Riding Mower Turns Over But Won’t Start (7 Ways to Fix)

If you have a Riding mower that turns over when you try to start but fails to start, you know how frustrating it can be. 

Riding mower starting issues can be caused by several things, including a dead battery, clogged air filters, bad spark plugs, bad fuel or old fuel, and many other mechanical issues. 

So, if you encounter a similar problem, don’t panic. 

In this blog post, I’ll look at possible fixes for a riding mower that turns over but won’t start.

Riding Mower Turns Over But Won’t Start (Best Solutions)

1. Faulty Spark Plug

A faulty spark plug is a common reason your Riding mower might be turning over but failing to start. You can inspect the condition of your spark plug by removing it from the engine. 

If you notice any signs of corrosion, excessive carbon buildup, or a blackened appearance, it’s time to replace the spark plug.

Solution: Replace the Faulty Spark Plug

Replace the bad spark plug with a new one. Make sure to use a spark plug that matches the specifications provided in your mower’s manual.

2. Obstructed Air Filter

An obstructed air filter frequently prevents your riding mower from starting. A clogged air filter restricts airflow into the engine, hindering its proper functioning.

Clogged air filters can cause your riding mower to turn over but won’t start. Dirty air filters prevent air and fuel from flowing through the carburetor, resulting in an unsuccessful starting process. 

Also Read: Bad Lawn Mower Fuel Filter Symptoms (6 Problems) 

Solution: Install a New Air Filter

To rectify this issue, replace the clogged air filter with a fresh one. Changing the air filter can also help maintain the overall performance of your mower.

3. Depleted Gas Tank

A simple but often overlooked reason for your riding mower not starting could be an empty gas tank. Without fuel, the mower cannot function.

Solution: Refuel the Gas Tank

The solution here is straightforward – fill the gas tank with the fuel type recommended in your mower’s manual.

4. Contaminated Fuel

If your riding mower has been sitting for a long time, the fuel may have gone bad or deteriorated, causing it to clog the fuel lines or carburetor. 

Contaminated or stale fuel can inhibit the engine from starting. To check the quality of your fuel, pour a small amount onto a piece of paper and observe its color and consistency. Cloudiness or discoloration are indicators of bad fuel.

Solution: Drain and Refill the Fuel Tank

If your fuel is contaminated, drain the fuel tank completely and refill it with fresh, clean fuel. Check the fuel lines for blockages, and if necessary, drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh gas.

5. Insufficient Engine Oil Level

A low engine oil level can also cause your riding mower to refuse to start.

Solution: Check and Refill the Oil Level

To address this issue, use the dipstick to check the oil level in the engine. If the level is low, refill with the appropriate type and amount of oil as specified in your mower’s manual.

6. Check the Battery

Before anything else, make sure the battery is charged and connected properly. Riding mower batteries often lose power when not used for an extended period, so it’s always best to check the battery first. 

Solution

If the battery is dead or not working correctly, charge it or replace it with a new one.

7. Mechanical Issues

Finally, if the previous methods don’t fix the issue, some mechanical problems may need your attention. Some of these mechanical problems may include a faulty starter solenoid, a bad or damaged carburetor, a clogged fuel pump, and many other issues that need to be diagnosed by a professional mechanic.

Importance of Gas, Oil, and Fuel in Riding Mower 

An empty gas tank means your mower will need more fuel to start. The solution is simple – refill the gas tank with the appropriate type of fuel as recommended in your mower’s manual.

Poor quality or contaminated fuel can prevent your mower from starting. To check the condition of your fuel, pour a small amount onto a piece of paper and observe its color and consistency. 

If it appears cloudy or discolored, drain the tank and refill it with fresh fuel.

Insufficient engine oil levels can cause your riding mower not to start. It’s essential to regularly check the oil level using the dipstick and refill it if necessary.

Also Read: How Much Gas Does a Lawn Mower Use? (Guide 2023)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

There are several reasons why your riding mower may turn over but won’t start. The solutions mentioned above are some of the ways to fix the issue. 

You can easily troubleshoot and fix your riding mower starting problems using basic troubleshooting methods and routine maintenance checks. 

However, if the problem persists and you cannot diagnose it, it’s always best to contact a professional mechanic to get the job done and save time and effort.