While it’s not dangerous, it can be a symptom of other problems, and should be addressed.
Korpella's work has appeared in a variety of publications. Other times, restarting it proves a difficult task. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Backfire in engines is caused by simple chemical malfunctions that can be easily rectified. Clean or replace the air filter to stop the mower from sputtering to a halt. The first test is a leak down test. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Check our He is a certified Master Naturalist, regularly monitors stream water quality and is the editor of freshare.net, a site exploring the Ozarks outdoors. If the hole is restricted, the cap bent or the seal under the cap damaged, the engine may be getting too much or too little fuel. In a lot of cases it will be on the intake side of the engine. Replace the cap to solve sputtering and dying.The carburetor is responsible for mixing the correct amounts of fuel and air from the volumes supplied by other components. It pulls in the right amount of air, allowing the fuel to flow into the carburetor. One some models you have to remove the flywheel to check it, but on most you remove the nut holding it in place and you will see it.These tests are often out of reach for many home owners because they do not have the test equipment. A set of tests must be done to determine what the problem is.
It could be both of them causing the problem.Checking the engines timing is more difficult and requires that the engine be taken apart to see if the timing gear cam or chain has jumped a tooth. You can troubleshoot and fix many of the causes, but a few are best left to professionals.Water in the fuel tank or fuel line can cause engine headaches. Take care to avoid close proximity to a backfire and the motor until you've determined the … Remove the spark plug and examine the firing tip -- where a bend of metal creates a gap between it and the electrode. So what is a backfire, what causes it, and how can you stop your lawn mower … Inside the unit are jets, springs, needle valves and floats, which may require cleaning or replacement.
When water enters the cylinder, it will not ignite, and it impedes the gasoline from igniting properly. In a lot of cases it will be on the intake side of the engine. A mower th at backfires is irritating, but thankfully backfiring is not a danger to your engine and lawn mower. The carburetor can be complex and difficult to clean or adjust without prior experience. My Lawn Mower Backfires and Then Dies – Lawn Mower Repair Referral Service The first thing you must find out is if it backfires through the exhaust or the intake or carburetor side of the engine.
A backfire in a lawnmower engine can damage both the engine and the exhaust as burning fuel explodes. Nationwide Referral Service of Lawn Mower Repair SpecialistsThe first thing you must find out is if it backfires through the exhaust or the intake or carburetor side of the engine. But before you go ripping things apart, check the flywheel key to make sure that it is not partially sheered. A worn or damaged plug typically results in an engine that's difficult to start, runs poorly and dies. Empty the tank, and try a fresh batch of gasoline. If any of these ingredients is missing, or present in the wrong quantity, the mower coughs, sputters and dies out. Water in the tank comes from condensation or a loose gas cap, or it may have been in the gas containers before it got to your mower. The engine depends on just the right mixture of fuel, air and spark to maintain operation. If the porcelain housing is cracked or chipped, if the electrode’s tip is rounded over or if the metal bend has deteriorated, replace the plug.Your mower pulls in air from outside and mixes it with gasoline for the proper explosion inside the engine. Once started, a lawnmower typically keeps running until you power it off. Properly dispose of any gas or oil you remove from your mower.A poor spark is another issue that can cause the mower to run irregularly. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas. When it backfires, it is sending out raw fuel out the carburetor and the ignition is igniting it and you may see flames come through the air filter or it blows off the air filter box completely. This will tell you if your valves are leaking and which one is the culprit. My Lawn Mower Leaks Oil And I Cannot Tell Where it is Coming From Too much air can also cause problems for the engine. The same thing can happen in the exhaust.So obviously we have a timing problem or a valve problem. Once started, a lawnmower typically keeps running until you power it off. A dirty air filter inhibits the flow of air into the carburetor. If this mix is incorrect, the mower runs roughly, then dies. The cap typically has a small hole that acts as a vent. If this tip is fouled with carbon, clean it with a wire brush and reset the gap to the mower manufacturer’s specifications. Sometimes it will restart only to fail again. Repair, cleaning and replacement is the realm of service professionals for lawnmower owners who don't feel comfortable working on carburetors.Robert Korpella has been writing professionally since 2000. What Causes a Riding Mower to Sputter & Die?.