Q&A for How to Start a Push Lawn Mower

If the gas line is clogged, see a mechanic. Cleaning the gas line is dangerous and messy.

Your starter may have become disconnected from the mower. If this is the case. see a mechanic.

It is likely that the fingers on the starter clutch are staying open when you pull it so they are being tapped by the metal cup on the fly wheel that they grab onto when the pull starter is being engaged. It's a typical sound for older used mowers and nothing to be too concerned about. If it continues after it's started it could be the result of a rod knocking in the engine, at this point replace the engine or the mower.

There should be a small lever just in front of the air breather filter cap. It will look like a small bent metal tab with a spring attached. That is how you adjust the idle and RPM. Other than that the throttle is controlled by a plastic catch under the metal cover which is actuated by the air flow coming off of the aluminum fly wheel containing the magnets for the ignition coil.

A Lawnboy can be started like any other lawnmower. Check the oil, prime the pump, check the spark plug, open the throttle, and pull the chain. If it still doesn't start, check the gas level and try again.

If you leave it open, debris will fall into the tank and if there is not a filter, ruin the carb and possibly the entire engine.

Keep it attached to the handle. If you break the handle, it can be replaced and fixed.

Push mowers do not have wheel locks. Try loosening the wheel bolts a quarter of a turn and spraying with an aerosol lubricant (e.g B12 chem tool, white lithium spray lube). Do not use WD40, it is more of a cleaner than a lubricant, but it can be used to remove excessive dirt and debris before applying a lubricant.

It is for ease of pushing the mower and to keep from lifting the blade box too high, posing a risk for objects to become projectiles.

This sounds like a fuel blockage. Clean the tank and lines, then refill with fresh clean fuel.

If you also see smoke and have occasional to frequent sputtering, it's possible there's an issue with the choke and too rich of a gas mixture is getting into the engine. There could also be too much oil.

You look inside the fuel tank, or, if you can't, you take the cover off and look at the side - it's translucent.

It's probably a self-propelled mower. Pull back the first handle when starting, then the other to make it go forward.

Pull the spark plug wire, run it out of gas, lock it up, or simply train your kids not to touch it!

You need to clean the carburetor; it is getting no gas because the jets are gummed up.

With a cold start the mid-to-higher speed will keep the engine going until it heats up. High-to-full throttle will create higher blade revolutions to clear clippings and avoid grass clogging up the undercarriage.

They don't have to have one––there are many varieties that are propelled by the wheels moving and you pushing it alone. These are becoming more popular. However, for the ones that have engines, it is what makes the blades spin, which in turns cuts the grass.

When the lawnmower has started, the blade will automatically start spinning.

The choke lever is a small lever, usually made of plastic, that is attached to the carburetor. The carburetor usually resembles a cylinder and can be found near the fuel tank. Some lawnmowers use an automatic choke, and in that case there would be no choke lever.

When starting a push mower, the choke should be in the "full choke" or "on position." As soon as the engine starts or sounds as if it is trying to start, move it to the "half choke" position and pull the cord again if required. After letting the mower idle for 10-30 seconds on half choke, move the lever to the "off choke" or "off" position, and start mowing.