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HomeRepair HelpRyobi Mower RepairRyobi Lawn mower runs rough Repair
Ryobi Lawn mower runs rough
If your Ryobi lawn mower runs rough, sputters, or the engine runs unevenly, the most common cause is a clogged carburetor from old fuel that has turned sticky inside the fuel system. On a mower engine surging or lawn mower sputtering problem, start by cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. If that does not straighten out the engine, rebuild it with a carburetor repair kit or replace the carburetor altogether. Next, check the spark plug. A worn, fouled, or damaged plug can make a Ryobi lawn mower run rough after starting, so inspect it for carbon buildup, a cracked insulator, or a burned electrode, and confirm spark with a spark plug tester. If the plug checks out, look at the fuel filter, since a partially clogged filter can restrict fuel flow and cause rough running. Draining stale gas and replacing the fuel filter often helps. To get the right carburetor, carburetor repair kit, spark plug, or fuel filter for your exact Ryobi mower, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com and match the part to your machine.
01 - Ryobi 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 - Ryobi 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 - Ryobi 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 - Ryobi 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Ryobi lawn mower running rough?
How do I fix a Ryobi lawn mower that sputters or surges after starting?
Can a bad spark plug make a Ryobi lawn mower run rough?
Should I clean or replace the carburetor on a Ryobi lawn mower that runs rough?
How do I find the right Ryobi lawn mower parts for a rough-running engine?
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