Briggs and Stratton is a well-known brand that produces high-quality lawn mowers. These machines are popular because they are easy to use, efficient, and durable. They are equipped with powerful engines that enable them to cut through thick grass and weeds with ease. Briggs and Stratton lawn mowers come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different needs, from small push mowers for residential use to larger riding mowers for commercial applications.
Common Reasons Why Lawn Mower Won’t Start
A lawn mower that won’t start can be a frustrating problem, especially when you need to get your yard work done. There are several reasons why a lawn mower may not start, including:
- Bad spark plug: The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. A dirty or damaged spark plug can prevent the engine from starting.
- Dead battery: If you have a lawn mower with an electric start, a dead battery can prevent it from starting. Even if you have a pull-start mower, a dead battery can still cause problems.
- Old fuel: Fuel that has been sitting in the tank for a long time can become stale and clog the fuel system, preventing the engine from starting.
- Dirty air filter: An air filter that is clogged with dirt and debris can prevent air from flowing into the engine, which can cause it to stall or not start at all.
- Carburetor issues: The carburetor is responsible for mixing fuel and air in the engine. If it is dirty or damaged, it can prevent the engine from starting.
Importance of Regular Lawn Mower Maintenance
Regular lawn mower maintenance is essential to keep your machine running smoothly and prevent problems like those mentioned above. Here are some of the reasons why regular maintenance is important:
- Improved performance: A well-maintained lawn mower will perform better than one that has been neglected. Regular maintenance will ensure that the engine is running at its best, which will help you get your yard work done more efficiently.
- Longer lifespan: A lawn mower that is properly maintained will last longer than one that is not. Regular maintenance can help prevent wear and tear on the engine and other components, which can extend the life of your machine.
- Safer operation: A lawn mower that is in good condition is safer to operate than one that is not. Regular maintenance can help prevent accidents caused by malfunctioning parts or components.
Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshoot Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower That Won’t Start
A Briggs and Stratton lawn mower that won’t start can be frustrating, but with some troubleshooting, you can usually identify and fix the problem. Here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower that won’t start.
Check Fuel Level and Quality
The first thing to check when your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower won’t start is the fuel level and quality. Make sure the tank is filled with fresh, clean gasoline. If the fuel has been sitting in the tank for a long time, it may be stale and could clog the fuel system. Drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh gasoline. If your lawn mower has a fuel filter, check to make sure it is clean and not clogged.
Inspect Air Filter
The air filter is responsible for keeping dirt and debris out of the engine. If the air filter is clogged, it can prevent air from flowing into the engine, which can cause it to stall or not start at all. Remove the air filter and inspect it for dirt and debris. If it is dirty, replace it with a new one.
Check Spark Plug
The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. A dirty or damaged spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. Remove the spark plug and inspect it for dirt and debris. If it is dirty, clean it with a wire brush. If it is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.
Inspect Carburetor
The carburetor is responsible for mixing fuel and air in the engine. If it is dirty or damaged, it can prevent the engine from starting. Remove the carburetor and inspect it for dirt and debris. Clean it with carburetor cleaner and a wire brush. If it is damaged, replace it with a new one.
Check Engine Oil Level
The engine oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine and helps it run smoothly. If the oil level is low, it can cause the engine to seize up and not start. Check the oil level using the dipstick. If it is low, add more oil.
Inspect Blade
A bent or damaged blade can cause the engine to stall or not start at all. Inspect the blade for damage and replace it if necessary.
Check Safety Switches
Many lawn mowers have safety switches that prevent the engine from starting if certain conditions are not met, such as the blade being engaged or the operator being in the seat. Check to make sure all safety switches are engaged properly.
By following these steps, you can usually identify and fix the problem when your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower won’t start. If these steps don’t solve the problem, you may need to take your lawn mower to a professional for further diagnosis and repair.
Further Diagnosis and Repair
If your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower still won’t start after following the step-by-step guide for troubleshooting, you may need to perform further diagnosis and repair. Here are some additional steps you can take:
Cleaning the Carburetor
If the carburetor is dirty or clogged, it can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to run poorly. In addition to inspecting the carburetor, you can also try cleaning it thoroughly. To do this, remove the carburetor and disassemble it. Soak the parts in carburetor cleaner and then use a wire brush and compressed air to clean them. Reassemble the carburetor and reinstall it.
