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HomeRepair HelpMower RepairLawn mower starts then stalls Repair
My Lawn Mower Starts then Stops
If your lawn mower starts then stalls, starts then dies, or only runs for a few seconds, the problem is usually in the fuel system. The most common cause is a clogged carburetor from old fuel left sitting in the mower, which can leave sticky deposits that restrict fuel flow and make the engine run briefly before shutting off. Start by cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. If that does not fix the issue, a carburetor repair kit or a full carburetor replacement may be the better repair. Another likely cause is a clogged fuel cap vent. When the fuel cap cannot vent the tank properly, a vacuum forms and fuel stops reaching the carburetor, so the mower starts and then stops. Slightly loosening the cap is a quick way to test for that. Old or bad gasoline can also lead to the same symptom by contributing to carburetor buildup. If the fuel system checks out, inspect the spark plug for wear, carbon buildup, or damage, and confirm spark with a spark plug tester. Enter your lawn mower model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts that fit your machine.
01 - 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 cause the engine to stall. 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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02 - 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 cause the engine to stall. 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 - Lawn Mower Fuel Cap
As fuel is consumed by the engine, the level in the fuel tank lowers. To make up for this, the fuel cap uses a small vent to allow air to enter the tank. If the fuel cap vent is clogged, air won’t be able to enter the tank and a vacuum or “vapor lock” will occur. This stops the flow of fuel to the carburetor causing the engine to stall. To determine if the fuel cap vent is clogged, try slightly loosening the cap and then starting the engine. If loosening the fuel cap allows the engine to stay running it is likely clogged and will need to be replaced.
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04 - Old or Bad Gasoline
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 cause the engine to stall. 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 - 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.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my lawn mower start then stall after a few seconds?
My lawn mower only runs for a few seconds. Could the fuel cap really be the problem?
How do I tell if a clogged carburetor is causing my mower to start and then stop?
Can a bad spark plug make a lawn mower start then die?
How do I find the right carburetor, fuel cap, or spark plug for my mower on RepairClinic.com?
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