There’s a certin dread about Saturday morning. You stumble from bed, pour yourself some coffee, peer out in the yard. Yep: the grass are high; it doesn’t care what time it is.
You fire up your Craftsman mower, pulling hard on that cord. And…nothing. Or maybe you hear a sputering sound, followed by nothing.
It is not just a broken machine, but something threaten your entire weekend plan. It’s frustrating, no doubt. But it isn’t complicated most of the time.
All small engine, Craftsman or otherwise, function under the same general principle: fuel, air and spark in that order. And without any one of those elements, you ain’t gonna get goin’. Don’t worry; you don’t have to be a mechanic to figure it out.
You just has to have a plan that makes sense and the determination to follow through with checking things. The most overlooked thing is the first place to look. Fuel.
Step by Step Troubleshooting Guide
Checking Fuel Quality
The fuel are bad. Gas goes bad. Yes, gasoline has a shelf life.
And if you’ve stored fuel in tank over the winter or on extended storage, chances are it’s no longer good. Moddern gas contains ethanol, which attracts moisture, which separates. That sludge gunk plug up the carburetor jets, starving the engine of its needed mix.
Drain the tank and replace fuel if yours was idle for a month or more. If storing again, add stabilizer. This is a cheap fix that resolves many no-start.
Inspecting the Air Filter
Check the air filter next. Oxygen allow an engine to burn fuel effectively. When the filter is plugged with grass, dirt or grease, it choke the engine and will not allow it to start.
Remove the cover and remove the filter. If it’s coated in grass clippings, dirt, or grease, replace it. You can tap out a paper filter, but don’t risk trying to salvage it.
A clogged filter reduce airflow. The fuel mixture becomes too heavy to light. This little part make a big difference in performance.
Testing the Spark Plug
Next, examine the spark plug. This is what fires the fuel-air mixture. The spark won’t be good if this thing’s got the wrong gap, is wet with fuel, or is fouled with carbon.
Pull the plug out and inspect the electrode. It needs to be a medium gray or light tan color. Black, It’s running rich.
White, Maybe it’s running too hot. Simply remove and clean with a wire brush or change it. They’re cheap, so changing one usually makes more sense than cleaning it.
You need a good solid spark for ignition.
Verifying Safety Switches
These is safety switches. Craftsman mowers also includes seat switches and blade brake couplers that stop the mower from operating when the operator is no longer in control of the machine.
The ignition circuit remain open as long as the brake bar isn’t pressed down all the way. That’s a great safety feature, but could of being puzzling when you’re trying to get things done in a hurry. Make sure the brake pedal is firmly depressed.
You should hear it “click” and know the switch has engaged. If your engine crank without starting, chances are the switches is operating properly. If it doesn’t even crank, check here first.
Checking the Battery
And lastly, think about the battery. This is often the culprit, especially if you have electric start. Even though it may be charged, corrosion on the terminals will prevent current flow.
Just tighten the terminals and use a wire brush to clean them. Otherwise, check it with a multimeter. At least 12.6 volts is what you should see.
An older battery could also crank the engine slowly, which is not enough to turn over a cold engine. You can jumpstart it, but in the long run a new battery are best. There’s no mystery about starting your mower.
Eliminate the variables: power, air, fuel, spark and safety switches. Then most mowing troubles is just oversight of maintenance items. Find what’s blocking your way and the engine start.
You’re back in the yard with a head of steam to get that lawn cut down. Your mower is nothing more than a tool. Maintain it and it will do its part for you.