Lawnmower stops running after a minute, what is wrong?
Sam Sneed asked:
Standard Craftsman push mower runs for about a minute, then sputters to a stop. I accidentally left gas in it all winter long. I mowed with that gas and it worked fine. Then it ran out of gas, and after I put more in, this problem started. Also afterwards, it won’t start again until at least 10 minutes later. I changed the oil & put in fresh gasoline, that didn’t fix it. Any suggestions?
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Standard Craftsman push mower runs for about a minute, then sputters to a stop. I accidentally left gas in it all winter long. I mowed with that gas and it worked fine. Then it ran out of gas, and after I put more in, this problem started. Also afterwards, it won’t start again until at least 10 minutes later. I changed the oil & put in fresh gasoline, that didn’t fix it. Any suggestions?
March 23rd, 2009 at 2:04 am
Change the air filter and spark plug. The easiest thing to do is remov the spark plug. If the tip is fouled, meaning it is black in color with a rounded tip, then that is the likely source of the problem.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
Most likely the carburator needs cleaning. It should be removed, cleaned and put back together with a rebuild kit. Also make sure the gas tank is clean.
March 26th, 2009 at 2:16 am
Sounds like either water or trash in the gas tank. it can plug the pickup line to the carburetor.
Drain the oil out first. Then open the tank and turn the mower upside down. Try to flush out the tank. Use alcohol, its cheap. Do it a couple of times. Replace the oil-”important”. Then add some gas. Try it. It may work. if you have to take it to a shop, its not cheap. If the carb is plugged, you may have no choice.
March 29th, 2009 at 6:34 am
Sounds like the mower is running out of fuel, If it is an older model there should be a sediment bowl on the carb. remove the bowl by removing the 1/2″ bolt in the bottom. there will be a brass or plastic float. attached to the rear of the float is a pin going up into the carb. use a small screwdriver to move the pin up and down untill it moves freely. make sure when you lower the float the fuel runs out and when you lift it the fuel stops. there is also a small hole in the tube that the 1/2″ bolt goes into. make sure this hole is clear. reassemble and it should start.
March 31st, 2009 at 2:52 pm
A lawnmower stops running (or won’t start) for one or more of these reasons: no fuel, no air, no spark.
Check your spark plug tip for corrosion and make sure you are getting a spark. If the lawnmower started OK, that’s probably not the problem.
Remove and clean your air filter.
Check the fuel tank for crud and debris, flush out the fuel line, and check the carburetor and clean it if necessary.