Whether it’s the first mow of the season or the last mow before storage, it’s frustrating when your lawn mower is hard to start or won’t start at all. The good news is that most of the time, lawn mower problems are the result of dirty components or poor fuel storage; sometimes both.
Luckily, these problems are usually simple to fix and can be taken care of at home with a few common tools and a little bit of time. Let’s take a look at some of the primary culprits that could keep your mower from starting and how to fix them.
DIY Lawn Mower Maintenance
To fix most mowers that start hard or won’t start, you’ll first need to gather a few things: a Phillips-head or standard screwdriver, spark plug wrench (usually ⅝”), a socket set, Sea Foam Spray, Sea Foam Motor Treatment, and a container to catch fuel. Then it’s time to get started.
Clean Fuel is Key
The main way to prevent a mower from developing starting issues is to develop good fuel practices. Use fresh gas — no more than a month old — whenever possible. Also, adding fuel treatment, like Seam Foam Motor Treatment, will help stabilize and optimize your fuel’s performance. Sea Foam Motor Treatment can be used to stabilize fuel for up to two years, making it ideal for storing seasonal equipment.