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HomeRepair HelpPoulan Pro RepairPoulan Pro Lawn mower starts then stalls Repair
Poulan Pro Lawn mower starts then stalls
If your Poulan Pro lawn mower starts then stalls, the problem is usually fuel-related, and the carburetor is the first place to look. Old fuel can leave behind a sticky varnish that clogs the carburetor, so 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, rebuild it with a carburetor repair kit or replace the carburetor. Next, check the fuel cap vent. A blocked fuel cap can create vapor lock, cutting off fuel flow and causing the mower to start and then stop. Loosening the cap briefly is a quick way to test that. Bad gasoline is another common cause and often goes hand in hand with carburetor trouble. If the fuel system checks out, inspect the spark plug for wear, carbon buildup, or damage, and use a spark plug tester to confirm strong spark while the engine is cranking. For the exact Poulan Pro replacement part that fits your mower, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com.
01 - Poulan Pro 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 - Poulan Pro 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 - Poulan Pro 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 - Poulan Pro 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 Poulan Pro lawn mower start then stall after a few seconds?
How do I tell if the fuel cap is making my Poulan Pro mower starts then dies?
Can old gas make a Poulan Pro lawn mower only run for a few seconds?
My Poulan Pro lawn mower has spark but won't stay running. Should I replace the carburetor right away?
How do I find the right carburetor, fuel cap, or spark plug for my Poulan Pro mower?
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