Husqvarna Push Mower Won’t Start
If your Husqvarna push mower fails to start, it can be annoying, especially when you have an overgrown lawn to mow.
In this article, I reveal 13 reasons why your Husqvarna push mower won’t start and proven fixes to help you troubleshoot the problem.
Husqvarna Push Mower Won’t Start: Reasons, Diagnosis and Fixes
Before I go into details, let’s look at some common reasons why your Husqvarna push mower won’t start and their practical fixes
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Reasons |
Fixes |
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1. No gas in the gas tank |
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2. Bad or old gas |
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3. Faulty spark plug |
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4. Blocked air filter |
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5. Clogged fuel filter |
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6. Clogged fuel line |
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7. Clogged or dirty carburetor |
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8. Bad ignition coil |
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9. Gas cap will not vent |
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10. Bad recoil |
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11. Broken rewind pulley and spring |
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12. Faulty fuel pump |
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13. Broken flywheel key |
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1. No Gas in the Gas Tank
This is one of the reasons why your push mower may fail to start. An empty gas tank can stop operations and affect the mower’s performance.
This is why it is essential to check your fuel level regularly before you operate it.
Diagnosis
- Check the fuel level of your gas tank. If it is empty, fill it with fresh gas.
Fix
- Fill the gas tank with fresh gas.
2. Bad or Old Gas
Using old or bad gas can cause your push mower not to start. In this case, the moisture in the gas will leave a thick and sticky substance and clog your fuel system. In addition, the gas may be ineffective if the gas is more than thirty days in the gas tank.
Diagnosis
- Inspect the gas tank for bad or old gas. If the gas is more than thirty days old, it indicates that the gas is old and ineffective.
Fix
- Drain the tank and fill it with fresh gas. Make sure that you add fresh gasoline with a gas additive if you want to remove or clean moisture from the mower’s fuel system.
3. Faulty Spark Plug
A faulty spark plug can cause starting problems for your Husqvarna push mower. If the spark plug is damaged or there is dirt, oil and unwanted carbon buildup around the spark plug, your mowing machine may fail to start.
Diagnosis
- Use a spark plug tester to test your spark plug. If the spark plug is not creating a spark, it indicates that it is bad. In addition, if you notice that the spark plug has a burnt electrode or the tip is very dark, it means that it is faulty.
Fix
- Clean or replace the spark plug if it is in a bad condition.
4. Blocked Air Filter
The mower engine needs proper airflow to operate so that it can ensure superb performance.
The air filter prevents dirt and gas from entering the engine. If it is clogged with dirt or debris, it may cause your Husqvarna mower not to start.
Diagnosis
- Inspect your air filter for dirt or debris. If it is blocked or dirty, it indicates that you should change it.
Fix
- Clean or replace the blocked air filter.
5. Clogged Fuel Filter
The function of the fuel is to prevent foreign materials such as debris and water from gaining access into the combustion chamber of your Husqvarna push mower.
If the fuel filter gets clogged, you may likely encounter starting issues with the mowing machine. The signs of a clogged air filter include engine misfiring, smelly fumes and lack of power.
Diagnosis
- Check the fuel filter for dirt, debris and water in the fuel filter. If you detect clogs, it means that you should replace the fuel filter.
Fix
- Replace the clogged fuel filter with a new one.
6. Blocked Fuel Line
Old gas can clog your fuel line and this will allow the engine not to start. This will affect the functionality of your push mower.
Diagnosis
- Check the fuel line for clogs. If you notice that it is blocked, it indicates that you should replace the fuel line.
Fix
- Replace the fuel line.
7. Clogged or Dirty Carburetor
If your carburetor is dirty or clogged, it is caused by fuel that has been left in the mower’s tank for a long time.
Over time, some ingredients in the gas will evaporate and leave a thick substance behind. In this case, it will prevent the carburetor from properly regulating the amount of air and gas mixture for the engine.
The needle, float and other parts can get gummed up and cause the mowing machine not to run.
Diagnosis
- Check the float, needle and carburetor itself for clogs. If it is dirty or clogged, you need to clean or replace it.
Fix
- Clean or replace the clogged carburetor.
8. Bad Ignition Coil
The winding on the ignition coil can separate and short out when your mowing machine is hot.
When this happens, the spark plug will not get the voltage that is required to create a spark. This will cause the mower not to start.
Diagnosis
- Use an ohm meter to inspect for a break in continuity. If there is a break, it means that the ignition coil is faulty.
Fix
- Replace the bad ignition coil with a new one.
9. Gas Cap will not Vent
The gas cap has a vent that allows air to pass through the cap. When the vent gets clogged, your gas tank forms a vacuum that will not enable gas to flow out of it. In this case, the mower will fail to start.
Diagnosis
- To determine if the gas cap vent is clogged, you need to start your mowing machine and put the cap back in the tank. Ensure that your push mower operates for a while and confirm if it will die. If it shuts off, you need to troubleshoot it
Fix
- Clean the gas cap and open the vent or replace it if it doesn’t work
10. Bad Recoil
The recoil of your mowing machine may not work due to a bad pulley, broken clips loose or missing spring. This will cause the mower not to start when you pull the string.
Diagnosis
- Check the recoil of your mower for bad pulley, broken clips or loose/missing springs. If you detect these signs, you need to troubleshoot the problem.
Fix
- Change the spring or restring the coil. You can also change the whole recoil assembly if the problem persists.
11. Broken Rewind Pulley and Spring
The function of the rewind spring is to recoil the starter rope toward the pulley when the rope is pulled and released.
If it is broken, your Husqvarna mower engine may develop starting problems.
Diagnosis
- Inspect the rewind spring and pulley for signs of breakage. If the components are broken, it indicates that they need to be replaced.
Fix
- Change the broken rewind spring.
- You may also change the entire pulley and spring assembly.
12. Faulty Fuel Pump
This is one of the reasons why your Husqvarna push mower may fail to start.
The fuel pump of your mower has three ports such as the gas in port, the gas out port and the pulse port.
It may malfunction over time and this can be a result of a damaged fuel pump or the presence of bad or old gas.
Diagnosis
- Examine your fuel pump for cracks. If you notice that the pump isn’t getting fuel, it means that the fuel pump is bad.
Fix
- Change the bad fuel pump with a new one.
13. Broken Flywheel Key
The flywheel key is a small metal piece that fits into the crankshaft and engages with the flywheel.
If the flywheel key of your Husqvarna push mower is broken, it will fail to start. It is important to troubleshoot the problem because the broken flywheel key may damage the engine.
Diagnosis
- Remove the flywheel from the engine and inspect the flywheel key for signs of breakage.
Fix
- Change the broken flywheel key with a new one.
Conclusion
Several factors such as a broken flywheel key, faulty spark plug, clogged fuel filter, or blocked air filter can cause your Husqvarna push mower not to start.
You can identify the reasons for this starting issue and fix your Husqvarna push mower by implementing the troubleshooting tips shared in this article. If the problems persist, it is best to seek the help of a professional.