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HomeRepair HelpExmark RepairExmark Lawn mower won't start Repair
Exmark Lawn mower won't start
If your Exmark lawn mower won't start, start with the parts most likely to stop ignition or fuel delivery. The first thing to check is the spark plug. If the insulator is cracked, the electrode is damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup, the plug may not fire. A spark plug tester will tell you quickly if the mower has spark while cranking. Next, look at the carburetor, since stale fuel often leaves sticky deposits that clog passages and keep an Exmark lawn mower from starting. In many cases, cleaning it with carburetor cleaner helps, but if not, a carburetor repair kit or complete carburetor replacement may be the fix. Old or bad gasoline in the carburetor float bowl can cause the same lawn mower not starting problem. After that, check the start switch for continuity and inspect the fuel pump, including the pulse line, diaphragm, and check valves. If your lawn mower has spark but won't start, fuel-related parts are especially suspect. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Exmark replacement part that fits your mower.
01 - Exmark 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.
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02 - Exmark 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 prevent the engine from starting. 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 - Exmark 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 prevent the engine from starting. 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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04 - Old or Bad Gasoline
There may be old or bad fuel in the carburetor float bowl. 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 prevent the engine from starting. 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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05 - Exmark Start Switch
To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity.
Highly Likely
06 - Exmark Fuel Pump
The fuel pump has three ports: the gas in port, the gas out port, and the pulse port. The pulse port is connected to the engine crankcase by a small rubber tube. As the engine runs, air inside the crankcase alternately pressurizes and depressurizes the air in the tube. This pressurized air moves a diaphragm inside the pump and pumps the gas. If the engine oil is overfilled, oil can enter the pulse port line, preventing it from working properly. The fuel pump also has two small check valves on the input and output ports. The check valves prevent fuel from reentering the gas tank. These check valves can fail. To determine if...
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Exmark lawn mower start?
My Exmark lawn mower has spark but won't start. What should I check next?
How do I know if the start switch is bad on my Exmark mower?
Can bad gas keep an Exmark push mower from starting?
How do I find the right spark plug, carburetor, or fuel pump for my Exmark lawn mower?
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