Don't use starting fluid for a lawn mower (use this instead!) (2023)

Sometimes repairing it yourself can be worthwhile. The same goes for using a liquid to start your lawn mower. We've all been there. The mower just won't start. The starter chain must be pulled several times to start the mower.

Many believe the best simple solution is to use starting fluid in your lawn mower, but we doI recommend using a carburetor cleaner.to minimize long-term damage. We recommend using this method for emergencies only, until you can repair your mower.

A carburetor cleaner should be used in place of starting fluid since starting fluid is a very dry chemical that can damage your engine. Starting fluid has no lubricating value, so using the substance too much or too often can damage internal cylinder components.

We'll walk you through the five steps of using carb cleaner on your lawnmower to get started, and it's surprisingly easy! Let's dive into the five steps to using a carburetor cleaner.

How to start a lawn mower with carb cleaner

1. Remove the air filter housing from your lawnmower

The first step to usecarburetor cleaneron your mower is to remove the air filter housing. Remove the spark plug wire to safely work on the mower. Consult your mower manual for specific instructions and warnings.

Often the air cleaner housing must be removed using one of the following different tools:

• screwdriver
• Dirigent-Torx

In addition, some housings simply clip onto the mower. This means you can simply unclip and remove the case instead of having to loosen the mounting screws.

2. Remove the air filter from the housing

With the housing removed you will need to pull the air filter out of the mower. To do this, simply lever the air filter out of the housing with your fingers.

Some mowers are designed so that you can open the deck and leave the door open, and you can just remove the air filter with the door.

Before proceeding to the next step, inspect the chassis. Make sure none of the following is in the suitcase:

• Agua
• debris
• Anything extraordinary

If the camera shows anything abnormal, be sure to clean the camera completely before proceeding to the next step.

3. Spray carb cleaner on the mower

There are two places on a lawnmower where you can spray carburetor cleaner. However, you must be careful when using carburetor cleaner as it is a highly flammable material.

To spray your carburetor cleaner on the lawnmower you can spray:

• Right at the port of entry– This connection is located directly under the air filter. Once the air filter is removed, you can spray carburetor cleaner directly into the chamber.
• In the spark plug connection– To locate this connector, refer to your mower manual. The location varies by machine.

Once you locate the intake port or spark plug port, all you have to do is spray the carburetor cleaner on for two to three seconds.A little carb cleanser goes a long way!

If using starting fluid, spray the fluid onto a rag and hold it against the intake port. Do not spray directly into the inlet opening.

4. Prepare to start your mower

After you've sprayed the carburetor cleaner onto the mower, it's time to put it back together. But first you need to test that the amount of carburetor cleaner you sprayed into the carburetor is enough to start your mower.

Below is a checklist of steps to follow as you prepare your mower for launch:

• If possible, adjust the engine speed to its middle value
• Set the choke to the maximum position, sometimes referred to as the closed choke
• Squeeze the primer plunger several times if you have one.

Now that you've set up your mower properly, it's time to move on to the next step.

5. Test the new carbohydrate liquid

The final step in using the carburetor cleaner is to start your lawn mower. Reconnect the spark plug wire. Now it's time to pull the starter cord or turn the electronic starter key.

Your mower should start immediately. If that's the case, turn it off and replace the air filter and put the filter housing back on. Now you are ready to move!

If the problem persists in the future, you can always repeat the process, but it may also be worth having the machine checked by a professional. If you find yourself having to use a carburetor cleaner every time you start your mower, take it to a professional so you don't accidentally do more damage.

If the mower does not start after a few tugs or turns of the ignition key, you can repeat steps one through four. If the process still doesn't end with starting your mower, it's time to call a professional.

Why won't your lawn mower start?

If you are the do-it-yourself type and like to take on the challenge of learning new things. You can try to diagnose the problem with your mower yourself. If your mower still won't start, it could have a few problems, including the following:

• bad spark plugs
• a bad carbohydrate
• poorly combustible

Sometimes it's so simple that the carburetor needs to be cleaned. This is when your mower starts and stops for less than five seconds.

If the mower starts and stalls or stalls after about 30 seconds, the fuel may need to be replaced. The fuel may have gone bad or become saturated with water.

Read this article for a full list of reasons why youmowing machine,zero turnÖPush mower does not start.

A quick rundown: When should Carb Cleaner be used to start the mower?

Carb Cleaner is ideal for carbureted engines that have difficulty starting. Using a carburetor cleaner to start your lawn mower only takes five simple steps.

Now that you know how to use starting fluid, let's briefly explain why you may need a carburetor cleaner and some tips on using a carburetor cleaner. If you don't have carb cleaner available, you can use WD40 if you're in a bind.

Below is a list of occasions when this is recommendedshouldUse a carburetor cleaner:

• You notice that starting your mower is more difficult than usual
• Your lawnmower needs a new part to start but is no longer sold. Try a carburetor cleaner before you scrap it.
• You are trying to identify a problem with the engine, using a carburetor cleaner can rule out carburetor problems
• Perhaps you are trying to start your mower in colder than normal temperatures

The following areTimes when you shouldn't use Carb Cleaner:

• If your lawnmower has a diesel engine
• If the mower has a 2-stroke petrol engine
• If you are having trouble identifying the problem with your mower

The following is a list of places where you can purchase a carburetor cleaner to optimize your mower:

• hardware stores
• car shops
• Big deals
• hardware stores

Now you know how to use carb cleanser, when to use it, and where to buy it.

In summary: The five steps to using Carb Cleaner

The five steps to starting your ride-on mower with a carb cleaner are summarized in a nutshell:

• Remove the air filter housing
• remove the air filter
• Spray the exposed area of ​​the machine with carburetor cleaner.
• Start the mower
• Replace filter and housing

As simple as that! Hopefully your mower will start and keep running after you try using a carburetor cleaner for the first time. If not, there could be a bigger problem that will require you to do a little more digging, which may result in taking it to your local repair center.