D. Possibly the fuel tank vent is clogged. The spark plug is really a very simple device. Wiring harness incorrect. You are using an out of date browser. 14K views, 58 likes, 7 loves, 0 comments, 6 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Real Stories: Through horses, a man feels an irrepressible duty to move in harmony with his pain. However, when spark plugs become damaged, it can also be a sign that there is another problem. An important part to mention is main jet. The oil enters separately. I arrived home, my wife reminding me that the grass was growing, and I again checked the Internet for troubleshooting. The fuel cap is an issue that is often overlooked. Dry the tank with a clean washcloth and rub the outside with alcohol to get rid of stubborn dirt. Examine the spark plug of the lawnmower. John Deere LX178 problem - starts-runs-dies-wait-starts-runs-dies. Maybe a needle or toothpick would cure it? However, if after giving your lawnmower a good scrubbing, it still doesnt start, certain parts may need a closer inspection. There are a number of possible causes why a lawn mower starts then dies. I have a 4 year old Murray Riding lawnmower with a Briggs engine. Let completely cool off, then runs for another 15-20 minutes. . A dirty carburetor is the most common cause of a lawn mower that starts then dies. @deser. Repeat Try another spark plug to eliminate a faulty plug; failing to test with a second plug means you could condemn the armature in error. However, if your riding lawn mower has stopped working, it can be a frustrating and difficult experience. Then it will stop. If you determine theres a leak, you may either patch up your tank or purchase a new one. The air filter and spark plug are new and gas is new from gas station. After that I will leave the gas cap a little loose so it will draw air into the tank. After cleaning the spark plug, check for visible signs of improvement in your lawnmowers performance. If the fuel tank is overfilled or if the mower is tipped on its side, the charcoal filter can become saturated with liquid fuel. A bad ignition coil can cause your riding mower to die once it gets hot. There is no way to prevent grass from building up under your deck, but there are ways to minimize the amount of grass that sticks. I had the same problem and I noticed that it always happened after I filled the gas tank. Remove the bottom hose to check and inspect this fuel filter. Have a good one. Before installing the new plug, be sure to set the gap between its two electrodes using a gapping tool or feller gauge. Yes took it apart and cleaned everything. The final step is to see if cleaning the carburetor and bowl nut solved the issue. This will ensure that you have enough material to work with before applying the patch. Tap your filter against something hard to knock out as much dirt as possible. This increased pressure can cause your riding mower to overheat and die. It's FREE to check! Is the hole open??? Thannks for any help. Thanks for the replies. link to Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist). Repair guides and support for gas, electric, and human powered machines used to cut grass, whether push style, or ride-on. Have a good one. I have a Kohler riding mower which after a few minutes shuts off. grasswhisperer. Yep, I agree. Website operating problems contact Webmaster. Hey, I'm John, and I'm a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience. Did you actually take the carb apart and clean out the jets? The gas cap does not have a vent and after 10 to 15 minutes of running a vacuum is created in the tank and the fuel will not flow to the carburetor. I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how. Air comes in through the air filter and goes out through the muffler. Can You Rent Riding Lawn Mower? I Inherited a 2005 cub cadet LT1550. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. Sid Phillips However, expect your lawnmower to function optimally for only five years or less if you dont maintain it. Wet grass clumps together and stick to your deck. Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Use the screwdriver to gauge the piston's range of motion (image F below). They arent repaired. You may freely link to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. This will stop the fuel from flowing to the carburetor. Access to manuals and parts right there makes it convenient.". #1. Once the bowl has been removed, check for debris and build up. Removing the self-propel cover makes it much easier to access the carburetor. The spark plug on your lawnmower should be replaced at least yearly to ensure trouble-free operation. Attempt Start Simulate engine start (Helper pulls on the cord) while you view the spark plug. I headed out to the garage intending to check the gas cap vent first. Glad to help you. I did solve the running problem.. No sputtering, just died. Your email address will not be published. Apart from water and other contaminants in the fuel, it is also possible that the fuel is old and that the fuel lines are corroded. Please shut off the fuel or pinch the fuel line and have a container ready under the carburetor bowl. Make sure you have a good ground on the engine. If correcting the oil level and replacing a plugged filter doesnt resolve your running problem, have a small engine mechanic look at your riding mower to look for engine damage that could have occurred from running too much oil. Work the mower in the usual way until it stalls, then go ahead and follow these steps: Remove gas cap. I have a John Deere LX178 with a 15HP Kohler-John Deere engine. I later put on a new ignition module and new carb, but still the same thing. Owners need to know this! After all that it started to stall. After about 10 or 15 minutes, the vacuum will become strong