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HomeRepair HelpExmark Mower RepairExmark Lawn mower is hard to start Repair
Exmark Lawn mower is hard to start
If your Exmark lawn mower is hard to start, the problem is usually in the fuel system first, not the ignition. A mower hard starting condition often comes from a clogged carburetor caused by old fuel that has turned sticky inside the carburetor float bowl and passages. 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 primer bulb. If it is brittle or cracked, it can let air into the fuel system and make the engine difficult to start or cause your lawn mower to take many pulls to start. Old or bad gasoline can cause the same small engine hard to start symptom, so drain stale fuel if needed. If the fuel system checks out, inspect the spark plug for wear, carbon buildup, or a cracked insulator, and test it with a spark plug tester. On some Exmark models, a weak fuel pump can also make the lawn mower hard to start. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Exmark replacement part that fits your mower.
01 - Exmark Lawn Mower 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 - Exmark Lawn Mower 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 - Exmark Lawn Mower 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 - Exmark 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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06 - Exmark Lawn Mower 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 Exmark lawn mower hard to start?
How do I fix an Exmark mower that takes many pulls to start?
My Exmark lawn mower has spark but is still hard to start. What should I check next?
How can I tell if the spark plug is bad on my Exmark lawn mower?
How do I find the right carburetor, primer bulb, spark plug, or fuel pump for my Exmark mower?
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