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HomeRepair HelpMTD RepairMTD Lawn mower won't start Repair
MTD Lawn mower won't start
If your MTD lawn mower won't start, start with the most common culprit: the spark plug. A cracked insulator, burned electrode, heavy carbon buildup, or no spark when checked with a spark plug tester can all keep the engine from firing. Next, look at the carburetor, since stale fuel often leaves sticky deposits that clog passages and cause a lawn mower not starting complaint. In many cases, cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner helps, but you may need a carburetor repair kit or a full replacement carburetor if the blockage is severe. Old or bad gasoline in the carburetor float bowl can cause the same problem, especially if the mower sat with fuel in it for weeks or months. After that, check the start switch for continuity with a multimeter, and on models equipped with one, inspect the fuel pump, including the pulse line, diaphragm, and check valves. Whether your push mower won't start or your MTD lawn mower has spark but won't start, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact spark plug, carburetor, start switch, fuel pump, or other replacement part that fits your mower.
01 - MTD 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 - MTD 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 - MTD 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 - MTD Start Switch
To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity.
Highly Likely
06 - MTD 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 MTD lawn mower start?
My MTD push mower has spark but won't start. What should I check next?
How do I know if the start switch is bad on my MTD lawn mower?
How can I tell if the fuel pump is causing my MTD mower not to start?
How do I find the correct spark plug, carburetor, or fuel pump for my MTD lawn mower?
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