Lawn Mower Lexicon
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When your gas-powered cutter isn’t doing the job, diagnosing and fixing
the problem—or telling the mechanic what’s wrong—is easy when you know what to look for
Starter Cord
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If hard to pull when handle is in start-up position, engine or blade adapter needs service.
Air Filter and Choke
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Controls air mix in carburetor on some models. If engine won’t start, slide open. After start, slide closed to run engine smoothly.
Fuel Tank
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If mower doesn’t start or it runs erratically, drain and refill tank with fresh gasoline and fuel stabilizer; clean out gas-cap vent.
Primer Bulb
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Feeds fuel into carburetor. Push before pulling cord, but if engine fails to start, do not prime again—carburetor may be flooded. Wait about 5 minutes before pulling cord.
Oil Cap and Dipstick
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Check oil level before starting. Change oil annually.
Spark Plug and Wire
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Both need to be clean and connected for engine to run. For safety, always disconnect wire when servicing mower.
Cooling Fins and Wheel-Height Adjustment
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Cooling fins act as the engine’s radiator. Blow or scrape out debris if engine is overheating and stalling.
Mower Deck
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Crankshaft
If mower is vibrating, check shaft and replace if it’s bent.
Blade
Resharpen if it shreds grass tips or isn’t mulching. Tighten, balance, or replace if mower vibrates excessively.