Lawnmowers are very efficient in cutting large grass areas quickly. However, there’s nothing more frustrating than when the engine surges and loses power mid-job.
I’ve gathered everything you need to know about lawnmower engine surging to help you tackle this issue with ease.
Why Does a Lawn Mower Surge?
When the ratio of gasoline to air in an engine is off, a phenomenon known as surging occurs. The carburetor is the most likely point of the mower engine surging, with odd fuel-air mixtures running low or rich due to the problem.
Also, inconsistent fuel supply can lead to uneven engine performance and surging. Additionally, a faulty spark plug or ignition system can cause irregular firing of the engine, resulting in surges.
Lawn Mower Surges: 8 Reasons and Solutions
Reason #1: Poor Gas Quality
A common reason why mowers surge is when owners use old or contaminated gas. The poor quality of the gasoline leads to erratic combustion, making the engine struggle to run smoothly.
If you think your mower’s gas might be contaminated, a visual check can help. Just compare the color and clarity of the gas in your lawn mower to some fresh gas. Differences can often indicate a problem.
Solution: Remove the Bad Gas
Step 1: Get a Gas Can
Get a gas can and fill it with the bad fuel. Put it near the lawnmower’s fuel tank so you can easily supply fuel with it.
Step 2: Place the Pump
Take off the gas cap, then connect the pump/siphon to the lawnmower’s gas tank (inlet) and the gas can (outlet).
Step 3: Start Pumping the Gas
Proceed with the gasoline transfer by starting the pumping/siphoning operation. It’s important to be careful not to damage the siphon, as it’s difficult to resume the process with so little fuel left.
Interesting Read: How to Drain Gas from a Lawn Mower Without Siphon
Step 4: Refill the Gas Tank and Test the Mower
After draining the old fuel, I always make sure to refill the tank with fresh gasoline. Then, check to determine if the surge is still present by using the mower. The process of flushing out the old gas from the mower’s gas tank and introducing new fuel could take a few minutes.
Extra Tip
For Briggs & Stratton small engines, I suggest using gas with no less than an 87 Octane rating and no over 10% Ethanol.
Reason #2: Clogged Vent of a Fuel Cap
The gasoline filler cap on most lawnmowers has a small vent that keeps the fuel at the right pressure and vacuum. Lawn mower engine surging can come from the wrong back pressure, which could force fuel into or away from the carburetor.
Find the little hole on the cap that you use to fill the mower’s gas tank. The dirt within is producing pressure problems, and the consequent swells.
Solution: Clean the Fuel Cap Vent
Step 1: Detach the Cap and Clear the Clogs
Take off the fuel tank’s top and find the release valve. Remove the dust and debris blocking the vent hole with a needle or pin. The greatest tool for the job is a sewing needle.
Step 2: Put the Cap Back and Test the Mower
After cleaning the vent, reattach it to the tank by twisting it back onto the mower.
Reason #3: Fuel Filter is Dirty
When I inspect a mower, I always keep an eye on the gas filter. If it’s clogged, the carburetor doesn’t get the fuel it needs, leading to an engine surge.
A quick visual check usually do the trick. It’s important to ensure the gasoline filter is free of debris that could clog it. Keep a brand-new replacement filter handy.
Solution: Replace the Fuel Filter
Step 1: Detach the Ignition Cable
To avoid any potential catastrophes, disconnect the ignition cable and tuck it so it does not get in the way. There will be spillage, and you must keep the area free of sparks.
Step 2: Turn Off the Fuel
Finally, turn off the fuel supply to the lawn mower.
Step 3: Detach the Spring Clips
Pull the line away from the dirty fuel filter and undo the two spring clips holding it in place with a pair of pliers. You can slide the clamps along the pipe to do this.
Step 4: Unlink the Fuel Line
You can detach the gasoline lines from the filter with the clamps out of the way. To remove the gasoline filter, twist it while pulling. A cut-off valve can prevent the engine oil from leaking from a tank, but you can simply choke the line if you don’t have one.
Step 5: Link the New Filter
Get a new gasoline filter and install it in the system. Since petrol can only move in one way, you’ll want to ensure that your orientation is proper. I recommend a directional arrow on the side of the filter.
Step 6: Put Back the Spring Clips
Use the pliers to replace the spring clips, and check if they are in their appropriate places and securely fastened. If you notice that they are loose, you should replace them.
Step 7: Turn On and Test the Mower
Turn the gas on and give the mower a spin. Since the system is filled with air when the filter is changed, it may take many pulls to get the gas to the engine.
Reason #4: Faulty Spark Plug
An unreliable spark is produced as a sparkplug deteriorates from soot buildup. When this happens, the dirty spark plug will not provide a steady spark but rather intermittent sparks that will cause short bursts of combustion or your mower will start then die soon after.
Solution: Replace the Spark Plug
Step 1: Take Out the Ignition Cable
Disconnect the bad spark plug cable and push it out of the way first.
Step 2: Take Off the Spark Plug
Then, use a spark plug wrench or socket to remove the existing plug.