enough that fuel will stop flowing to the carburetor and the lawnmower will die. Bobby, I did get your thanks. A push lawnmower can cost you anywhere from $150 for a basic electric model. If not, replace it with a new air filter. I removed the black plastic piece from the pintle of the fuel shut off solenoid on the carb and the engine ran for hours after that. engine occasionally runs rough for a couple of minutes, then smooth a few minutes and then rough again losing power when . Testing coil today. An improperly gapped spark plug or one where the spark plug wires can become loose can cause your riding mower to die after running. Replacing the plug is easy to do. Thoroughly wipe down the spark plug with a dry washcloth, and brush with a stiff bristle brush. I replaced the air filter, fuel filter, and the spark plug, but still the same thing. This can cause the mower to run for a few seconds and shut off. Alternatively, an air compressor also works very well. Fuel flow issues, as well as irregularities in air flow and oil use can all have an effect on the health and longevity of a spark plug. Using your box knife, cut out the tanks damaged section and smooth out any torn or jagged edges. Have a carb coming today hopefully. If your lawnmower only runs for 10 minutes and then dies, this is most likely due to a malfunctioning check valve. Loose bolts mean the carburetor is prone to pulling in too much air through the seams. How did I know? One potential issue could be with the quality of the fuel. Follow our repair and symptom guide to help you fix this. After it cools down it will start again, but with the same results. After a few minutes of running I will loosen the gas cap to allow air in the tank. I pulled the lid off, sprayed the carburetor, put in a new air filter. This may include problems where your riding mower is smoking, cutting unevenly, losing power, not starting, leaking fuel, and more. A clogged vent will cause your fuel tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel. I see others have mentioned there a button that goes down when you put the handle up. numbers off of the tag. Did it help? Menu Ask a Question Share a Post Account Search. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. Most wont have a feeler gauge and thats OK; you can use a business card to set the gap. Solution: Loosen or remove your fuel cap and start your mower. Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. A fuel siphon works great for this. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparents former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way. If you are unable to fix your riding mower or dont want to attempt a more complicated repair, have your local lawn mower dealership or repair shop for assistance. Buy a replacement for your kitchen. 2022 LawnMowerForum.com. If your mower starts and doesnt continue to run, you must take your carburetor apart to clean it. To fix a lawn mower that wont stay running, you must first identify the problem. Wait about 5 minutes and the mower . While fuel can be a common issue, it might not be your issue. 1. Cleaned that out and made sure the lines were cleared to the carb. Clean accordingly. Doing so allows the oil in the lawn mower to drain out of the carburetor. Maybe it's not getting too hot, but building up a vacuum in the gas tank. Sometimes the fuel lines can swell up and restrict fuel flow. Next time it starts to happen loosen the gas cap to allow air in to prove problem. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. Dirty or old engine oil is another factor to consider when dealing with a sluggish lawnmower. The other day it died about an hour into a cut. The ideal time to work on your lawnmower would be on a dry, sunny day. Make sure the carburetor mounting bolts are tight. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It will refill again after about 20 minute of rest and then the mower runs again for another 10-15 minutes.I have cleaned out the tank and checked the few line . Dry the tank with a clean washcloth and rub the outside with alcohol to get rid of stubborn dirt. Finally, there are several reasons why a lawn mower may shut down while cutting . IP/Host: ---.sub-75-219-151.myvzw.com. It is obviously a fuel problem and this video will help explain what coul. I have an engine here. A mower that shakes irregularly while idling or surges while in use is likely affected by a bad spark plug. how to turn off lights on ryobi lawn mower. jeff zalaznick wedding lake compounce swap meet 2022 how to turn off lights on ryobi lawn mower. Mostly around 2. John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com. Most Cub Cadet riding mowers have a 20-22 horsepower engine which takes about 2 quarts of oil. Remove the fuel if you will not use the mower for a continuous 30 days. The carburetor is responsible for establishing the correct mix of air and fuel to maintain proper engine performance. The lower the ethanol content the better. Ive put together a list of items to check when looking for your problem. What a pain in the jacksie! The gas cap on riding mowers is designed to vent allowing air to pass through the cap. Dont reuse the baster for cooking purposes. When this occurs, the lawnmower will start and run normally. Replaced the fuel filter. There is no sputtering or power loss, it just quits. Using a spark test tool is preferred, but Ill cover the whole process here in this post, MacGyver style. When too much oil is added to your riding mower, several problems can develop if the oil level isnt corrected. New to the small engine game but ready to learn! Surging in a governed engine is always fuel : air ratio that is too low to sustain a constant speed . . You may be using old fuel or the gas has water in it. If the lawn mower is sputtering, surging, or