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HomeRepair HelpAriens RepairAriens Lawn mower is hard to start Repair
Ariens Lawn mower is hard to start
If your Ariens lawn mower is hard to start, the most common problem is a clogged carburetor caused by old fuel that has turned sticky inside the carburetor passages or the carburetor float bowl. For many mower hard starting complaints, cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner is the first step. If that does not work, a carburetor repair kit or a full carburetor replacement may be the fix. A cracked primer bulb is another likely cause, since it can let air into the fuel system and make the engine difficult to start. Old or bad gasoline can create the same trouble, especially if the mower sat with fuel in it for a long time. If fuel delivery looks good, check the spark plug for wear, carbon buildup, or a weak spark using a spark plug tester. On some Ariens models, a failing fuel pump can also make a lawn mower hard to start by not moving enough fuel to the engine. If your lawn mower takes many pulls to start or seems like a small engine hard to start every time you use it, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Ariens replacement parts that fit your mower.
01 - Ariens Carburetor
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the hedge trimmer 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 make the engine hard to start. 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 - Ariens Primer Bulb
Over time, the rubber of the primer bulb can become brittle and cracked. If the primer bulb is cracked, air will get into the fuel system and cause the engine not to run properly. If the primer bulb is cracked, replace it.
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03 - Ariens Carburetor Repair Kit
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the hedge trimmer 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 make the engine hard to start. 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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04 - Old or Bad Gasoline
There may be old or bad fuel in the carburetor float bowl. 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 make the engine hard to start. 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 - Ariens 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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06 - Ariens Fuel Pump
The fuel pump has three ports: the gas in port, the gas out port, and the pulse port. The pulse port is connected to the engine crankcase by a small rubber tube. As the engine runs, air inside the crankcase alternately pressurizes and depressurizes the air in the tube. This pressurized air moves a diaphragm inside the pump and pumps the gas. If the engine oil is overfilled, oil can enter the pulse port line, preventing it from working properly. The fuel pump also has two small check valves on the input and output ports. The check valves prevent fuel from reentering the gas tank. These check valves can fail. To determine if...
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Ariens lawn mower hard to start?
My Ariens lawn mower takes many pulls to start. Should I clean the carburetor or replace it?
Can a bad spark plug make an Ariens mower hard starting even if it still runs?
How do I know if the primer bulb is causing my Ariens mower hard starting?
How do I find the right Ariens lawn mower part for a hard-start problem?
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