Lawn Mower Sputtering: Why it Happens and How to Fix it
A lawn mower that sputters can be frustrating and may even prevent you from completing your lawn care chores. While it may seem like a complicated problem, there are actually a few simple reasons why your lawn mower might be sputtering. In most cases, you should be able to fix the issue yourself with just a few tools and some basic knowledge.
Sputtering can be caused by a number of different things, but most often it is due to issues with the fuel or air filter. If your lawn mower has been sitting for a long time, the gas in the tank may have gone bad. This can cause your lawn mower to sputter when you try to start it. The air filter may also be dirty, which can restrict the flow of air to the engine and cause it to sputter.
In most cases, you can fix a lawn mower that is sputtering by taking a few simple steps. First, check the fuel and replace it if necessary. Old or bad gas is one of the most common causes of sputtering. You should also check the air filter and clean or replace it if it is dirty. If your lawn mower still won’t start after taking these steps, you may need to take it to a professional for further diagnosis and repair.
Lawn Mower Sputtering: Why it Happens and How to Fix it
Wrong and old fuel
Old or wrong fuel can be the reason for sputtering the lawn mower. Because the gas you use from your local station is not pure. It is cheaper than pure gasoline. It contains about 10% ethanol. This ethanol used to burn fast and the reason behind plastic parts melting. As a result, sputtering occurs. So, if you intend to go for ethanol gas, then go for a little one at a time.
Again, if your lawn mower sits for a long time in your garage, then the fuel will go bad and lead to mower sputtering. In this case, you can bring a fuel stabilizer for extending the gasoline life. It is recommended to bring gas that is free from ethanol. It works on burning cleaner and will help your lawn mower to start on the first attempt.
Carburetor issues
Your lawn mower carburetor can contain gunky deposits. The deposits can be from the sticky products of hydrocarbon and combustion. To fix the carburetor issue, you can bring a carburetor cleaner spray and use it on a regular basis. As a result of the spraying, the gunky deposits in your mower is loosened. Thus, you can fix your sputtering problem.
Apart from that, your carburetor may face some difficulties if you use the wrong blend of air and fuel. So, you can understand that you should have an accurate amount of fuel and air to run your mower correctly. However, if you think that the issue is critical. Then, it is recommended to go to the professionals.
A Bad gas cap
This is a bit critical to understand unless you are a professional or experienced. The Bad gas cap means the improperly vented gas cap. Misfires can take place for a bad gas cap. Due to improper venting, the amount of air that gets into the gas tank is very much. It causes a vapor lock.
Fixing this issue is quite easy. To solve this problem, you have to replace the gas cap if you see the hole is restricted or if you find it bent or damaged.
Spark plug issues
The spark plug through which the current passes also has a contribution to sputtering. Your spark plug may get damaged or worn. If so happens, then you should replace your spark plug with a new one. Again, your spark plug can be dirty too. If you find your plug is dirty, you should clean it immediately using a brush.
Fuel filter issues
It is very natural that your filter will get dirty over time. The fuel filter has no exception. The clogged fuel filter attacks the fuel of gasoline to the engine. As a result, there will be a low fuel supply. Your mower will not receive adequate fuel for proper functioning. This type of imbalance between fuel and air in the engine of the mower can be the reason for your lawn mower sputtering.
So, if your lawn mower sputter and you find your fuel filter is dirty, then you should replace it.
Dirty or clogged air filter issues
Your dirty or clogged air filter also can be the reason for mower sputtering. You are supposed to understand this issue. The dirt existing in the gap that leads from the fuel filter and carburetor interrupts the fuel supply to the combustion chamber.
In this kind of situation, what you can do is cleaning your filter. You can clean your air filter easily using warm water and a drop of liquid dish soap. Don’t forget to squeeze the filter after cleaning. Never hesitate to replace it if you find too much dirt.
Existence of water in the fuel line or fuel tank
Water that exists in the engine of your mower also can be the reason behind sputtering. If you are facing a sputtering problem, then remove the cap and check if there is any water in your mower engine. If you find water, you have to drain it and add new gas to your mower.
Dirty mower deck
The caked grass on the deck of your mower can be the reason for sputtering. If you have wet or tall grass and face the sputtering problem, then you should give the underside of the mower an inspection. In this case, you have to take help from a wrench for removing the spark plug as your lawn mower can turn on while working. After that, you just have to use the scrapping tools like a paint scraper for scrapping the extra grass.