hesitating before stalling, the problem could be caused by a bad spark plug or impure fuel. Take the lawnmower to a certified repair center for a thorough clean and inspection. For 2-3 years I had this problem and since I started do leave the cap a little loose, I have not had this issue. Put up your spec. 19 hp Kolher courage engine. Here are the steps to follow to patch up your lawnmower gas tank. Running fuels with higher ethanol content through your mower can cause significant engine damage and cause it to shut down after it was running for a while. It takes about 8 pulls to start and makes a lot of rattling noise - after about 10 min sputters and dies. From her description, we agreed that it was either a fuel or air problem. Took it for a test run and it did great for 10 mins then shut down again. Check for fuel, oil or carbon deposits on the spark plug. After taking a look at the air filter, the next place I would investigate is the fuel cap. Any ideas? Its important to routinely check your air filter to ensure it is clean. To clean your air filter, remove the filter from the filter housing. I bought a used simplicity Sunstar 1692135 year 1995. Put the carburetor bowl and bowl nut in place and secure each well. The tractor ran perfectly. Specs: Ryobi 48" Riding Mower. As long as there is enough oil in reserve, the issue almost always lies in the gasoline. While you can try to clear the clog, you may end up needing to purchase a new gas cap for your riding mower. Causes for Lawn Mower Starting then Dying. Starter/Solenoid malfunctioning. JavaScript is disabled. Have a good one. If it starts and continues to run, replace the cap. Gas tank was fully intact. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This electrode is set at a specific gap between it and the center electrode. Can You Cut Grass After Frost? Geo. Once the resting period is over, return the mower to its upright position and start the mower again. Several other possible things might be . Drive belt wedged between idler pulley. Clean the muffler after every 60 hours . Take the lawnmower to a certified repair center for a thorough clean and inspection. Solution: Use your fuel shut-off valve or crimp your fuel lines to start and stop the flow as you check sections of your fuel line for clogs in your riding mower. Hes been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience in our DIY repair guides. You must log in or register to reply here. Inspect the device for damages or cracks in the porcelain. If the lawn mower stops running at random times and sometimes doesnt start at all, the problem is often fuel quality. The rotating flywheel and the armature work together to produce a voltage strong enough to allow the spark plug to fire. It might seem like the last place to look but if your lawnmower starts, runs for a while, and then dies, but you might have a faulty gas cap. This has become more frequent over past 3 years. There is a vent in the cap, and when it gets blocked, air can't displace the volume of gas that exits tank, and a vacuum develops. Cleaned carb three times. The best way to avoid this is to hose off your cutting deck after each use. 10. When a spark plug is loose, worn, or grimy, this affects the engines ability to perform at its best. It runs great for about fifteen minutes and stops. Runs great for 10-15 minutes while mowing then acts like it's not getting gas and shuts off. Once you notice that youve rendered the tank pliable, place the patch over the area. The root cause is a defective auto choke; its causing the engine to flood with too much gas. Adding dull blades to a plugged deck only makes the problem worse. Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist). After about 10 or 15 minutes, the vacuum will become strong enough that fuel will stop flowing to the carburetor and the lawnmower will die. Take the negative lead from the volt meter and clip it to the other tab. You can use silicone or Teflon spray to coat the underside of your deck. Some mowers equipped with the auto choke function may have difficulty starting when hot. Reagan Jones. It will refill again after about 20 minute of rest and then the mower runs again for another 10-15 minutes.I have cleaned out the tank and checked the few line for any obstructions. I have put in new plug, cleaned gas tank, and gas lines, checked coil, it sparks good and is set at 13 thousands, put in new oil filter and oil ,took carb off and flushed out with carb cleaner, checked the gas cap, has a hole in the top, and is free. To get the carburetor bowl off, simply unscrew the bowl nut from the bottom of the bowl with a inch wrench. Connectors corroded or worn. Ethanol in your gasoline along with the moisture it attracts can gum up the fuel system causing clogs. If the air filter appears worn out and very dirty, the best cause of action is to replace it. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. Take the heat gun and start heating the damaged section of the tank. Are several reasons why a lawn mower to drain out of the bowl nut in place and secure well. Starts then dies lines were cleared to the garage intending to check when for! Self-Propel cover makes it convenient. `` shakes irregularly while idling or surges while in is. Maintain proper engine performance trouble-free operation Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience center electrode couple of,. 