April 19, 2023

Walk-behind mower symptoms

It's difficult to get your mowing done when your lawn mower won't start, runs rough or won't stay running. Our symptoms and troubleshooting tips can help you resolve gas walk-behind lawn mower problems. You can get the repair parts you need by using the search bar at the top of the page. Use our step-by-step walk-behind mower repair guides to help you install parts so you can mow the lawn before the grass grows too tall.

gas walk-behind mower

Symptoms common to all gas walk-behind mowers

Choose a symptom to see related walk-behind mower repairs.

Main causes: uneven wheel height settings, damaged wheel, dull or damaged cutting blade
Main causes: damaged cutting blade, loose cutting blade, damaged flywheel key, engine needs tune up
Main causes: engine needs tune up, dirty or clogged carburetor, damaged flywheel key
Main causes: dirty carburetor, bad spark plug, clogged air filter, engine choke problems, clogged gas cap vent
Main causes: drive control cable failure, worn or broken drive belt, bad transmission, broken drive wheel
Main causes: stale gas, engine needs tune up, bad spark plug, dead battery, bad recoil starter, faulty safety switch, bad ignition coil

Repair guides for gas walk-behind mowers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your walk-behind lawn mower.

How to replace a lawn mower spark plug

Take a few minutes to replace the spark plug during your lawn mower's annual tune-up or if the spark plug is burnt or cracked.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower blade

Check your lawn mower blade regularly and replaced it if it's bent or damaged.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower flywheel key on a flathead engine

When you hit a hard object with your mower, the flywheel can shear to protect more expensive components. Learn how to replace this tiny but essential part.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Articles and videos for gas walk-behind mowers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your walk-behind lawn mower.

January 03, 2022

What causes lawn mower engine surging?

What causes lawn mower engine surging?

Learn how to fix your lawn mower when its engine surges

December 29, 2021

Can you use starting fluid on a mower?

Can you use starting fluid on a mower?

Learn how to safely use starter fluid on a lawn mower

August 06, 2020

How to remove a lawn mower blade using a removal tool

How to remove a lawn mower blade using a removal tool

Learn how a blade removal tool makes replacing the blade easier and safer