Lawn Tractor Troubleshooting
Lawn tractors are a wonderful luxury for any property owner who has lots of square feet to mow every week and does not want to mow using a push mower. With the hot summer months approaching, there is no easier way to get your mowing done than by using a lawn tractor. Sometimes, like any other gasoline engine, tractors do break down. Thankfully, they are pretty easy to fix yourself.
Engine does not turn over: If your lawn tractor’s engine will not start and you have verified that it has enough gas, you should also make sure that your fuel shut off valve is not closed. Also, verify that your fuel tank cap is not clogged. If it still does not start, remove the spark plug and clean it. Inspect your carburetor, because sometimes it is easy to flood the carburetor. All you have to do is wait a few minutes before trying to start it again.
Starts easily but quickly stops: This is a good indication that something is going on with your lawn tractor’s fuel system. You should check to make sure that it has enough gas. Then make sure that the fuel shut off valve is not turned off. Also, make sure that the fuel cap vent is not clogged. If this problem still persists, your carburetor could be over chocked and in need of a little adjustment.
Idling roughly, unevenly or surges: The most common solution to this problem is that your carburetor is dirty, there is an air leak in your carburetor or your intake manifold has a bad O-ring or gasket. Another reason for this problem is that your carburetor is not adjusted properly and may need service.
Misses: This is a sign that your spark plug may be fouled or improperly gapped. You should also check your carburetor to make sure that it is properly adjusted and verify that the fuel shut off valve is not turned off.
Knocking: If your engine sounds like there is a beaver banging a hammer inside it, that is a surefire sign that your carburetor may be to blame or your engine has overheated. You should also check to make sure that your fly wheel has not come loose and that your engine’s connecting rod and cylinder are not loose or worn.