Blue Grass Lawn mower won't start: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Lawn Mower Spark Plug
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
Check the spark plug for any signs of wear or damage. Replace the spark plug if the porcelain insulator has cracks, the electrode is burned or damaged, or there is a lot of carbon buildup on the electrode. Use a spark plug tester to see if the plug is working right. When the engine is cranking, you should see a strong spark jump between the tester terminals. If there is no spark, the spark plug is bad and needs to be replaced with a new one. A good spark means the plug is still good. Replace spark plugs that are worn out or damaged so your engine runs properly.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Spark Plug
- Disconnect the spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire, which runs from the spark plug to the magneto or electronic ignition module. Pull the boot off the end of the wire to disconnect it from the spark plug.
- Remove the old spark plug - Using the appropriate size spark plug socket or wrench, loosen the old spark plug by turning it counterclockwise. Once it is loose, unscrew it completely and pull it out of the engine.
- Inspect the old spark plug - Check the condition of the old spark plug. Look for signs of wear like erosion or buildup on the electrodes. This can help diagnose engine issues. Clean any dirt or debris from the spark plug threads.
- Gap the new spark plug - Use a spark plug gap tool to gap the new spark plug to the manufacturer's specified gap, usually between 0.020 and 0.060 inches. Adjust the side electrode to achieve the proper gap.
- Install the new spark plug - Carefully thread the new spark plug into the engine by hand until it is finger tight. Then use the socket or wrench to tighten it another 1/4 to 1/2 turn, being careful not to overtighten.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire - Push the boot back onto the end of the spark plug wire, connecting it securely to the top of the new spark plug.
- Start the engine and test - With the new spark plug installed, try to start the engine. If it starts up smoothly, the spark plug replacement was successful.
2Lawn Mower Carburetor
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The carburetor might be plugged up. This often happens if you leave gas in the Blue Grass lawn mower for a long time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the gas can evaporate, leaving a thicker, stickier fuel behind. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and stop the engine from starting. To fix a plugged carburetor, try cleaning it out with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning doesn't work, you'll need to rebuild or replace the whole carburetor. Clogged carburetors are a common issue when gas sits in a Blue Grass lawn mower too long. Regularly using or draining the gas tank can help prevent the carburetor from getting gummed up.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Carburetor
- Disconnect the spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug. This will prevent accidental starting while working.
- Drain the gas tank - Use a siphon or tip the mower to drain all gasoline from the fuel tank into an approved gas container. This minimizes spillage when removing the carburetor.
- Remove air filter - Take out the air filter housing and remove the air filter element. This allows access to the carburetor.
- Detach fuel line - Locate the fuel supply line attached to the carburetor inlet and disconnect it using pliers. Cap the end of the fuel line.
- Remove carburetor retaining nuts - Use a socket or wrench to loosen the carburetor retaining nuts attaching it to the engine intake manifold.
- Detach choke and throttle links - Remove any fasteners or rings connecting the choke and throttle controls from the carburetor levers.
- Lift off the old carburetor - Carefully lift the carburetor off of the intake manifold studs. Take care not to bend or damage linkages.
- Install new carburetor - Place the new carburetor onto the intake manifold studs. Reattach the choke, throttle, fuel line, air filter housing and retaining nuts.
- Reconnect spark plug wire - Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug once done.
- Test operation - Add fresh gasoline to the fuel tank. Try starting the mower to ensure proper carburetor operation before fully reassembling. Make adjustments as needed.
3Lawn Mower Carburetor Repair Kit
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The carburetor might be plugged up. This usually happens if you leave gas sitting in the mower for a long time. Some stuff in the gas can evaporate over time, leaving a thick, sticky fuel behind. This sticky gas can clog the carburetor and stop the engine from starting. To fix a clogged carburetor, try cleaning it out with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning doesn't unclog it, you'll need to rebuild or replace the whole carburetor. Clogged carburetors are common when gas sits in a mower too long. Using or draining the gas tank regularly can help prevent the carburetor from getting gummed up with thick, sticky gas.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Carburetor Repair Kit
- Remove air filter - Detach the air filter housing and remove the air filter element to access the carburetor.
- Drain fuel - Empty the gas from the fuel tank using a siphon or by tipping the mower. This reduces spillage when removing carburetor.
- Detach fuel line - Use pliers to disconnect the fuel supply line from the carburetor inlet. Cap the fuel line.
- Remove carburetor - Take out the retaining nuts and detach any choke/throttle links to fully remove the carburetor.
- Disassemble carburetor - Taking care to organize parts, fully disassemble the carburetor by removing gaskets, jets, float and needle.
