}, The V-belt rotates the drive pulleys to drive the lawn mower wheels. A rubber tube connects the pulse port to the engine crankcase. Your lawnmowers drive belt is frequently the problem when using a self-propelled or riding mower. Symptoms that your spark plug is bad include difficulty starting your mower, or an inability to start it at all. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. However, some mowers just take a long time to get started after resting for months of disuse. I did not, I returned it after this post and bought a different mower (basically the same mower but different brand from Walmart) and havent had issues with it. Additionally, you can use a Performance Tool W86554 Inline Ignition Spark Tester to determine if you need to replace the plug. Might take out the plug, spray in some starting fluid, replace plug and see if it starts and quits. We will provide you with tips and tricks from established experts to . You should check to see if replacing this part resolves your issue, but be sure that the spark plug matches the manufacturers recommendations before buying a new one. See Privacy Policyor Contact Us atcraftsman@sbdinc.comor 701 E. Joppa Road, Towson, Maryland 21286, for more information. "@type": "Answer", "@type": "Answer", It also has a threaded shank used to attach the spark plug to the engine block. Copyright 2022 Housetipper | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Fuel and air filters can get blocked on occasion, which can negatively impact its ability to self-propel or drive. basically keep pulling! If not, then plug it in and try starting it after it has fully charged. Pinch the fuel line using a pair of vice grips or a similar device and disconnect the mowers fuel line. Your mower has an idler pulley that adjusts the drive belts tension. Using a fuel stabilizer keeps fuel fresh and the carburetor from gumming and varnishing. "@type": "Question", )Starting Fluid: https://amzn.to/2zE6r80 Make it easier to change the oil (watch my video on that too) with DrainzIt: https://amzn.to/3cmovAL(for 140 cc Craftsman. It is hard to start and after mowing with it for about 23 to 30 minutes it just quits and wont restart read more Change the spark plug if the mower has no leaks. Also, are you pulling the cord in rapid succession 2-3 times? The purpose of this post is to help homeowners who have a Craftsman M230 lawn mower that wont start. Step 1: Check the fuel level in the fuel tank. Step 1: Locate the air filter cover. This makes it easier to start the engine, since fuel usually drains from the bowl during infrequent usage. Stale fuel can cause starting issues in your Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower. A: To check if the air filter is causing the starting issue, inspect the air filter and replace it if it appears dirty or clogged. Why isn't Craftsman mower starting? Poor performance to include frequent stalling is also a symptom you should replace the spark plug. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and effectively resolve most starting issues. Here are three common reasons your lawn mower won't start after a long winter: 1. As a result, it's important to drain and replace the gas every fall. Gasoline has a shelf life and can go stale if it has been sitting in the mowers fuel tank for an extended period of time. Turn off the lawnmower and wait for all its moving parts to halt. When this happens, you should give the key time to cool down before trying it once more; otherwise, it could permanently damage your starter motor. basically keep pulling! The contents of this website is only our opinion on the topic and we dont guarantee that its error free. Privacy Policy. Proudly Made in the USA with Global Materials in Tupelo, Mississippi POWERFUL ENGINE: No prime, no choke, and never change the oil with the powerful 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine featuring ReadyStart and Just Check and Add SELF-PROPELLED VARIABLE SPEED: Front wheel drive allows you to mow at your own pace View more features Product Overview Stale fuel can cause the engine to not start. You can unsubscribe at any time. Brand new, M230 Craftsman mower! { This 21-in self-propelled, variable-speed front wheel drive is ideal for smaller yards and allows you to mow at your own pace. And leave comments below. "@type": "Answer", Affiliate Disclosure "When you buy through links on tractorproblems.com, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I have a craftsman M230 mower 163cc self propelled mower. There are three ways to detect if your mowers fuel supply has been contaminated. 12 Reasons for a Craftsman Mower Starting Problem Old or wrong fuel Dirty carburetor Faulty fuel pump Plugged fuel filter Clogged fuel line Bad fuel cap Plugged air filter Plugged or broken cooling fins Dirty spark plug Bad ignition coil Too much or too little engine oil Plugged mower deck and dull mower blades Step 4: Replace the spark plug if it is dirty or worn. The clogged or damaged oil filter can reduce how much oil reaches certain parts of the engine, causing them to overheat over time. Check the oil levels, air filter, spark plug, and belts on a regular basis to ensure they are in good condition. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Make sure to follow the manufacturers instructions for cleaning the carburetor. After each use, clean the mowers exterior, including the deck, engine, and wheels. (Craftsman Fast Release Locking Pliers are perfect for performing this task.). In some instances, this mechanism is electric, and if your battery is weak, it wont be able to engage the blades. I. f you do install a new spark plug, make sure to take care when removing any residue from around its shaft with compressed air or use an old toothbrush dipped in carburetor cleaner, which you can buy at any auto parts shop. It feels like it want to start up but it doesn't. If you have a mower with a missing or broken primer . Cuts grass poorly. If the fuel is stale, drain the tank and refill it with fresh fuel. Lawnmower belts are frequently the problem when using a riding or self-propelled lawnmower. This prevents build-up that can cause damage to your engine down the road. Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on 2020-08-12. Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. If the spark plug appears to be in good condition, reattach it and check the spark by removing the spark plug wire and grounding it against the engine while pulling the starter cord. 11%. Additionally, you can inspect the pulleys and bearings themselves for any wear. If you have a gas-operated lawn mower, check to see if there is fuel in the tank. If the V-belt is worn out or broken, the lawn mower wheels won't turn. I bought a Craftsman M230 (the Briggs and Stratton FWD mower from Lowe's) yesterday and followed the quick start guide only to find out it would not start. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to have the lawn mower professionally repaired. Clean the carburetor or have it professionally cleaned if necessary. Since that first pull, the blades try to spin when I pull the starting cord but it doesnt seem like anything is igniting/wanting to ignite. "acceptedAnswer": { A bad spark plug, bad battery, faulty charging system, bad fuel cap, plugged air filter, incorrect choke setting or faulty ignition coil can also cause a Craftsman mower to not stay running. Turn off your mower, disconnect the spark plug cable, and wait until all moving parts halt before looking for obstructions. Inspect your mowers pre-cleaning filter. Inspect the V-belt for damage. Lets get started discussing those three issues. However, while this is true in some cases, it isnt always 100% correct; there are alternative causes of battery death other than oxidation. It is a fairly basic device with porcelain sheath that encases a center electrode, and a firing electrode that arches over the one at the center of the plug. Check the air filter and replace it if it looks dirty or clogged. So i got it replaced, but haven't trimmed my first lawn this season. You will need to drain your lawn mowers fuel tank once your troubleshooting efforts detect the presence of water. "text": "If the carburetor is clogged, remove it from the engine and clean it with carburetor cleaner. Please subscribe if you haven't and give me a thumbs up or thumbs down. Why isnt Craftsman mower starting? While some problems may require only minor adjustments whilst others might be more complicated, requiring you to remove certain parts or replace other components that are damaged or worn out, one way or another, there is always at least one thing that will help get your machine back into its former glory. Step 3: Examine the air filter and replace it if it looks dirty or clogged. You might want to save this article in your browsers favorites folder or bookmark it on your smartphone for future reference. One of the most complicated problems for a mechanic to solve is diagnosing and fixing a lawnmower that wont start. Dirty air filter: Clean or replace fuel not reaching the engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. "@type": "Question", Additionally, these check valves can fail at not letting go or releasing their grip on various materials once urging them to pass through them so take care. A 4WD Mower? Then, you need to perform the following steps to clean your mowers air filter. To clean the carburetor, remove it from the engine and clean it with carburetor cleaner. Free repair advice! Diagnosing and fixing a Craftsman lawn mower that wont start is one of the most complicated problems to solve. Replace the spark plug and reattach the cable, and you are finished. Replace your mowers air filter cover and fasten it. ", Step 4: Reinstall the carburetor and reconnect any hoses or linkages. A: Some common reasons why a Craftsman M230 lawn mower wont start include a clogged air filter, problems with the fuel system, a faulty spark plug, a clogged carburetor, and stale fuel. "@type": "Question", Yes, it can be a pain installing a new belt with the guard in the way. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Your mowers other pulleys are attached to a central shaft and not directly to bearings, making the idler pulley easy to pick out from the other ones. The NOCO Genius One-Amp Automatic Smart Charger is a great option for performing this task. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Without this protection in place, the engine simply wont receive enough gas to move through all of its channels, leading to a lack of movement overall. Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. 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