Step 3: Install the Brand New Spark Plug
Put the replacement spark plug in the engine head, then screw it on as tightly as possible with your fingers. The plug should be finger-tight before any additional torque is applied, but be cautious not to overtighten the spark plug in your engine.
Step 4: Fasten the Ignition Cable
Reconnect the spark plug cable and test the mower. An instant uptick in quality is to be expected.
Reason #5: Carburetor Jet is Clogged/Dirty
The carburetor houses several tiny jets, some of the essential parts of a mower. In case of troubleshooting, you need to know where the carburetor is on your lawn mower.
In this case, I usually notice that petrol is pushed through the jets under high pressure, turning it into a fine mist before mixing with air and heading to the chamber. So, if dirt and debris get into the gas, it can cause a blockage.
Solution: Unclog/Clean the Carburetor Jet
Step 1: Unfasten the Spark Plug
You should remove the spark plug before working on an engine. Take the ignition cable out of the cylinder and tuck it away.
Step 2: Switch Off the Fuel System
The next step, if available, is to turn off the gasoline supply.
Step 3: Take Off the Air Filter Cover and the Filter
If your lawn mower has a removable air filter, the next step is to unscrew the cover’s mounting bolts. Simply using a screwdriver ought to do the trick.
Step 4: Take Out the Backplate Mounting Bolt of the Air Filter
The bolts attaching the air filter back plate to the mower must be removed using the socket wrench. When you take these off, the lawnmower will no longer be attached to the backplate or the carburetor.
Step 5: Detach the Breather Pipe from the Crank Case
You need to disconnect the breather line from the mower’s crank to take out the air filter rear plate. Pry the pipe out from its spring clamp with a pair of pliers. When you unhook yourself from the pipe, you can slide down the pipe.
Step 6: Take Out the Gaskets
A gasket separates the air filter and the carburetor housing. You can remove this and put it somewhere else.
Step 7: Unlink the Fuel Line
After you remove the air filter, you can connect to the carburetor line. It, too, will be attached with a spring clip that can be easily detached, just like the breathing pipe.
Step 8: Unlink the Spring and Throttle
When securing the carburetor to the mower, the governor spring and full throttle linkage are the last bits I deal with. These have to be removed from their carburetor mounts manually. Nothing more than some time and calmness is required.
Step 9: Clean the External Part of the Carburetor
A can of WD-40 and a used toothbrush are my go-to tools. After removing the filth, use an old rag to clean the carburetor.
Step 10: Detach the Fuel Cap
You can loosen the bolt at the base of the cup with a socket wrench. Removing the bolt makes it possible to separate the cup from the carburetor.
Step 11: Pull Out the Float & Pin
As you can see, a single side of the float serves as a hinge. The float can be detached by first pulling the float pin out of the float with a pair of needle nose pliers and setting it aside.
Step 12: Unfasten the Jet
Remove the jet from the carburetor next. You’ll find a tiny screw easily removed with a screwdriver. The jet can be tipped out after this screw is removed.
Step 13: Clean the Carburetor Jet
To clean the jet, insert one of the tiny files from a carburetor cleaning wire set into the jet. You may need to use force and a can of carburetor cleaner to remove the grime from your carburetor and needle valves if it’s particularly filthy.
Step 14: Clean the Internal Part of the Carburetor
Spray the inside of the dirty carburetor thoroughly with the carb cleaner. Wait a minute for the cleaner to work, and then clean the carburetor bowl hold-down bolt.
Step 15: Put Back the Float, Jet, and Fuel Cap
To reassemble, you must do the opposite of what you did to get here. Putting in the cap comes after fitting the jet and screw.
Step 16: Install the Lawn Mower Carburetor
Once you’re finished, you can reattach the two gaskets, gas line, spring, and throttle linkage to the carburetors. To finish, remove the air filter backplate and reattach the vacuum hoses.
Step 17: Test the Mower
Now that you’ve finished cleaning and reassembling the lawnmower, you can put it through its paces. After a few pulls of the cable, the engine should sound better because the fresh gasoline flows through it.
Reason #6: Leaks on the Carburetor Gasket
When I work with carburetors, I rely on gaskets to prevent any leaks into the engine. If these gaskets fail, they can let extra air into the combustion chamber. And if you’re thinking this might change the mixture and make the lawnmower’s engine rev faster, you’d be absolutely right.
Solution: Change the Gasket and Secure the Mower Carburetor
After you clean the carburetor, reinstall it and ensure the gaskets are removed during the removal process. Simply reviewing the procedure will remind you which steps you can safely omit.
- Take the spark plug out.
- Turn the fuel flow off.
- Take the air filter and its cover out
- Take the backplate mounting bolt of the air filter out
- Take the gaskets off
- Put new gaskets
- Put the new carburetor
Reason #7: Leaks on the Manifold Tube
The carburetor mixes the petrol and air and then sends it through an air intake manifold tube to the engine’s air intake valve.
Most surging engine problems can be traced back to a faulty air intake manifold gasket.
