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HomeRepair HelpCraftsman Mower RepairCraftsman Lawn mower starts then stalls Repair
Craftsman Lawn mower starts then stalls
If your Craftsman lawn mower starts then stalls, the problem is usually fuel-related, not something major. The most common cause is a clogged carburetor from old gas left sitting in the mower, which can make a lawn mower starts then dies, runs then shuts off, or only runs for a few seconds. Try cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner first. If that does not fix it, a carburetor repair kit or a full carburetor replacement may be the right move. Next, check for stale or bad gasoline, since degraded fuel often leaves varnish behind that blocks fuel flow. After that, inspect the fuel cap vent. A plugged fuel cap can create vapor lock and cause the engine to stall soon after starting, so loosening the cap is a quick test. Finally, check the spark plug for wear, carbon buildup, or damage, and use a spark plug tester to confirm strong spark while cranking. If your mower starts and then stops, enter your Craftsman model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement carburetor, fuel cap, spark plug, or other small engine parts that fit your mower.
01 - 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 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 - 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 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 - Craftsman 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 - 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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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Craftsman lawn mower start then stall after a few seconds?
How can I tell if the fuel cap is making my Craftsman mower starts then dies problem worse?
Can bad gas make a Craftsman lawn mower only run for a few seconds?
What should I check if my Craftsman lawn mower has spark issues and starts then stops?
How do I find the right carburetor, carburetor repair kit, fuel cap, or spark plug for my Craftsman lawn mower?
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