- Clean carburetor parts - Use carburetor cleaner spray and small wire brushes to clean all removable parts and passages.
- Install new parts - Replace old gaskets, seals, and worn components with matching parts from the repair kit.
- Reassemble carburetor - Following proper assembly procedures, reinstall float, needle, jets, gaskets and other parts into the cleaned carburetor.
- Install carburetor - Mount the rebuilt carburetor back onto the engine and reconnect fuel line, air filter, choke/throttle links.
- Test operation - Add fresh gas to the fuel tank. Try starting the mower to ensure proper carburetor operation. Make adjustments as needed.
4Lawn Mower Start Switch
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The start switch is a critical component that allows a Blue Grass lawn mower engine to turn on. When the start switch is activated, it completes the electrical circuit and allows power to flow to the starter motor. The starter motor then turns the engine crankshaft, which starts the combustion process and brings the engine to life. If the start switch is defective, the electrical circuit will not be completed when activated. This prevents power from reaching the starter motor, meaning the engine crankshaft will not turn over. Use a multimeter to check the start switch for continuity. This will tell you if the start switch is broken and needs to be replaced.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Start Switch
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Access switch wires - Tip the mower deck up or remove any panels necessary to access the back of the start switch.
- Label wires - Note where each colored wire connects to the old start switch terminals for proper reassembly.
- Remove wires - Use needle nose pliers to grip and detach the push-on connections from the switch terminals.
- Remove mounting screws - Use a screwdriver to remove any screws securing the start switch to the mower housing.
- Install new switch - Position the new switch in place and reinstall the mounting screws to secure it.
- Connect wires - Referring to labels made earlier, push the colored wires back onto their corresponding terminals on the new switch.
- Test operation - Reconnect spark plug wire and pull the switch lever to ensure smooth activation. Replace any panels.
- Start engine - Make sure the mower starts properly using the new start
5Lawn Mower Fuel Pump
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The fuel pump has three parts - the gas in, gas out, and pulse port. The pulse port connects to the engine crankcase with a small rubber tube. As the engine runs, air in the crankcase pushes and pulls on the air in the tube. This moves a diaphragm in the pump to pump the gas. If there's too much oil in the engine, it can get in the pulse tube and stop it from working right. The pump also has two small check valves at the in and out ports. They keep gas from flowing back to the tank. These can break. To check if the pump is bad, inspect the pulse tube, check valves, and diaphragm. You can't fix the pump - if it's broken, replace it.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Fuel Pump
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Drain fuel tank - Use a siphon to drain gas from the fuel tank into an approved gas container. This minimizes spillage during fuel pump replacement.
- Detach fuel lines - Use pliers to disconnect the fuel lines attached to the inlet and outlet of the old fuel pump.
- Remove pump mounting - Use wrenches to loosen and remove any nuts or brackets securing the fuel pump to the mower frame or engine.
- Install new pump - Attach the new fuel pump to the mower using the same brackets and hardware. Make sure it is oriented correctly.
- Attach fuel lines - Reconnect the fuel supply and return lines to the inlet and outlet fittings on the new fuel pump. Use clamps to secure.
- Check for leaks - Add fresh gas to the fuel tank. Inspect fuel line connections for any leaks with the new pump installed.
- Reconnect spark plug - Once leaks are fixed, reattach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
- Test operation - Attempt to start the mower's engine to confirm proper fuel flow and pressure from the replaced pump.
- Adjust as needed - Monitor fuel delivery and make any adjustments to pump position or fuel line routing if flow is inadequate before fully reassembling mower.
6Lawn Mower Flywheel Key
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The flywheel key may have snapped in half. The flywheel key is a small metal part that fits into the crankshaft and connects to the flywheel. If the mower engine suddenly stops from hitting something hard, the flywheel key breaks to prevent engine damage. If it's broken, the mower won't start. To check, take the flywheel off the engine and look at the flywheel key. If the flywheel key is snapped in two, replace it with a new one. This small part is designed to break instead of the engine when the mower hits something hard. Replacing it can get your mower running again.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Flywheel Key
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove debris cover - Take off any plastic belt/debris covers from around the flywheel, under the mower deck. This allows access to the flywheel.
- Mark flywheel position - Before loosening the nut, mark the position of the flywheel in relation to the crankshaft using a marker. This ensures proper reassembly.
- Loosen flywheel nut - Secure the crankshaft and use a socket wrench to loosen the flywheel retaining nut in a counter-clockwise direction.
- Remove flywheel - With the nut removed, carefully slide the flywheel off the crankshaft.
- Take out old key - Locate and remove the damaged square key from the crankshaft keyway. Clean any debris from the keyway.
