If you have a garden, you probably own a lawn mower. With the wear and tear that comes with time and frequent use, troubleshooting is necessary to maintain it.
But troubleshooting requires you to know where the carburetor is on your lawn mower. So to help you out, our lawn care specialists detail all you need to know regarding your mower’s carb.
What is a Lawn Mower Carburetor?
A carburetor is an important piece found on your lawn mower engine. Generally, a carburetor controls fuel flow to the engine. The carburetor combines air and fuel in the correct proportions to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
It’s typically mounted in a horizontal position and normally does not contain throttle butterflies. At times it is positioned under mowers gas tanks, on the side or top of the engine, or even behind the riding mower air filter. It’s often hidden from view, making it difficult to locate.
What Carburetors Do on a Lawn Mower + How it Works
The carburetor on a lawn mower ensures the correct fuel and air combination in the engine cylinder. The right ratio of fuel to air is necessary for combustion to happen, so make sure the carburetor intake and spark plug are working properly.
Once the spark plug ignites the fuel and air mixture, it results in combustion, pushing the engine piston downward. This would result in the rotation of the crankshaft, making the lawn mower blades spin.
Types of Carburetor
There are two types of carburetors attached to a lawn mower, and these are:
Standard Carburetor (with Bowl)
A standard carburetor is one of the common types, where there’s an opening front and back. The air enters the carburetor forcing the air into the venturi. This method draws fuel from the bowl while it travels to the combustion chamber.
New Type Carburetor (Plastic)
The latest carburetors are now plastic; these new types are found behind the air filter housing. They feature levers and springs and a gas bowl. But, the bowl is not as pronounced as the usual traditional bowl.
Different Kinds of Lawn Mowers
Riding Lawn Mowers
A riding lawn mower is typically used for large properties. It’s a powerful mower that you can sit on and maneuver. Here are the different variations of this mower:
Read Next: Top Riding Lawn Mowers Suitable for 2 Acres
Zero-turn Radius Mowers
A zero-turn radius mower has a zero-turning radius. It’s known for its speed and maneuverability.
Lawn Tractors
A lawn tractor has a cutting deck in the middle of its body. This type has more power compared to other variations of riding mowers.
Rear Engine Riding Mowers
A rear engine riding mower is the smallest among other variations. It has a cutting deck at the front, which allows effortless movement. Check out quality rear-engine riding mowers here!
Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers
Walk behind mowers come in four different types, and choosing one greatly depends on your needs. Here are the different variations of a walk-behind mower.
Three-function Lawn Mowers
A three-function mower can cut grass, bags, mulches, and side discharges.
Two-function Lawn Mowers
A two-function mower can cut mulch, bags, and grass.
Self-propelled Lawn Mowers
A self-propelled mower can either be a front-wheel drive or a rear-wheel drive. Both types are typically used in large areas.
Electric Walk Mowers
An electric walk mower [1] is powered by electricity. This is suitable for small areas.
Carburetor Location on Riding Mowers
If you’re a proud owner of a riding lawn mower, you’ll likely to find the carburetor under the engine cover or hood beneath the engine.
Carburetor Location on Walk-behind Lawn Mowers
The carburetor is found below or behind the air filter for walk-behind mowers.
Identifying Your Lawn Mower’s Carburetor
Knowing where is a lawnmower carburetor can be easier in five easy steps. Refer to the steps below:
Step #1: Position Your Mower in a Good Spot
Make sure to position or park your mower in a good spot before doing anything. Set the unit in gear or engage the parking brake. Make sure this spot has a flat surface and poses no risks of accidental rolling.
Turn the machine ignition off and recognize different parts by touching them. Make sure to allow the unit to cool off so you will not burn yourself.
Step #2: Remove the Mower Hood
A mower hood functions to cover and protect the mower’s engine. It can be easily removed. The hood is restrained with hood latches. You only need to release these latches to remove and open the hood.
Some lawnmowers do not have hoods. You may skip this step if you own one that does not have a mower hood.
Step #3: Locate Your Mower’s Air Filter
You can now try and locate your mower’s air filter, especially since a carburetor pushes air through the air filter. If you find the air filter, you’re a step closer to finding your lawn mower carburetor.
Locate a square-shaped filter casing on top or side of the mower’s engine. You may find some holes or slots found at the top. Fasteners or screws are used on top of the carburetor to mount it. This is the case that contains the air filter.
