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HomeRepair HelpWheel Horse Mower RepairWheel Horse Lawn mower won't start Repair
Wheel Horse Lawn mower won't start
If your Wheel Horse lawn mower won't start, start with the most common failure points before chasing bigger problems. A worn or fouled spark plug is the first thing to check, and a spark plug tester will tell you quickly if the plug is producing a strong spark while the engine is cranking. If you have no spark, replace the plug. Next, look at the carburetor. A clogged carburetor is a very common reason a lawn mower not starting after sitting, especially when old fuel has turned sticky inside the carburetor float bowl. Cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner may solve it, but if the buildup is severe, you may need a carburetor repair kit or a complete carburetor replacement. Old or bad gasoline can cause the same no-start condition. After that, check the start switch with a multimeter for continuity, then inspect the fuel pump, including the pulse line, diaphragm, and check valves. Whether your push mower won't start or your Wheel Horse riding mower won't start, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part that fits your mower.
01 - Wheel Horse 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 - Wheel Horse 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 - Wheel Horse 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 - Wheel Horse Lawn Mower Start Switch
To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity.
Highly Likely
06 - Wheel Horse 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...
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Wheel Horse lawn mower start even though it cranks?
My Wheel Horse mower has spark but won't start. What should I check next?
Can bad gas keep a Wheel Horse push mower or riding mower from starting?
How do I test a Wheel Horse lawn mower start switch?
How do I find the right spark plug, carburetor, or fuel pump for my Wheel Horse lawn mower?
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