If your MTD lawn mower is smoking and blowing black smoke, the engine is usually running rich, which means the carburetor is letting in too much fuel. The most common cause is a carburetor float stuck open, followed by a choke that is stuck closed and limiting airflow, both of which can upset the air-fuel mixture and cause an MTD lawn mower carburetor smoking problem. In many cases, the fix is in the carburetor itself, either by cleaning and rebuilding it with a carburetor repair kit or replacing the carburetor if the internal parts are worn or damaged. If your lawn mower engine smoking issue starts suddenly, check for signs of fuel overflow and inspect the float and choke operation before replacing parts. RepairClinic.com makes it easier to match the right repair to your machine. Enter your model number to find the exact MTD carburetor or carburetor repair kit that fits your specific lawn mower, whether you are dealing with a lawn mower smoking condition on startup or a mower running rich after it warms up.
01 - Carburetor is Letting Too Much Fuel In
If the lawn mower engine produces black smoke, this indicates that the carburetor is getting too much fuel (or "running rich"). If the carburetor float is stuck open, the engine will get too much fuel. Similarly, if the carburetor choke is stuck closed, the lawn mower engine will not be able to draw in enough air to create the proper air-fuel mixture.
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02 - MTD Carburetor
If the lawn mower engine produces black smoke, this indicates that the carburetor is getting too much fuel (or "running rich"). If the carburetor float is stuck open, the engine will get too much fuel. Similarly, if the carburetor choke is stuck closed, the lawn mower engine will not be able to draw in enough air to create the proper air-fuel mixture.
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If the lawn mower engine produces black smoke, this indicates that the carburetor is getting too much fuel (or "running rich"). If the carburetor float is stuck open, the engine will get too much fuel. Similarly, if the carburetor choke is stuck closed, the lawn mower engine will not be able to draw in enough air to create the proper air-fuel mixture.