A lawn mower is an essential piece of equipment for any homeowner. It can help you keep your grass looking neat while maintaining your property’s overall curb appeal. However, if your lawn mower loses power, it can be difficult to get the job done properly.
If you have experienced this dilemma, you’re not alone. It’s important to become familiar with the reasons why your mower may experience loss of power so you can avoid running into problems in the future. Read on and find out what these reasons are.
You’re putting too much strain on the engine
When you mow your lawn, it’s important to remember how hard your engine is working. If you overwork your machine, it can cause your mower to lose power because it needs to work even harder than usual. You may also be operating your lawn mower under additionally challenging conditions such as:
- Mowing very thick or tall grass
- Grass and dirt build-up
- Too much ground speed
- Dark blades
- Low oil level
Mowers need to be properly lubricated in order to run properly. If your lawn mower’s oil is too low, it will not function as efficiently as it should. Your engine will start to labor, and eventually lose power. Be sure to check your mower’s oil level before each use, and add more if needed.
Dirty air filter
When a lawn mower’s air filter is dirty, this can also lead to a loss of power. Your mower’s engine needs air to run. So when the air filter is dirty, it blocks necessary air flow, which makes your engine have to work harder, which can cause the engine to lose power. Be sure to check, clean, or replace your air filter as needed.
Start by gently tapping your filter against a hard surface to remove dirt and debris. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to suck the dirt out of the filter. If it’s really dirty, you can soak it in water and let it air-dry.
Bad spark plug
A faulty spark plug can also cause your mower to lose power. The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in your mower’s engine. If it’s not working properly, you may need to replace the spark plug altogether.
Old fuel
Another issue that can lead to significant problems with lawn mowers is using bad or old fuel. If the fuel in your lawn mower is old, it can start to break down and form gum deposits, which clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to lose power. Be sure to use fresh fuel in your lawn mower. Start by draining the old fuel out, and refilling your mower with new fuel before each use.
Clogged carburetor
A clogged carburetor is another common problem that can cause your lawn mower to lose power. The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel before it’s sent to the engine, and ensures that the right amounts of air and fuel are supplied to the engine so that your machine can run. If the carburetor is clogged, your engine won’t get enough fuel and will start to lose power. You can try cleaning the carburetor with a spray cleaner or compressed air. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace it.
Electrical problems
Electrical problems can also cause your lawn mower to lose power. If there is something wrong with the wiring, your mower’s engine may not get enough power to run properly. Be sure to check all electrical connections, and fix any issues you find.
Defective motor
Lastly, if your lawn mower’s motor is defective, it will experience a loss of power. A number of different factors can lead to a faulty motor, including overheating, or regular wear and tear. If your lawn mower’s motor is not working correctly, it’s time to replace it.
It’s common for lawn mowers to lose power from time to time. These troubleshooting steps should help you fix a variety of issues you might face. If you’re still experiencing problems after trying these steps, be sure to take your mower to a professional for assistance, like Greg’s Small Engine.
At Greg’s Small Engine Service and Repair, we can provide you with professional and reliable service for your small engine equipment. Visit our website to learn more.
