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HomeRepair HelpExmark Mower RepairExmark Lawn mower starts then stalls Repair
Exmark Lawn mower starts then stalls
If your Exmark 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 gasoline that has turned sticky and restricted fuel flow. Try cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner first. If that does not fix it, a carburetor repair kit, carburetor rebuild, or full carburetor replacement is often the next step. Old or bad gas can cause the same symptom, so draining the tank and replacing stale fuel is a smart check before you install parts. Another likely cause is a clogged fuel cap vent. When the fuel cap cannot vent properly, the tank develops vacuum lock and the engine stalls, so loosening the cap during a test run can help confirm it. If the fuel system checks out, inspect the spark plug for cracks, heavy carbon buildup, or electrode damage, and use a spark plug tester to verify a strong spark. For the exact Exmark carburetor, fuel cap, or spark plug that fits your mower, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com.
01 - Exmark 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 - Exmark 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 - Exmark 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 - Exmark 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 Exmark lawn mower start then stall after a few seconds?
How do I tell if the fuel cap is making my Exmark mower starts then dies problem worse?
Can old gas cause an Exmark lawn mower to only run for a few seconds?
My Exmark lawn mower has spark but won't keep running. Should I still check the spark plug?
How do I find the right carburetor, carburetor repair kit, fuel cap, or spark plug for my Exmark mower?
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