Steps on How to start a lawn mower with a choke

By Philip Yiga | December 5, 2016

Most gas-powered lawn-mowers are actually equipped with a self-retracting recoil-type starter coupled with a primer and choke which all help to get the mower powered-on. In fact, although there are some differences between gas lawn-mowers on the market today, the basic techniques for start-up apply them all and with just a little practice and knowledge you will be able to start-up a gas-powered lawn-mower. So, below I’m going to show you some of the steps that you can follow when starting up a lawn-mower equipped with choke and I think they will be of great use if followed carefully.

 

SECTION-1: How to Start a Lawn-Mower With A Choke:

1. Prepare your gas lawn-mower for start-up: you will need to prepare your gas-powered lawn-mower by simply moving it into an open grassy-area that is free of any debris like stones, sticks and toys-kids.

 

2. Fill the lawn-mower with gas: after make sure that your lawn-mower is filled with enough gas and if it’s not, then consider refilling it but don’t overfill it because this will lead to spills into the engine at start-up.

 

3. Check the oil-levels: before starting-up your lawn-mower, you will also need to check the oil-levels. So, if your lawn-mower features a 4-stroke engine then consider checking it oil-levels by opening the oil-fill cap and then use a dipstick. But if your lawn-mower features a 2-stroke engine then you will have to mix the oil into gas but in right proportions for best results.

 

4. Check the lawn-mower’s spark-plug: gas lawn-mowers are equipped with a spark-plug that is usually on the side or back-side of the engine coupled with a lead-wire with a rubber-cap that covers it. In fact, it’s the spark-plug that helps to get the motor running so you should make sure that it’s firmly attached for best start-up results.

 

5. Prime the lawn-mower’s carburetor: you will then have to locate the prime-button on the lawn-mower and then push it for about 3 to 4 times inorder to force fuel to move into the transmission-lines. However, don’t over-press the prime-button because this will just flood the lawn-mower’s engine.

 

6. Set the choke: the choke will actually help to provide the engine with a rich fuel-air mixture thus enabling it to stay under operation until it warms-up.

 

7. Set the throttle: this will involve opening the throttle which is actually a lever found on the lawn-mowers handle or on the engine-body. Place the throttle in a mid-to-high position for best start-up results. In fact, if you skip setting the throttle then the engine won’t be able stay running once you have started the engine.

 

8. Pull the starter-cord: hold onto the lawn-mower and then grip the handle of the starter-cord, pull it in an upward-motion quickly and firmly for about 2 or 3 times for the motor to start-up. If it doesn’t start then it may be having a problem with the spark-plug or not having enough gas and oil.

 

9. Close the choke if the motor starts: if the lawn-mower starts running and stays under operation for about 5-minuts then turn of the choke inorder to ensure optimum performance.

 

10. Open the choke half-way if the lawn-mower fails to start: if the lawn-mower fails to start then consider opening the choke half-way so that the engine receives enough fuel and air for proper startup. Afterwards, pull the starter for several times until the engine starts. On the other hand, if the engine has been flooded, then consider giving the lawn-mower about 15-minutes so that the gas evaporates, open the choke and repeat the recommended starting procedure.

 

11. Consider opening the choke gradually while engine is running: it’s recommended to close the choke after the engine has started running but you will also need to gradually open this choke to keep the engine running smoothly when it’s under operation.

 

12. Set the throttle-control to a desired speed: if the lawn-mower powered-on and running smoothly, then consider setting the throttle-control to a desired speed and start mowing.

 

SECTION-2: How To Fix A Lawn-Mower That Has Failed To Start:

• Check for gas and oil levels: sometimes the lawn-mower will fail to start-up if it’s lacking enough gasoline and oil. So, consider checking whether the lawn-mower is filled with enough gasoline and if not, then fill it with gas but avoid spilling gas over the engine because this can lead to fire outbreak if the engine becomes hot. On the other fill the lawn-mower with oil if it features a 4-stroke engine and if your lawn-mower features a 2-stroke engine then consider mixing the oil into the gasoline but in the rightful proportions.

 

• Check if the starter-cord is stuck: if the start-cord is stuck or difficult to pull, then the cutting-blade may be jammed with grass or any other object. So, disconnect the spark-plug and then turn the lawn-mower onto one-side and after clean out any stuck debris from the cutting-blade. However, if the starter-cord is still stuck after cleaning-up the debris then consider consulting a professional lawn-mower mechanic.

 

• Clean-up the filter and discharge-chute: if your lawn-mower is smoking after powering it on and then gets off after sometime, then try cleaning-up any debris from the discharge-chute, cutting-blade and air-filter. In fact, the air-filter should even be replaced for at least once a year inorder to reduce on the risk of clogging.

 

• Adjust the lawn-mowers height if it stops running mid-mow: incase your lawn-mower stops running while mowing then you should try changing its cutting-height because it might be experiencing trouble cutting longer-grass on a low cutting-height setting.

 

• Take the lawn-mower to a mechanic if it fails to start completely: if your lawn-mower fails to power-on after trying-out everything, then consider taking it to a nearby professional mechanic for advanced repairs. Additionally, if your lawn-mower is still under a specified warranty-period then consider sending it back to the manufacturer for advanced repairs. In fact, never try to open-up the internal components of the lawn-mower when it’s still under the warranty period because this can make your warranty void.