Does Your Lawn Mower Keep Cutting Off? Here is How You Can Fix It

Are you having a starting issue with your mower? This is a common issue among most of the owners. If your lawn mower keeps cutting off while mowing or after starting, there are several reasons behind it.

A clogged carburetor, faulty coil, bad connections, engine overheating, bad spark plug, low airflow, faulty fuel cap, safety features, and mechanical problems may be the reason for this issue.

8 Reasons Your Lawn Mower Keeps Cutting Off (Solutions Included)

There are various causes for a lawn mower to stall or cut off. To keep it running, you have to locate and fix the problem. Here are some typical causes and troubleshooting techniques:

Clogged Carburetor

A clogged carburetor is one of the most common reasons why your lawn mower keeps cutting off.

The fuel mixture might be disturbed by a filthy or clogged carburetor. The ability to ensure proper fuel delivery will be compromised if the jets and float are dirty.

Fix:

Follow these instructions step by step to unclog the carburetor of your lawn mower-

• You should close the fuel valve if there is one included with your lawn mower. This will stop the flow of fuel.
• Now, detach the carburetor from the engine. After that, remove the carburetor lid.
• Now, remove the float and jets and disassemble the carburetor.
• You should use a soft brush and carburetor cleaner to clean all parts.
• Put the carburetor back together and connect it to the engine.
• Finally, connect the fuel line.
• To test the mower, turn on the fuel valve. 

Faulty Coil or Connections

If the ignition coil or the connections are faulty, your mower will frequently stop running.

You’ll see periodic stalling if the ignition coil isn’t working properly.  It’s also possible that the ignition system’s wiring and connections are loose.

Fix:

Replace the ignition coil if you think it might be damaged. If you have prior experience fixing tiny engines, you can do it yourself. But, it might be difficult to test and replace an ignition coil.

Additionally, you should check the ignition system’s wiring and connections. Check for any broken or loose parts. You should tighten any loose components if there are any. Damaged cables must be replaced as well.

Overheating Engine

The engine may shut down to protect itself if it is overheated. Usually, this happens if the cooling fins are unclean.

Also, if your lawn mower does not have enough oil in the engine or coolant in the storage, the mower will start to overheat. It might make things worse if your mower’s cooling fans aren’t working properly.

Fix:

If the engine is overheated, you should let it cool down entirely. Now, check the oil level and add oil if it is very low.

You must also check the radiator’s coolant level. Add coolant if the level is low. Now, check to see if the cooling fan is functioning properly. Replace the cooling fan if it is broken.

You should also make sure that the cooling fan is clear of debris and clean. Once the mower has cooled, restart it.

Bad Spark Plug

An improper ignition may be caused by a worn-out or clogged spark plug. This is one of the most reported reasons for a lawn mower stopping.

Also, the mower may stop if the spark plug is of the incorrect type. Additionally, you should be aware that a blocked spark plug can make it difficult to start an engine.

Fix:

Follow these steps to fix a bad spark plug:

• Locate the engine’s spark plug.
• Now, disconnect the spark plug boot. 
• Examine the spark plug. Clean the electrodes with a wire brush if they are rusted or unclean.
• Using a wrench, loosen the spark plug if it is damaged. 
• You can also a spark plug socket.
• Now, you should coat the threads of the spark plug with a thin layer of anti-seize substance.
• Reinstall the spark plug with the screwdriver and tighten it with a wrench.
• Finally, test your lawn mower after reconnecting the spark plug wire.

Low Airflow

Your mower suffers from insufficient airflow as a result of a filthy air filter. The airflow to the engine of your mower may be impeded if the air filter has not been cleaned. As a result, your mower will consequently continue to cut off.

Additionally, the engine’s air intake may clog up. The airflow inside the engine might be lowered when dirt and grass clippings build up on the intake.

Fix:

You must first locate the air filter housing on your mower to replace a dirty air filter. After that, take off the old filter and the air filter cover.

Now use a brush and cleaner to clean the air filter. Replace the air filter with a new one if it is damaged. You should check the cooling fins and air intake for grass clippings or other debris before attempting to clean it out.

You should use a brush to clear the obstructions if they are filthy. Additionally, you may quickly clean them up with compressed air. Finally, reassemble the taken-out parts.

Faulty Fuel Cap

The engine may prematurely run out of fuel due to a broken fuel cap. You might find that your lawn mower keeps cutting off as a result.

Fix:

To solve this problem, take off the fuel cap of your lawn mower. Check the fuel cap now for damage. Replace it if it has been damaged.

Use a clean towel to wipe down the threads on the fuel tank and the fuel cap. After that, dab the threads of the fuel cap with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Finally, reinstall the fuel cap on the fuel tank by screwing it in.

Safety Mechanisms 

If you own a modern lawn mower, it might have safety interlock switches. If the blade engagement lever is released, they turn the engine off. 

Additionally, when the seat is empty or the brake pedal is abruptly released, it activates. This can also cause your lawn mower to abruptly stop.

Fix:

You should check to see that the safety interlock switches are working properly.

Check the connections to verify their operation. Replace the switches if they are defective.

Mechanical Problems 

The mower may not operate due to mechanical problems like worn-out or damaged blades.

The performance of the mower may be affected by certain defective parts. Also, if the engine doesn’t have enough compression, it could stall.

Fix:

You should examine the blades and belts frequently for damage. You need to get new ones if they are broken.

It could be necessary to hire a specialist if the engine has a problem. The engine compression can be checked and adjusted by experts. If you believe your engine’s compression is low, talk to a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What should I do if an uphill cutoff on my lawnmower occurs?

Make sure the fuel tank is full and the mower has enough oil. 

How can I avoid having my lawn mower cut off in the future?

Follow the user handbook, sharpen the blade, clean the air filter, and change the oil as needed. 

How can I fix my lawn mower’s low oil level?

Simply add oil to your lawn mower until the dipstick reads full. 

What is the cost of repairing a lawnmower that keeps cutting off?

The majority of fixes cost between $50 and $300.