The air filter refines the air and prevents dust from entering the carburetor. Typically a black plastic air filter housing is used. Once you know where it is, you can easily locate your lawnmower carburetor.
Step #4: Search for the Mower’s Gas Tank
You can now proceed to locate the mower’s gas tank. This can easily be done by adding fresh gas to most lawnmowers. However, other units have the fill cap placed in a different position. Determining the gas tank will also help locate the carburetor.
Also Read: Draining Gas From Your Lawn Mower Without a Siphon
Since the carburetor is involved in the combustion by allowing the correct fuel and ratio, there is a direct link with the tank’s fuel lines. Begin with the fuel cap and then recognize the gas tank based on its shape. The carburetor will be found next to the tank.
(Speaking of correct oil and fuel ratio, you should know how much oil you should put in your lawn mower.)
Step #5: Locate the Carburetor
The carburetor is attached to the fuel line, which is attached to the gas tank. Locate the fuel line coming from the fuel tank that goes down. Proceed to follow this fuel line from the tank, and it will lead you to the connection point of the carburetor.
A larger, black-colored, with a large hole that sucks air at one side, is the carburetor. Most carburetors look the same. It has levers and springs and a bowl shape under the carburetor body.
Carburetor Placement By Brand
Different brands have different placements for carburetors. Different carburetors from varying companies may have the following specifications.
Push Mower Carburetor
You need to track the fuel lines and the air intake filter to locate the carburetor.
John Deere Mower Carburetor
A John Deere carburetor is located at the mid-right side under the lawn mower engine hood. The carburetor has a recognizable black bowl and a small needle valve on the bottom.
Husqvarna Mower Carburetor
A Husqvarna carburetor can be found on the right side of the lawn mower engine housing. This is typically found under the hood connected with springs and choke levers controlling the engine rpm.
Craftsman Mower Carburetor
A Craftsman carburetor can be found under the air filter housing. Initially, you need to locate the air intake and filters. The carburetor is found beneath the engine hood on the right.
Briggs & Stratton Mower Carburetor
A Briggs & Stratton carburetor can be recognized with its plastic and metal gas tank assembly. It can be found under the air filter and has levers and springs for controlling rpm. It does not utilize a fuel bowl but instead has a gas tank assembly.
Walbro Mower Carburetor
Locating the Walbro Carburetor can be done by locating the number stamped on the body of the carburetor. Follow these steps to locate the carburetor.
- Locate the carburetor on the engine
- Search the body of the carburetor for the identification numbers
- Identify the model of the unit using the identification numbers
Importance of Cleaning Your Mower’s Carburetor
Cleaning the unit will allow your unit to work properly. It will also allow the unit to last a long time.
Signs of a Dirty Carburetor
It would be helpful if you could tell different signs of a stained carburetor. Here are some signs:
- Old gasoline
- The engine will not start
- Engine hunts at idle or high speed
- Lawn mower leaking gas
- Engine lacks power at high speed
Ways to Clean the Carburetor
You should check the unit a few times a year. Also, you should check the air filter and clean it regularly.
How to Remove the Carburetor
To efficiently clean a carburetor, you must remove it from the unit completely. Follow the steps below:
- Turn off the fuel valve and remove it from the carburetor.
- Detach the choke and throttle linkages from the carburetor throttle lever, then remove it from the mounting bolts.
- Unthread the screw, which will remove the carburetor bowl gasket.
- Release the float pin as well as the carburetor inlet needle.
How to Clean the Carburetor
Once you have successfully removed the carburetor, you can start cleaning it. You can easily use a carburetor cleaner and a rag to remove dirt and grime.
- Turn off the mower before you start cleaning. Ensure that the unit has cooled down to prevent yourself from getting burned.
- Proceed to unhitch the spark plug wire.
- Detach the air filters: foam air filter, paper air filter, and dual-element air filter.
- Remove the carburetor.
- Proceed to dismantle the carburetor.
- Proceed to replace any worn-out parts.
- Clean the unit and its parts.
