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HomeRepair HelpBolens RepairBolens Lawn mower won't start Repair
Bolens Lawn mower won't start
If your Bolens lawn mower won't start, begin with the parts most likely to stop ignition and fuel delivery. First, check the spark plug for cracks, burned electrodes, or heavy carbon buildup, and confirm it’s producing a strong spark with a spark plug tester. If there’s no spark, replace the plug. Next, look at the carburetor, since stale fuel often leaves behind varnish that clogs passages and keeps a lawn mower from starting. Cleaning it with carburetor cleaner may fix the problem, but if not, a carburetor repair kit or a full carburetor replacement may be needed. Old or bad gasoline in the carburetor float bowl can cause the same no-start condition, so draining contaminated fuel is often part of the job. After that, test the start switch for continuity with a multimeter. On models equipped with a fuel pump, inspect the pulse line, diaphragm, and check valves, especially if overfilled engine oil may have affected pump operation. For the exact Bolens spark plug, carburetor, start switch, fuel pump, or other replacement part, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com.
01 - Bolens 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 - Bolens 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 - Bolens 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 - Bolens Start Switch
To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity.
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06 - Bolens 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 Bolens lawn mower start?
My Bolens lawn mower has spark but won't start. What should I check next?
How do I test a Bolens lawn mower start switch?
Can old gas keep a Bolens push mower from starting?
How do I find the right spark plug, carburetor, start switch, or fuel pump for my Bolens lawn mower?
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