Official McClane gas lawn mower parts

Troubleshooting tips for your McClane gas walk-behind lawn mower when it won't start

When you can't start your mower, make sure the tank has fuel and that the fuel is fresh; stale fuel can become watery and won't ignite well. Tune up the mower's engine to give it the best chance of starting. Check the spark plug and replace it if it's covered with oil or other deposits.

If your mower uses a battery, charge or replace the battery if it won't power the starter to spin the engine. If you have to pull the starter rope to start the engine, replace the recoil starter if it doesn't spin the engine when you pull the rope. Replace the starter rope if it's broken. For additional help, watch our can't pull the recoil starter rope video.

Replace the safety switch or the ignition coil if the spark plug isn't getting current through the ignition system. The engine won't start if you hit a rock or stump and shear off the flywheel key, so replace the flywheel key if it's broken.

Carburetor problems often prevent a mower engine from starting. Replace or rebuild the carburetor if it's clogged.

What to do when your McClane gas walk-behind mower engine won't stay running

Fuel system problems often cause the engine to stall, so you'll need to rebuild or replace the carburetor if it won't stay running. Our fuel, ignition and compression problems video provides additional tips for troubleshooting fuel system problems.

Some engines stall if the gas cap vent gets clogged. Check your mower's gas cap and clear the vent if it has one. Tuning up the mower engine may also help keep the engine running as you mow the grass.