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HomeRepair HelpTroy-Bilt Mower RepairTroy-Bilt Lawn mower runs rough Repair
Troy-Bilt Lawn mower runs rough
If your Troy-Bilt lawn mower runs rough, sputters, or the engine runs unevenly, the most likely cause is a clogged carburetor from old fuel that has turned sticky and restricted fuel flow. That is the first place to check when a lawn mower runs rough after starting. Try cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning does not fix the problem, rebuild it with a carburetor repair kit or replace the carburetor. Next, inspect the spark plug for cracks, burned electrodes, or heavy carbon buildup, since a weak or inconsistent spark can also make a Troy-Bilt mower engine surge or run rough. A spark plug tester is the easiest way to confirm the plug is firing properly while the engine is cranking. After that, check the fuel filter, because old fuel can clog the filter and starve the engine, leading to lawn mower sputtering and uneven performance. Drain stale fuel before installing a new filter. To get the exact carburetor, spark plug, fuel filter, or other replacement part for your specific Troy-Bilt mower, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com.
01 - Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower Carburetor
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to run roughly. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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02 - Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower Carburetor Repair Kit
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to run roughly. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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03 - Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower Spark Plug
Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.
Highly Likely
04 - Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower Fuel Filter
The fuel filter might be clogged. A clogged fuel filter is most commonly caused by leaving old fuel in the lawn mower. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the fuel filter and cause the engine to run roughly. If old fuel was left in the lawn mower, drain the old fuel from the fuel tank and replace the fuel filter.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Troy-Bilt lawn mower run rough after it starts?
Can a dirty carburetor make a Troy-Bilt mower engine surge or sputter?
How do I know if the spark plug is causing my Troy-Bilt lawn mower to run rough?
Will an old or clogged fuel filter make a Troy-Bilt mower run unevenly?
How do I find the right carburetor, carburetor repair kit, spark plug, or fuel filter for my Troy-Bilt mower?
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