- Install new key - Seat the new flywheel key into the crankshaft keyway in the proper orientation.
- Reinstall flywheel - Referring to marks made earlier, realign and slide the flywheel onto the crankshaft, seating it properly.
- Tighten flywheel nut - Thread the retaining nut onto the crankshaft and tighten securely with a socket wrench.
- Reconnect spark plug - Once fully reassembled, attach the spark plug wire back to the spark plug. Test start the mower to verify proper flywheel/engine timing with the new key.
7Lawn Mower Ignition Coil
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The ignition coil gives voltage to the spark plug when the engine is on. If the ignition coil is broken, the engine might not start. Before replacing the coil, check that the spark plug works right. If the spark plug is good, use a coil tester on the ignition coil. If the tester shows the coil is bad, replace it with a new one. The ignition coil can break and stop the engine from starting properly. But first make sure the spark plug is good - a bad spark plug could make you think the coil is broken when it's really the spark plug. Testing with a coil tester will tell you if the ignition coil needs replacing.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Ignition Coil
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove coil mounting - Use wrenches to loosen and remove any bolts or screws securing the ignition coil to the engine.
- Disconnect wires - Label and detach the primary and secondary coil wires from the ignition system wiring harness.
- Install new coil - Attach the new ignition coil to the engine using the same mounting bolts. Tighten securely.
- Reconnect wires - Referring to labels made earlier, reconnect the primary and secondary coil wires to the proper terminals on the wiring harness.
- Inspect connections - Make sure all wire connections are securely attached and properly routed with no risk of touching hot or moving engine parts.
- Reconnect spark plug - Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug once the new coil is installed.
- Test operation - Attempt to start the mower to ensure the new coil is firing the spark plug properly before fully reassembling the mower.
- Replace if issues - If the engine fails to start, double check all wiring connections to the new ignition coil. Make sure the air gap is properly set.
8Lawn Mower Fuel Filter
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The fuel filter might be plugged up. This usually happens if old gas is left in the mower. Some stuff in the gas can evaporate over time, leaving a thick, sticky fuel behind. This sticky gas can clog up the fuel filter and stop the engine from starting. If old gas was sitting in the mower, drain it from the gas tank and replace the fuel filter. Clogged fuel filters are common when old gas sits in a mower. Using up or draining the gas tank regularly can help prevent the filter from getting gummed up with thick, sticky gas. Replacing the filter allows fresh gas to flow so the engine can start properly.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Fuel Filter
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Locate fuel filter - The fuel filter is typically along the fuel supply line somewhere between the gas tank and carburetor.
- Pinch fuel line - Use pliers to clamp off the fuel line on either side of the old filter to minimize gasoline leakage.
- Remove fuel lines - Slide the fuel lines off of the old filter's inlet and outlet nipples. Discard old filter.
- Install new filter - Slide fuel lines onto the corresponding nipples on new filter, following direction of fuel flow.
- Secure fuel lines - Use hose clamps or other fasteners to securely attach fuel lines onto the new filter.
- Check for leaks - Add gas to tank, then inspect fuel line connections at new filter for any leaks. Fix as needed.
- Reconnect spark plug - Once no leaks are found, reattach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
- Start mower - Attempt to start the mower's engine to verify proper fuel flow through the replaced filter.
- Check filter periodically - Visually inspect new filter occasionally when changing oil for blockage or corrosion.
9Lawn Mower Safety Switch
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The safety switch on a Blue Grass lawn mower is a protective mechanism that prevents the engine from starting unless certain conditions are met. This commonly includes the blade control being in the disengaged position and/or the operator having the safety bail or bar depressed. The safety switch acts as an open circuit to interrupt power to the starter system. When the bail is not held down or the blade control is not disengaged, the switch remains open and prevents the engine from cranking over. Use a multimeter to check if the safety switch has continuity. This will tell you if it's broken.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Safety Switch
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Identify switch type - Determine if the safety switch is a blade brake clutch, PTO, or seat switch. This affects location.
- Access switch wires - Remove any necessary housing panels or components to gain access to the back of the switch.
- Label wires - Note the wire terminal locations on the defective switch for proper reinstallation.
- Detach wires - Disconnect the switch wires from their terminals using needle nose pliers.
- Remove mounting - Take out any mounting screws or nuts to fully remove the old safety switch.
- Install new switch - Secure the new safety switch in place using the same hardware. Make sure orientation is correct.
- Connect wires - Following earlier labels, push the wires onto the corresponding terminals on the new switch.
- Test function - Verify the new safety switch actuates properly when lever is pulled or seat engaged/disengaged.
- Reconnect spark plug - Reattach spark plug wire once replacement is complete and confirmed.