How to Replace Your Riding Mower’s Carburetor
Locate the Carburetor
1. Turn off the ignition to avoid accidental rolling of the unit.
2. Raise the sear of the mower.
3. Locate and disconnect the bolt connecting the negative cable and the battery
4. Raise the hood of the mower
5. Remove the air duct
6. Locate the air filter cover knobs and rotate each in a counterclockwise direction and proceed to remove the air filter cover
7. Remove the air filter and the housing screw
8. Remove the bolts
9. Raise the blower housing and place it aside
10. Get a pair of hose pinch-off pliers and clap the fuel line.
Detach the Carburetor
1. Take a photograph of the linkage connections of the carburetor to help you during re-assembly
2. Remove the clamp and pull off the fuel line from the carburetor
3. Remove the air intake mounting nuts
4. Remove the breather tube and remove the air intake
5. Remove the wore from the fuel solenoid
6. Remove the mounting studs
7. Remove the throttle rod and spring
8. Remove the choke rod and the carburetor
9. Locate the intake gasket and remove it and proceed to clean the exterior of the gasket mounting
Install the New Carburetor
1. Reconnect the choke rod, spring, and throttle rod
2. Install the new intake gasket on the engine
3. Attach the carburetor to the engine using mounting studs
4. Wire and connect the fuel solenoid
5. Connect the breather tube to the air intake and connect the air intake to the carburetor
6. Install the air intake and connect the carburetor to the fuel line
7. Remove the hose-pinch pliers from the fuel line
8. Place the blower housing at length on the engine and attach the blower housing mounter bolts.
9. Place the air filter housing screw and reinstall the filter
10. Place the air filter cover on the engine and do a clockwise turn for each retaining knob
11. Reinstall the air duct and reconnect the negative cable to the negative battery terminal
How to Tell if Your Carburetor Needs Repairs
One obvious sign that your carburetor needs repairs is that it refuses to start. When this happens, make sure to give it immediate attention.
Common Carburetor Issues and Solutions
It may look like a simple part of a lawn mower, but it’s a sophisticated part for successful engine performance. Often you will find yourself in a situation where you are compelled to fix carburetor problems, so you should know where’s your lawn mower carburetor.
It is best to have a carburetor repair kit ready. Here are some common carburetor problems and solutions you can use for your Carburetor. If these solutions are futile, you can always go to a small engine repair shop.
Blocked Jet
A blocked jet or fuel line will prevent enough gas from going to the mower. This can also result in the emission of black smoke. Contaminated gas is also one main issue for Carburetors. Aside from this, dirt in the fuel jet and emulsion tube is another culprit for a blocked jet.
The fuel line of these holes in these jets and tubes is responsible for metering the fuel consumption and keeping the ratio correct. A quick fix is to cleaning the carburetor.
Using Gas Stabilizers
Using gas stabilizers will prevent the carburetor from gumming during winter hibernation months.
Safety Measures to Consider
While conducting maintenance operations on your carburetor, we suggest you follow essential safety precautions and read your lawn mower’s manual. These precautions will keep you safe from any accidents.
Use Gloves
Make sure to use gloves to cover and protect your hands. This will protect your hands from dirt and oil, as well as protect your hands from getting burned.
Detach the Spark Plug Cable
Make sure to detach the spark plug cable before making any repairs or maintenance service. This will prevent the lawn mower engine from starting unintentionally.
FAQ
How frequently should you clean the mower’s carburetor?
You should check and clean the unit a few times a year. This can help lengthen the lifespan of the unit.
Why does my lawn mower starts and then die?
There are a few reasons behind a mower starting and then dying. These reasons include a stained carburetor, a clogged fuel filter, or a carburetor bowl.
Is it okay to use a WD40 to clean a mower’s carburetor?
It’s okay to use WD40 to clean your mower’s carburetor. The dual-action cleaning system of this product can effectively restore your carburetor’s cleanliness.
How do I identify my mower’s fuel line?
To identify your mower’s fuel line, you have to locate the mower’s gas tank. It is easy to find since it is the largest jug-looking part that stores fuel. You will find tubing from the base to the lawn mower’s carburetor. This is the line fuel.
Where’s the best placement of the carburetor for better engine performance?
The best placement of the carburetor for better engine performance is preferably where it gets free and clean air ingestion–which is in front of the mower.
Do carburetor sizes vary depending on the lawn mower model?
Carburetor sizes vary depending on the lawn mower model. Units with a larger mower engine require a higher RPM to operate. This means that the unit requires more air and fuel.
What should you do if the lawn mower hood is stuck?
Once your lawn mower hood is stuck, it’s best to apply a lubricant or cleaner spray. Then you can undo the hood latches and remove the hood.
Conclusion
Cleaning and maintenance are important for any tool and equipment. Thus, knowing where the carburetor on a lawn mower is one of the first steps to extending your engine’s life and ensuring its optimum functionality.
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