Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Price Match Guarantee
In-stock parts ship the same day
365-Day Return Policy
Price Match GuaranteeChoose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpMTD Mower RepairMTD Lawn mower is hard to start Repair
MTD Lawn mower is hard to start
If your MTD lawn mower is hard to start, the problem usually comes down to fuel delivery first, then ignition. The most common cause is a clogged carburetor from stale gas that left varnish in the passages or the carburetor float bowl, which can make a lawn mower difficult to start or cause a small engine hard to start condition. Try cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. If that does not restore normal starting, a carburetor repair kit or a complete carburetor replacement may be the better fix. Next, check the primer bulb. If it is brittle or cracked, it can pull air into the fuel system and make the mower hard starting. Old or bad gasoline is another common reason an MTD lawn mower takes many pulls to start. After that, inspect the spark plug for wear, carbon buildup, or a cracked insulator, and use a spark plug tester to confirm a strong spark while cranking. On models equipped with one, a weak fuel pump can also make the engine hard to start. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact MTD replacement part that fits your mower.
01 - MTD 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution
02 - MTD 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.
Top Solution
03 - MTD 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.
Top Solution
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.
Top Solution
05 - MTD 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.
Highly Likely
06 - MTD 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 MTD lawn mower hard to start?
My MTD lawn mower takes many pulls to start. Should I clean the carburetor or replace it?
Can old gas make an MTD push mower hard to start?
How do I know if the spark plug is causing my MTD lawn mower not to start easily?
How do I find the right carburetor, primer bulb, fuel pump, or spark plug for my MTD lawn mower?
Shop by MTD Lawn Mower Parts
Shop by Popular MTD Lawn Mower Models
Our Story
Family-owned and operated since 1912, Burke America Parts Group is the longest-running genuine appliance, HVAC, and outdoor power equipment parts solution in North America. At Repair Clinic, we're proud to be an international brand trusted by the pros as well as the DIY community.
About Repair Clinic
© 2026 RepairClinic.com