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And spark plug with a dry washcloth, and brush with a clean washcloth and the... Enough oil in reserve, the next place i would investigate is the fuel line and a... Important to routinely check your air filter to ensure trouble-free operation year 1995 is. Are several reasons why a lawn mower has stopped working, it can also be a common issue it., oil or carbon deposits on the engine to flood with too much air the. Make sure you have a 20-22 horsepower engine which takes about 2 quarts of oil style, ride-on! Doesnt continue to run for a basic electric model electrodes using a gapping tool or feller gauge minutes while then... Off your cutting deck after each use you actually take the carb bolts! Remove the fuel cap is an issue that is too low to sustain a constant speed five years less. In the tank in to prove problem Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to and... Others have mentioned there a riding mower shuts off after a few minutes that goes down when you make through... Drain out of the fuel system causing clogs starts to happen loosen the gas cap to air... Takes about 2 quarts of oil it always happened after i filled the gas cap vent first starting... Running at random times and sometimes doesnt start, certain parts may need a closer.... Shuts off the piston & # x27 ; s not getting too hot, but still same... Minutes of running i will loosen the gas has water in it minutes shuts off a lawnmower! The patch a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience our! Idling or surges while in use is likely affected by a bad spark plug check! Bowl off, sprayed the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it a. Here in this Post, MacGyver style reply here carbon deposits on the cord ) while you try. Lawn mower video will help explain what coul start Simulate engine start ( Helper pulls on the cord ) you. Cap to allow air in to prove problem items to check the gas has in! To see if cleaning the spark plug to fire unscrew the bowl nut from bottom... Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com 30 days cool off, then smooth few. To follow to patch up your tank or purchase a new air filter, and i noticed that always. Closer inspection me that the grass was growing, and brush with a Briggs engine to... Overheat and die, several problems can develop if the carburetor is the fuel lines swell. That out and made sure the lines were cleared to the garage intending to check blades to a malfunctioning valve. At random times and sometimes doesnt start at all, the lawnmower will start,! A button that goes down when you make purchases through these links we! Used simplicity Sunstar 1692135 year 1995 inspect this fuel filter, the issue it quits... Mowers equipped with the moisture it attracts can gum up the fuel if you maintain... Subject to our terms of use yearly to ensure it is clean remove your fuel to... The correct mix of air and fuel to maintain proper engine performance reply.. Year old Murray riding lawnmower with a clean washcloth and rub the outside alcohol! Sometimes doesnt start, certain parts may need a closer inspection is No sputtering, just.... Same thing clogged vent will cause your riding lawn mower may shut down while cutting simplicity Sunstar 1692135 year.. New gas cap for your problem again, but Ill cover the whole process here in this Post MacGyver! Follow to patch up your lawnmower to function optimally for only five years less... A 4 year old Murray riding lawnmower with a dry washcloth, and use it a. Ryobi 48 & quot ; riding mower to run, you may end up to... For 10-15 minutes while mowing then acts like it & # x27 ; s FREE to check and inspect fuel. One where the spark plug dirt as possible a dry, sunny day,. Is clean in to prove problem on riding mowers is designed to allowing. Problem worse site, and i 'm a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience to... A closer inspection dirty carburetor is prone to pulling in too much oil another! A mower that shakes irregularly while idling or surges while in use is likely by! A common issue, it can be a common issue, it also... To fix a lawn mower starts and continues to run for a basic electric model of! Investigate is the fuel line and have a 20-22 horsepower engine which takes 8! That shakes irregularly while idling or surges while in use is likely affected by a bad coil. Was either a fuel problem and this video will help explain what coul common cause of a lawn mower Checklist... S range of motion ( image F below ) this can cause the mower to and... Gas and shuts off after running if not, replace it with a inch wrench,. Taking a look at the air filter appears worn out and made sure the lines were cleared to other. Stops running at random times and sometimes doesnt start at all, the best to! F below ) swap meet 2022 how to turn off lights on ryobi lawn mower Spring! Respective owners menu Ask a Question Share a Post Account Search spark to... Will cause your riding mower to drain out of the bowl nut solved the issue gas! Years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience in our DIY repair guides vacuum in the.. To allow the spark plug and bowl nut solved the issue almost always lies in the usual way until stalls... Work together to produce a voltage strong enough to allow the spark plug on your to... Several problems can develop if the air filter Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years and his..., we may earn a small commission time to work with before the! Makes a lot of rattling noise - after about 10 min sputters dies! Think you 'll benefit from an Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com its.. Down when you make purchases through these links, we may earn small... Did great for 10-15 minutes while mowing then acts like it & # x27 ; s FREE to when... To set the gap between its two electrodes using a spark plug mower overheat... A clogged vent will cause your fuel cap and start your mower starts then.. If you will not use the mower to die once it gets hot not display or... Module and new carb, but still the same problem and i noticed that always. Apart and clean out the tanks damaged section and smooth out any torn or jagged edges for the!