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HomeRepair HelpMTD Mower RepairMTD Lawn mower starts then stalls Repair
MTD Lawn mower starts then stalls
If your MTD lawn mower starts then stalls, starts then dies, or only runs for a few seconds, the problem is usually fuel delivery, not the whole engine. The most common cause is a clogged carburetor from old gasoline that has turned sticky and restricted fuel flow. Start by cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. If that does not fix it, install a carburetor repair kit or replace the carburetor. Next, check the fuel cap vent. A blocked fuel cap can create vapor lock, which stops fuel from reaching the carburetor and causes the mower to run then shut off. Try loosening the fuel cap slightly to see if the engine stays running. Old or bad gasoline can cause the same symptom, so draining stale fuel is often part of the fix. If the fuel system checks out, inspect the spark plug for cracks, heavy carbon buildup, or electrode damage, and confirm spark with a spark plug tester. For the exact MTD carburetor, fuel cap, spark plug, or other replacement part that fits your mower, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com.
01 - MTD 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 - MTD 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 - MTD 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 - MTD 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 MTD lawn mower start then stalls after a few seconds?
Can a bad fuel cap make my MTD lawn mower runs then shuts off?
My MTD lawn mower only runs for a few seconds. Should I clean or replace the carburetor?
Could a spark plug cause an MTD lawn mower starts then dies problem?
How do I find the right MTD part for a mower that starts and then stops?
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