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HomeRepair HelpMurray Mower RepairMurray Lawn mower starts then stalls Repair
Murray Lawn mower starts then stalls
If your Murray lawn mower starts then stalls, the problem is usually in the fuel system, not the whole engine. The most common cause is a clogged carburetor from old fuel that has turned sticky and restricted fuel flow, which is why 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 complete carburetor replacement may be needed. Next, check the fuel cap vent. A blocked fuel cap can create vapor lock, starving the carburetor and causing the mower to start and then stop. Old or bad gasoline can cause the same symptom and often leads back to carburetor trouble, so draining the tank and refilling with fresh fuel is a smart step. If fuel delivery checks out, inspect the spark plug for wear, carbon buildup, or damage, and test it with a spark plug tester for a strong spark. Enter your Murray model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts that fit your mower.
01 - Murray 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 - Murray 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 - Murray 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 - Murray 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 Murray lawn mower start then stall after a few seconds?
How do I know if the carburetor is causing my Murray mower to start and then die?
Can a bad fuel cap make a Murray lawn mower run and then shut off?
My Murray lawn mower has spark but still starts then stalls. What should I check?
How do I find the right Murray carburetor, fuel cap, or spark plug for my mower?
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