Replacing Spark Plug
If the spark plug is damaged or worn, it can prevent the engine from starting. In addition to inspecting the spark plug, you can also try replacing it with a new one. Make sure to use the correct type of spark plug recommended by the manufacturer for your specific lawn mower model.
Sharpening or Replacing Blade
A dull or damaged blade can cause the engine to stall or not start at all. In addition to inspecting the blade, you can also try sharpening it using a sharpening tool or replacing it with a new one. Make sure to use the correct size and type of blade recommended by the manufacturer for your specific lawn mower model.
Adjusting Valves
If the valves are out of adjustment, it can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to run poorly. To adjust the valves, you will need to remove the valve cover and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting the valve clearance. This can be a more complex repair, so it may be best to take your lawn mower to a professional for this type of repair.
Replacing Fuel Filter
If the fuel filter is clogged, it can prevent fuel from flowing properly to the engine. In addition to inspecting the fuel filter, you can also try replacing it with a new one. Make sure to use the correct size and type of fuel filter recommended by the manufacturer for your specific lawn mower model.
By performing these additional steps, you can often identify and fix the problem when your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower won’t start. If these steps still don’t solve the problem, it may be best to take your lawn mower to a professional for further diagnosis and repair. Regular lawn mower maintenance can also help prevent problems from occurring in the first place.
Common Questions: FAQs
Why won’t my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower start?
There could be a variety of reasons why your lawn mower won’t start, including a low or poor quality fuel level, a dirty or clogged air filter, a damaged or worn spark plug, a dirty or clogged carburetor, a low engine oil level, a dull or damaged blade, or faulty safety switches.
What should I check if my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower won’t start?
To troubleshoot a lawn mower that won’t start, you should check the fuel level and quality, inspect the air filter, check the spark plug, inspect the carburetor, check the engine oil level, inspect the blade, and check the safety switches.
How often should I perform maintenance on my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower?
It’s recommended to perform maintenance on your lawn mower at least once a year or after every 50 hours of use. This includes checking and changing the engine oil, inspecting and replacing the air filter, sharpening or replacing the blade, checking and replacing the spark plug, cleaning or replacing the carburetor, and checking and replacing the fuel filter.
Can I clean the carburetor myself?
Yes, you can clean the carburetor yourself by removing it and disassembling it. Soak the parts in carburetor cleaner and then use a wire brush and compressed air to clean them. Reassemble the carburetor and reinstall it.
Should I sharpen or replace my lawn mower blade?
If your lawn mower blade is dull or damaged, it’s important to either sharpen it using a sharpening tool or replace it with a new one. A dull or damaged blade can cause the engine to stall or not start at all.
Can I adjust the valves on my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower myself?
Adjusting the valves on a lawn mower can be a more complex repair, so it may be best to take your lawn mower to a professional for this type of repair.
Conclusion
Summary of Common Reasons Why Lawn Mower Won’t Start
A Briggs and Stratton lawn mower may not start due to a variety of reasons, including a low or poor quality fuel level, a dirty or clogged air filter, a damaged or worn spark plug, a dirty or clogged carburetor, a low engine oil level, a dull or damaged blade, or faulty safety switches. By following a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot the lawn mower, you can often identify and fix the problem.
Importance of Regular Lawn Mower Maintenance
Regular lawn mower maintenance is essential to keeping your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower running smoothly. This includes checking and changing the engine oil, inspecting and replacing the air filter, sharpening or replacing the blade, checking and replacing the spark plug, cleaning or replacing the carburetor, and checking and replacing the fuel filter. By performing regular maintenance, you can prevent problems from occurring and extend the life of your lawn mower.
Final Thoughts and Tips to Keep Lawn Mower Running Smoothly
In conclusion, a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower is a reliable and efficient tool for maintaining a beautiful lawn. By understanding the common reasons why a lawn mower won’t start and following a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot the problem, you can often fix the issue yourself. Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your lawn mower running smoothly, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the correct parts for your specific lawn mower model. By taking good care of your lawn mower, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn for years to come.