Sylvie Willis
If your riding lawn mower is acting up, it could be due to a clogged fuel line. This is often indicated by the engine sputtering and smoke coming out of the exhaust. To fix this, you can either clean the fuel line or replace the affected section of the hose. If you've added oil to the gas, you'll need to drain the fuel tank and refill it with fresh gas. You may also need to replace the spark plug.
Checking for a Stuck Fuel Line in a Riding Lawn Mower
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Signs of a clogged fuel line | The lawnmower runs but sputters and smoke comes out of the exhaust |
| Reasons for clogging | Oil in the gas tank |
| Solutions | Drain the fuel, replace the spark plug, and start over; replace the hose; disassemble the engine and intake, clean all parts, replace any bad parts, and rebuild the engine; clean the fuel tank |
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What You'll Learn
Check for clogs in the fuel line
A clogged fuel line can be caused by a variety of factors, including old, stale fuel, dirt and debris in the fuel tank, or a faulty fuel filter. Symptoms of a clogged fuel line include difficulty starting the engine, sputtering, loss of power, and engine stalling.
To check for clogs in the fuel line of a riding lawn mower, start by inspecting the fuel tank and fuel line for any visible signs of blockage, such as debris, rust, or discolouration. If you notice any blockages, you can use a thin wire or compressed air to clear the obstruction. For stubborn clogs, you may need to use a fuel line cleaner specifically designed for this purpose.
If your lawn mower has an inline fuel filter, this should be checked for dirt, debris, or any signs of clogging. The fuel filter is usually located near the fuel line and may look like a small, cylindrical cartridge. If the filter is clogged, you will need to carefully detach it from the fuel line and install a new one.
In some cases, the issue may not be a clogged fuel line but rather a clogged carburetor or air filter. If, after inspecting and clearing any blockages from the fuel line and fuel filter, you still experience problems, you may need to focus your attention on the carburetor and air filter.
It is important to note that before performing any maintenance on your lawn mower, you should always refer to the owner's manual and take the necessary safety precautions, such as working in a well-ventilated area and wearing protective gear.
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Clean the carburettor
To clean the carburettor while it's still on the mower, follow these steps:
- Take a reference photo to help with reassembly.
- Disconnect or remove the spark plug.
- Remove the cover and air filter.
- Unfasten the fuel linkage.
- Detach the fuel line, having a rag handy to clean up any fuel that spills.
- Reconnect the spark plug and start the motor.
- Spray carburettor cleaner into and around the centre of the carburettor.
- Let the mower run for one to two minutes.
- Reattach the air filter and outer casing.
If your carburettor is very dirty, you may need to remove it for cleaning. To do this, follow the first five steps above, then:
- Unbolt the carburettor from the lawn mower.
- Disassemble the carburettor from the bottom (bowl, float, needle, and main jet).
- Clean the individual parts with carburettor cleaner and a cloth.
- Use compressed air and/or a towel to dry the carburettor’s components.
- Reassemble the carburettor, using your photos as a guide.
While your carburettor is disassembled, it is a good opportunity to replace its gaskets.
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Drain bad gas and replace with high-octane fuel
If your riding lawn mower is not starting or is performing poorly, it could be due to old fuel in the tank. Over time, untreated fuel can break down, leading to hard starting, poor performance, or the engine not starting at all. To fix this issue, you will need to drain the bad gas and replace it with fresh, high-octane fuel. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Locate the Gas Tank
The first step is to find the gas tank on your riding lawn mower. It is usually located near the engine or under the hood. If there is a fuel shutoff valve, make sure to turn it to the "off" position before proceeding.
Step 2: Prepare for Draining
Have your siphon pump, gasoline container, and pliers (if needed) ready and within reach. Place the gasoline container below the gas tank to allow gravity to help with the flow of fuel. If you don't have a siphon pump, you can use a hand pump or tip the mower to pour the fuel into a jug from the filler cap.
Step 3: Start Draining
Open the mower's fuel tank by removing the cap. Insert the intake hose of the siphon pump into the gas tank, ensuring it is submerged in the gasoline but not touching the bottom of the tank to avoid collecting sediment. Connect the shorter hose to the empty gasoline container. Start pumping the siphon pump to begin draining the bad gas from the tank. Continue until the gas tank is empty.
Step 4: Clean and Refill
Once the fuel has stopped flowing, refit the drain bolt and clean up any spilled fuel. Now, it's time to refill the tank with fresh, high-octane fuel. You can also add a fuel stabilizer to the new gasoline to help keep the system clean and prevent future issues with stale fuel.
Additional Tips:
- Consult your owner's manual for maintenance recommendations and specific guidelines for your lawn mower model.
- Remember to drain the gas from your lawn mower at the end of each mowing season or before storing it for an extended period.
- Old fuel can clog the carburetor. If your mower runs for a few seconds and dies, consider cleaning or replacing the carburetor and adding a fuel stabilizer.
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Remove the fuel tank and clean it
If you notice debris in the gas tank or leaking gasoline, it's time to remove and clean the fuel tank. First, wait until the tank is empty, and then use a flashlight to check for debris and beads of light that indicate holes or cracks. If you find any damage, it's important to replace the tank with a new one from the original manufacturer.
Before removing the fuel tank, disconnect the battery (if equipped) by first removing the negative lead and then the positive. Next, use a fuel line clamp to seal the fuel line where it attaches to the carburetor. Then, disconnect the line from the carburetor and the vent line (if equipped). Now, you can remove the fuel tank.
To clean the fuel tank, you can use a length of fuel line hose attached to a short blow-gun to remove any remaining debris. Alternatively, you can attach a clear plastic tube to a dowel and start a siphon to drain the gas into another container. Don't forget to also clean the fuel line and change the filter.
Once the tank is clean, you can reinstall it by following the above steps in reverse. Make sure to fasten the tank firmly with the cap screws and refer to the small engine manual for specific instructions and part numbers.
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Replace the spark plug
To replace the spark plug of your riding lawn mower, follow these steps:
First, locate the spark plug. On a riding lawn mower, it is usually near the front of the engine. Disconnect the spark plug lead and clean around the spark plug to remove any debris. This is important to prevent debris and dirt from entering the engine, promoting good ignition and combustion.
Next, remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket. If you do not have a specialized spark plug socket with rubber inserts to protect the plug's ceramic body, a normal socket can be used. Check the gap on the spark plug and set it to the recommended size using a spark plug gap gauge if necessary.
Now, take the old spark plug with you to an auto parts store to purchase the correct replacement. If you no longer have access to the owner's manual or the information on the spark plug is unreadable, note down the engine's make and model. This will help you find a suitable replacement that matches your lawn mower's engine.
Once you have the new spark plug, start by hand-threading it into the spark plug hole, being careful not to cross-thread it. Once it is finger-tight, carefully tighten it with the spark plug socket wrench until it is snug. Do not over-tighten, as this may cause thread damage or damage to the spark plug itself.
Finally, re-install the spark plug lead. Check that the spark plug gap is correct, and adjust if necessary. Now your new spark plug is securely in place!
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Frequently asked questions
If your lawn mower's fuel line is clogged, it will run but will sputter and smoke will come out of the exhaust.
You can clean the fuel line by draining the fuel tank, either by siphoning it out or removing the tank mount bolts and pulling the line off the bottom. Then, replace the spark plug and refill the tank with high-octane fuel.
It is not uncommon for hoses to get stuck or bonded to the fitting or barb. Try to break the bond by twisting the hose or inserting something between the hose and the barb.
