This article covers troubleshooting for standard petrol-powered lawnmowers
Poor engine performance or starting issues may be due to incorrect oil level, bad fuel and/or a faulty spark plug.
Oil
- The oil level must be precisely between minimum and maximum!
The lawnmower has been started and tested at the factory, and drained of oil before shipping. There may therefore be a small amount of oil left in the engine. When filling, the oil level should be checked regularly to ensure the engine is not overfilled.
Fuel and Carburettor
- The fuel must be new and fresh petrol, Octane 95.
-If the lawnmower has been left over the winter with fuel in the tank, this must be replaced, as condensation can form in the fuel. The same applies to the carburettor.
-Vent the carburettor by unscrewing the small 10 mm bolt underneath the carburettor. A small jet of fuel will come out. When this subsides after 5 seconds, screw the bolt back in.
-Remember to have paper ready to wipe away any petrol. There are two small bolts; the venting is done using the bolt that sits at a slight angle (red ring), not the bolt that sits vertically at the very bottom.
-Some lawnmowers have a so-called “primer button” on the carburettor. This button should be pressed 3-5 times before attempting to start the engine. You will clearly feel when petrol reaches the primer button. When this is felt, the machine is ready to attempt starting.
-Some lawnmowers have a fuel tap located between the petrol tank and the carburettor. Check whether this tap is open or closed. There is a label showing which way the tap should be for fuel supply to be open or closed.
Air Filter
The air filter should be cleaned regularly; remove any dirt and debris. Check that it is correctly positioned. Incorrect placement of the air filter can cause uneven engine performance.
Spark Plug
- The spark plug must not be black at the tip. If so, it is defective and sooted up. We recommend changing it every season. However, this is not covered by the warranty.
- Pay particular attention that the spark plug cap is firmly attached around the spark plug, both when replacing the spark plug and if there are starting problems. The spark plug cap may have come loose.
Choke and Cables
The choke function must be used correctly at every start, otherwise you risk burning out the spark plug. When starting, the choke lever should be on “Open” or “/”. Once the machine starts, move the lever down to “Closed” or “—”
- Incorrect use of the choke is very evident on the spark plug. The spark plug is NOT covered by the warranty.
- Spark plugs can be brushed clean of soot. However, there is no guarantee that this will work or solve the problem.
- There are cables running down the sides, for both the and the safety handle. If the machine does not start or the self-propelled function does not work, try turning the metal connectors located in the middle of the handle/cable. Turn about half a turn onto the metal.
Quick Checklist:
- Oil level – Make sure the oil is exactly between MIN and MAX. Too much or too little oil can prevent starting
- Fuel – Use fresh petrol (Octane 95). Replace old fuel, especially after winter.
- Carburettor – Vent the carburettor by loosening the small angled bolt under the carburettor for about 5 seconds.
- Spark plug – Check if the spark plug is sooty or black. Clean or replace it, and ensure the cap is firmly attached.
- Choke – Use the choke correctly: Open for cold start, and switch to Closed when the engine starts.
- Cables – Check that the safety handle is held fully in, and that the cables are not loose. Turn the metal connectors half a turn to tighten.
If everything above has been checked and the machine still does not work, please contact us via our contact form here.
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