
• New blades need sharpening?
• How long will an electric mower last?
• Do mowers pick up leaves?

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Repair Safety First

• Wear gloves and eye protection
• Disconnect spark plug before working
• Work on flat surfaces
• Be cautious with spilled gas
• Repair safety video
• Mower repair safety gear