A dirty carburetor is a common cause of lawn mower starting and running problems. Learn how to safely clean your mower's carburetor to restore proper operation.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and drain the fuel tank. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear safety equipment.
Locate and remove the carburetor from the engine. Take photos of connections and note the orientation of parts.
Carefully disassemble the carburetor, removing the bowl, float, needle valve, and jets. Soak metal parts in carburetor cleaner.
Use carburetor cleaner and compressed air to clean all passages, jets, and surfaces. Pay special attention to the main jet and idle jet.
Reassemble the carburetor in reverse order and reinstall on the engine. Add fresh fuel and test the mower.
Clean annually or when you experience starting problems, rough running, or poor performance.
No, use only carburetor cleaner as it's specifically formulated for this purpose and won't damage rubber parts.
Old fuel, ethanol in gas, dirt, and lack of use are common causes of carburetor issues.
Try cleaning first. Replace only if cleaning doesn't solve the problem or if parts are damaged.
Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining your lawn mower's performance and longevity. Learn how to change the oil properly with our comprehensive guide.
Having trouble starting your lawn mower? Learn the proper techniques for starting both push mowers and riding mowers, including troubleshooting common starting problems.
Draining gas from your lawn mower is essential for winter storage and maintenance. Learn the safe and proper way to remove fuel from your mower.
Proper winterization protects your lawn mower from damage during the off-season. Learn the essential steps to prepare your mower for winter storage.
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