How to Fix a Lawn Mower: DIY Repair Guide

It’s always annoying when you’re ready to cut the lawn but the mower won’t start. Maybe it sputters, struggles, or just won’t run at all.

Before you spend money at a repair shop, know that many problems are easy to fix yourself. Most mower issues come from just a few common faults.

In this simple guide, we will show you how to check your mower step by step, and also give you some easy DIY fixes to get it running smoothly again. Read on to learn how to fix a lawn mower!

Common Lawn Mower Problems and DIY Fixes

Most lawn mower troubles stem from a few common culprits. Before you rush to a repair shop, let’s explore some frequent issues and their straightforward DIY fixes.

1. Mower Won’t Start?

A mower that refuses to start is the most common complaint. The cause is often simple, relating to fuel, air, or a spark. How to fix a lawn mower that won't start?

• Stale or Empty Fuel Tank:Gasoline can go bad in as little as 30 days, leading to a clogged fuel system. If your mower has old gas, drain it and refill it with fresh fuel.
• Dirty Air Filter:An engine needs to breathe. If the air filter is clogged with dirt and debris, it can prevent the engine from starting. Simply remove the filter cover, take out the filter, and clean or replace it.
• Faulty Spark Plug:The spark plug creates the spark that ignites the fuel. If it's dirty or damaged, the engine won't start. Unscrew the spark plug with a wrench, clean any buildup with a wire brush, or replace it if it looks worn out.

2. Hard-to-Pull Starter Cord

If the starter cord feels hard to pull, two issues are usually to blame.

The simplest fix is checking the flywheel brake. This safety feature locks the flywheel when the handle bar isn’t pressed. Just hold the safety bar firmly against the handle before pulling the cord to free it up.

If that’s not the problem, the recoil spring mechanism could be faulty. A stuck or slow-retracting cord often means the pull cord assembly needs repair. Here’s how to fix a pull cord on a lawn mower:

• Step 1:Safety first: Disconnect the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool completely
• Step 2:Remove the starter housing by unscrewing 3-4 bolts around the perimeter
• Step 3:Carefully lift off the housing - the spring is under tension and can snap
• Step 4: Check if the rope is tangled or the spring has come loose from its anchor point
• Step 5: If the spring is broken, purchase a replacement kit from a hardware store with your mower's model number

3. Power Loss or Poor Cutting

If your mower runs but sputters, feels weak, or cuts the grass uneven, something is wrong. The usual causes are a dull blade, grass stuck under the mower, or dirty filters. Here’s how to fix each:

• Dull Blade:A dull blade rips the grass instead of cutting it. This makes the mower work harder. Take the blade off and sharpen it. If it’s too worn, put on a new one.
• Grass Stuck Underneath:Grass can pack up under the deck. It blocks air and slows the blade. The mower then loses power. Unplug the spark plug, tip the mower, and scrape the grass out with a flat tool.
• Dirty Filters: When the fuel or air filter is dirty, the engine can’t get what it needs. The mower sputters and feels weak. Take the filters out and clean them. If they are too dirty, replace them.

For those who find routine maintenance like blade sharpening and deck cleaning to be a chore, modern solutions can eliminate these tasks entirely. For example, the eufy Robot Lawn Mower E18 handles the cutting automatically, maintaining a perfect lawn with minimal human effort.

4. Smoking or Overheating

Smoke coming from your mower can be alarming, but the color of the smoke can tell you a lot about the problem.

Overheating is often caused by a blocked cooling system. Grass clippings and debris can clog the cooling fins on the engine, trapping heat. Turn off the mower, let it cool completely, and then use a brush to clean the fins.

5. Self-Propel or Drive Issues

If your self-propelled mower has stopped moving forward, the problem usually lies with the drive system.

• Check the Drive Belt:The most common issue is a broken or slipped drive belt. Tip the mower on its side (spark plug up!) and inspect the belt that connects the engine to the wheels. If it's loose, cracked, or broken, it needs to be replaced.
• Inspect the Drive Cable:The cable that engages the self-propel system can stretch or break over time. Check its tension and ensure it's properly connected.

Alt: Lawn Mower

Practical Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running Smoothly

Regular care is the best way to stop problems before they start. A little upkeep keeps your mower in good shape.

• Change the Oil:Change the oil at least once a year or after every 50 hours of use.
• Clean the Air Filter:Check it regularly and clean or replace it when it's dirty.
• Sharpen the Blade:A sharp blade ensures a clean cut and reduces engine strain.
• Use Fresh Fuel:Don't let gasoline sit in the tank for more than a month. Use a fuel stabilizer for long-term storage.
• Keep it Clean:Regularly clean the undercarriage and engine cooling fins.

Of course, if you prefer to spend your weekends enjoying your yard instead of maintaining your equipment, alternatives like the eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 offer a hands-off approach to lawn care.

It requires no oil changes, fuel storage, or blade sharpening and recharges itself automatically. Beyond reducing upkeep, it also maps your lawn in minutes, trims edges precisely, avoids obstacles with 3D perception, and runs quietly, making lawn care both effortless and efficient.

Conclusion

With a bit of knowledge, you can solve most common lawn mower problems without a costly trip to the repair shop. By understanding the basics of how your mower works and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure it starts easily and runs efficiently all season long. And if you ever decide to hang up your pull cord for good, an eufy Robot Lawn Mower is an excellent, low-maintenance alternative for a perfectly manicured lawn.

FAQs

How to fix a lawnmower that won't start?

Focus on the three basics: fuel, air, and spark. First, drain any old gas and refill the tank with a fresh supply, as old fuel can clog the system. Next, check the air filter and clean or replace it if it’s dirty. Finally, inspect the spark plug. A clean and properly connected plug is essential for creating the spark that ignites the fuel.

Is it easy to fix a lawn mower?

Yes, many fixes are easy to do yourself. You can change the oil, put in a new air filter, replace a spark plug, or sharpen the blade with simple tools. Big jobs, like engine or drive repairs, are better for a pro. But most small jobs and upkeep you can do at home, which saves money and time.

How do you diagnose a lawn mower problem?

Watch what the mower does. If it feels weak, the air filter may be blocked or the blade may be dull. If you see smoke, the colour tells you more. Blue smoke means the mower is burning oil. Black smoke means there is a fuel problem. Look at the symptom and match it to the cause to find the fix faster.