10Lawn Mower Rewind Spring
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The rewind spring could be broken. This spring makes the starter rope recoil onto the pulley when you pull and release it. If the spring is broken, the rope won't recoil. So the engine won't start. If the spring is broken, replace it. Many rewind springs can be replaced by themselves, but it might be easier to replace the whole recoil starter assembly. The rewind spring needs to work to retract the starter rope so you can keep pulling it to start the engine. If it's broken, replacing the spring or starter assembly will get the rope recoiling properly again.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Rewind Spring
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove starter housing - Use screwdrivers to take off the starter rope guide and any covers enclosing the recoil starter assembly.
- Detach rope guide - Unscrew or pop out the guide that the starter rope feeds through on the starter pulley.
- Release spring tension - Gently unwind the existing spring by turning the pulley until slack. Caution - wear eye protection in case it breaks.
- Remove old spring - Detach the old spring from its mounting lugs on the starter housing and pulley. Discard appropriately.
- Install new spring - Hook each end of the new rewind spring into the attachment points. Follow spring wind direction.
- Wind new spring - Carefully wind the pulley clockwise several turns until slight tension is felt when turning it counter-clockwise.
- Reattach rope guide - Screw the rope guide back into the starter pulley , leaving just enough slack for rope to pull freely.
- Replace housing - Reinstall the starter housing covers and starter rope handle.
- Reconnect spark plug wire - Attach the spark plug wire once the new spring is reassembled. Test for smooth pull starting.
11Lawn Mower Rewind Pulley and Spring
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The rewind spring could be broken. This spring makes the starter rope recoil onto the pulley when you pull and release it. If the spring is broken, or if the pulley is worn out, the rope won't recoil back on. So the engine won't start. If the spring is broken, replace it. Many rewind springs can be replaced by themselves, but it might be easier to replace the whole pulley and spring assembly together. The rewind spring needs to work to retract the starter rope onto the pulley so you can keep pulling it to start the engine. If the spring or pulley is worn out, replacing them will get the rope recoiling onto the pulley properly again.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Rewind Pulley and Spring
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove starter housing - Use screwdrivers to take off any covers enclosing the recoil starter assembly to expose the pulley/spring.
- Release spring tension - Carefully unwind the old spring by turning the pulley until loose. Wear eye protection in case it breaks.
- Detach rope handle - Remove screw or clip attaching recoil starter rope handle to old pulley. Slide handle off.
- Remove pulley - Take out screw(s) securing pulley to starter assembly. Detach old pulley and discard appropriately.
- Install new pulley - Secure new starter pulley in place with original mounting screw(s). Make sure it spins freely.
- Attach new spring - Anchor ends of the replacement spring into mounting points following the wind direction.
- Wind new spring - Turn the new pulley clockwise several rotations to tension the spring. Add a little counter-tension.
- Replace rope handle - Slide recoil handle onto new pulley and secure with original clip or screw.
- Reassemble housing - Reinstall starter housing covers. Reconnect spark plug wire once fully reassembled.
12Lawn Mower Recoil Spring
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
When you pull and release the starter rope, the recoil spring is supposed to pull the rope back onto the pulley. If the recoil spring breaks, the rope can't recoil back onto the pulley. This prevents the pulley from turning the engine over, so it won't start. Many recoil springs can be replaced by themselves, but sometimes it's easier to replace the whole recoil starter assembly. The recoil spring needs to work to retract the starter rope onto the pulley after you pull it. If the spring is broken, replacing it or the whole starter assembly will get the rope recoiling properly so the engine can start.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Recoil Spring
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove starter cover - Use screwdrivers to take off any housing covering the recoil starter assembly to expose spring.
- Release spring tension - Carefully unwind the old recoil spring by turning the pulley until loose. Wear eye protection in case it breaks.
- Detach spring ends - Remove each end of the spring from its mounting point on the starter housing and pulley.
- Install new spring - Hook each end of the replacement recoil spring into the correct attachment points. Follow spring wind direction.
- Wind new spring - Turn the pulley clockwise several rotations to pre-tension the new spring properly. Add a little counter-tension.
- Check pulley/rope - Make sure pulley and starter rope can still retract smoothly without binding once tensioned.
- Replace starter cover - Reinstall any shrouds or housings removed from around recoil starter assembly.
- Reconnect spark plug - Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug once fully reassembled.
- Test starter - Pull the starter rope to verify smooth retraction with the new spring. Adjust tension as needed.
