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HomeRepair HelpCraftsman Mower RepairCraftsman Lawn mower won't start Repair
Craftsman Lawn mower won't start
If your Craftsman lawn mower won't start, the most common causes are usually straightforward: a worn or fouled spark plug, a clogged carburetor, stale gasoline gumming up the carburetor, a bad start switch, or a failed fuel pump. Start with the spark plug, since a cracked insulator, burned electrode, or heavy carbon buildup can stop ignition cold. A spark plug tester will tell you quickly if the plug is actually producing spark. If ignition checks out, move to the carburetor. Old fuel often leaves a sticky varnish in the carburetor float bowl and passages, which is a major reason a lawn mower not starting or a push mower won't start after sitting. In many cases, carburetor cleaner can clear the blockage, but sometimes you will need a carburetor repair kit or a full carburetor replacement. If the fuel system still looks suspect, check for bad gas and then test the start switch for continuity. On some models, a weak fuel pump or oil in the pulse line can also keep fuel from reaching the engine. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Craftsman replacement part for your mower.
01 - Craftsman 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.
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02 - Craftsman 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 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 - Craftsman 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 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 - Craftsman Lawn Mower Start Switch
To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity.
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06 - Craftsman Lawn Mower 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...
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Craftsman lawn mower start even though it has fuel?
My Craftsman push mower won't start after sitting. Is bad gas the problem?
How do I test a Craftsman lawn mower start switch?
How can I tell if the fuel pump is bad on my Craftsman riding mower?
How do I find the right Craftsman lawn mower part for my model?
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