As a result, the vacuum leaks, and the engine is not getting as much air as it needs.
Solution: Fix Tube Leaks
- Take the carburetor out
- Take the engine cover out
- Take the pull cord assembly out
- Remove the coil or armature
Reason #8: Air Filter is Dirty
If the air filter is clogged, less air will reach the carburetor. This can affect the air-gas ratio like a gasoline filter, causing the lawn mower engine surging. So, always make a point to visually inspect the air filter like I do when cleaning or examining my mower.
Solution: Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Step 1: Detach Your Air Filter Cover
Locate the dirty air filter (foam or paper filters) and take the cover off of it as a first step. If your cover doesn’t secure with clips, I suggest using a screwdriver to remove it.
Step 2: Detach the Filter
Take the filter out from the housing, then put it on one side.
Step 3: Clean the Casing
Grab a rag and clean the housing interior. Remove debris, residue, and oil not to get the filter dirty. For foam filters, you can use soapy water to clean them.
Step 4: Clean the Air Filter
If your filter isn’t in horrible shape, utilize an airline from the compressor and blast away the dirt. Getting a new filter is preferable to utilizing an old compressor.
Step 5: Install the Air Filter
Return the filter to its housing in the proper alignment.
Step 6: Replace the Air Filter Cover
Replace the lawnmower’s air filter cover and fasten it with the screw or clips.
Step 7: Test the Mower
Now that you have a new, clean filter in your mower, you can see how it performs. If the filter were to blame for your surging lawn mower, you’d see an immediate change for the better.
Other Possible Reasons for Lawn Mower Surging
Governor System Malfunction
Worn-out governor springs are a common cause of the lawnmower’s governor not functioning properly, which in turn causes the engine to surge.
Fuel System Issue
A tiny hole in the top prevents a vacuum leak from building in the gas tank. The gas is pumped into the engine in waves rather than a steady stream preventing the vacuum from forming if the system becomes obstructed.
Dirty Gas Line/Filter
If insufficient gas is not delivered, it can cause the engine to surge. Blocked fuel lines, contaminated gasoline, and a filthy fuel filter are possible causes of insufficient gas in the engine.
Vacuum/Air Leaks
If the carburetor is not properly sealed to the engine block, air might get sucked into the intake, attract dirt and force the engine to surge.
This causes vacuum leaks, limiting the gas supply to the piston chamber.
How to Fix Lawn Mower That's Pulsing
Take the lawn mowers to a spot with plenty of airflows and follow these instructions to fix the motor.
- Take apart the air filter and throw it away. Inspect the gasket around the air filter housing and replace it if it's damaged or worn.
- Once you've confirmed that the gasket is fine, move on to the carburetor and engine seals. Fix or replace any gaskets or seals that are damaged or worn.
- There is a need to replace or repair the carburetor if the external seals and gaskets are in good condition. Carburetor replacement is simpler than carburetor rebuilding in most cases.
Why Does a Lawn Mower Engine Rebound?
While an engine rebound might sound concerning, it typically doesn’t do much damage to smaller engines in my experience. That said, it can be a sign of the following issues:
- Using gas with an unsafely high ethanol concentration can cause the engine to surge (the recommended maximum is 10% Ethanol [1]).
- Accidentally Slowing Down the Engine Speed (slowly lower engine throttle)
- Engine temperatures that are too high (mow two shifts or during colder temperatures)
- Substandard ventilation (dirty filter)
- You need to fine-tune the carburetor since it's burning too much fuel and not enough air.
Estimated Cost of Fixing a Surging Lawn Mower Engine
From my time fixing and maintaining lawn equipment, mending a lawn mower often costs just a bit more than refilling its gas tank, especially if you can address a surging engine without buying any new parts.
Carburetors may be replaced on several popular lawn mower engines for around $50.
For a lawn mower surging that needs to be sent to a repair shop, expect to pay between $50 and $100, even for small engines.
FAQ
How do I know if my mower’s spark plug is bad?
Your lawn mower engine will fail if the sparkplug is defective. Besides, a faulty spark plug may cause your mower to release white smoke randomly. The good news is that it’s not hard to tell whether your lawnmower spark plug is bad and must be replaced.
What’s the best way to store your mower during winter?
Add a quality fuel stabilizer and a full fuel tank of fresh gas in your lawnmower, then let it run for 2 minutes before putting it away for the winter. It is possible to store gas for up to 24 months without deterioration with the help of a fuel stabilizer.
How can you change the lawn mower oil?
To change the oil in a lawnmower, ensure the engine and oil are cool and follow Briggs & Stratton’s easy 4-step oil-changing guide. Also, make sure you know how much oil you can put on your lawn mower.
Conclusion
To keep that lawnmower engine from surging, regular upkeep is key. Yet, given the outdoor challenges these machines face, they’re impressively dependable.
These troubleshooting guides and repairs are fairly straightforward. Even if you’ve only got the basics of mechanical know-how, you should be able to handle them without much hassle.
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