If the lawn mower sputters and sputters, the engine is struggling with a problem that is throwing its speed out of sync. Read here what the common cause is. Here's what you need to do to get your gas mower purring like a kitten again.
Why is my lawnmower sputtering and how do I fix the problem?
If the lawnmower sputters, the most common cause is a dirty carburettor. By thoroughly cleaning and then readjusting the engine speed and fuel quantity adjustment screws, the problem can be solved so that the mower runs smoothly again.
Dirty carburettor causes the engine to stutter
A dirty carburetor is the most common cause of a sputtering lawnmower. Constant contact with soil, grass, leaves and twigs causes deposits in the engine, causing it to run unevenly. By giving the carburettor a general cleaning, you can bring the fluctuating engine speeds back into balance. Here's how to proceed professionally step by step:
- Close the fuel tap or empty the tank
- Remove the carburettor, air filter and spark plug according to the instructions in the manual
- Replace worn seals with new ones
- Fill petroleum cleaner into a tub (€14.00 on Amazon) and place the removed carburettor in it
- Clean air filter and spark plug
Let the carburettor soak in the mineral spirits for about 60 minutes. Rub the module dry with a cloth and install it. The clean air filter and cleaned spark plug also take their place. Reconnect the plug and spark plug, fill the tank with gasoline or open the fuel tap.
Readjusting the carburettor on the petrol mower - a short guide
After thorough cleaning, a carburetor must be readjusted so that the lawnmower runs smoothly. Once all components are back in place, start the engine. When idling, adjust the settings with a screwdriver. The majority of commercially available petrol mowers have two adjustment screws for regulating engine speed and fuel quantity. How to proceed:
- Turn in the speed adjustment screw slightly
- In response, the engine speed increases
- Adjust the fuel adjustment screw until the engine runs smoothly
The short-term increase in speed in the engine is fine-tuned in the last step. To do this, unscrew the adjustment screw a little until you are completely satisfied with the mower running.
Tip
Gasoline lawnmowers have a weak point that can cause the engine to stutter, even on ultra-modern models. Always tilt your lawnmower to the side so that the spark plug and air filter are facing upwards. Otherwise, leaking oil and gasoline can clog the important components.