13Lawn Mower Recoil Starter
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The recoil starter assembly connects to the crankshaft to turn the engine over. If the starter assembly is broken, the engine won't start. Take off the starter assembly and check if it works right. When you pull the starter rope, tabs on the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, making the engine spin. When you let go of the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind onto the pulley. If the recoil starter assembly isn't working properly, replace it with a new one. The starter needs to engage the engine and recoil the rope to start the mower. If it's broken, installing a new starter assembly will help get the engine turning over.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Recoil Starter
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove starter housing - Use screwdrivers to take off any covers or shrouds enclosing the recoil starter to access assembly.
- Detach pulley and spring - Remove mounting screws to detach the pulley/spring from the starter housing. Retain mounting hardware.
- Disconnect starter - Take out starter mounting bolts and detach recoil assembly from engine block.
- Install new starter - Position the new starter in place against the engine block and secure with original mounting bolts.
- Reattach pulley/spring - Anchor the pulley and recoil spring assembly onto new starter using retained hardware.
- Replace housing - Reinstall any previously removed protective covers or shrouds around starter.
- Reconnect spark plug - Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug once fully reassembled.
- Test operation - Pull the starter rope to ensure smooth operation of the new recoil starter before fully reassembling mower.
- Adjust as needed - If issues with retracting, adjust pulley and spring so rope recoils correctly.
14Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Pulley
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The recoil starter pulley is a component of the pull start system found on many small engine machines like Blue Grass lawn mowers. Its job is to rapidly recoil the starter cord when the cord is not being pulled by the user. This allows the cord to retract and be ready for the next starting attempt. If the recoil starter pulley becomes damaged, worn out, or jammed with debris, it will fail to properly retract the starter cord after it is pulled. Without the pulley recoiling the cord, the cord will simply go slack after being pulled instead of springing back to be pulled again. This prevents the engine from spinning fast enough on subsequent pull attempts to start properly. Without the pulley recoiling the starter cord, the Blue Grass lawn mower engine will not be able to start up as the cord needs to spin the flywheel to start the combustion process. For this reason, a damaged or malfunctioning recoil starter pulley is a common cause of pull start Blue Grass lawn mowers failing to start. If the recoil pulley is confirmed to be damaged, it will need to be replaced.
How to Replace Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Pulley
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove starter cover - Use screwdrivers to take off any housing enclosing the recoil starter to access pulley.
- Release spring tension - Carefully unwind the spring by turning the pulley counter-clockwise until loose. Wear eye protection.
- Detach rope handle - Remove screw or clip attaching recoil rope handle to old pulley. Slide handle off.
- Remove pulley - Take out screws/bolts securing pulley to starter. Detach old pulley and discard appropriately.
- Install new pulley - Secure replacement pulley to starter with original hardware. Make sure it spins freely.
- Reattach rope handle - Slide rope handle into new pulley hub and secure with original clip or screw.
- Rewind spring - Wind the pulley clockwise several rotations to re-tension spring. Add a little counter-tension.
- Replace starter cover - Reinstall any previously removed shrouds or housings around the recoil starter.
- Reconnect spark plug - Attach spark plug wire once new pulley is fully installed. Test for smooth retraction.
15Old or Bad Gasoline
Repair Instructions:
There could be old or bad gas in the carburetor's float bowl. Some stuff in the gas can evaporate over time, leaving a thick, sticky fuel behind. This sticky gas can clog up the carburetor and stop the engine from starting. To fix a clogged carburetor, try cleaning it out with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning doesn't unclog it, you'll need to rebuild or replace the whole carburetor. Clogged carburetors are common when old or bad gas sits in the float bowl. Using or draining the gas tank regularly can help prevent thick, sticky gas from building up and clogging the carburetor.
How to Replace Old or Bad Gasoline
- Disconnect spark plug wire - Locate the spark plug wire and detach it from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Drain old fuel - Siphon gas from the fuel tank into an approved container. Or tip the Blue Grass lawn mower to pour out old fuel through the fill spout.
- Remove fuel filter - Locate the fuel filter along the supply line and use pliers to detach the fuel lines on both sides. Remove the old filter.
- Replace fuel filter - Attach new fuel filter to supply line with clamps, following direction of fuel flow.
- Flush fuel tank - Mix a fuel tank cleaning solution with some fresh gas in the empty tank. Shake vigorously, drain, and repeat until clean.
- Add new stabilizer - Pour fresh, clean unleaded gas back into the tank. Add fuel stabilizer to prolong shelf life.
- Reconnect spark plug - Reattach the spark plug wire to the spark plug once finished.
- Test mower - Attempt to start the mower to ensure fresh fuel flows through entire system. Check for leaks.
- Consider long-term storage - For mowers that won't be used for extended time, drain gas tank and run engine dry to prevent gumming.