Troubleshooting tips for your Companion 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.
Companion gas walk-behind lawn mower frequently replaced parts
- Ignition coil. The ignition coil can be easy to test. If you have a spark plug tester handy, use it to find out if the spark plug is receiving electrical current from your ignition coil. If it's not, then it could be time to replace your ignition coil.
- Carburetor. A clogged carburetor can cause a walk-behind mower to not start, to sputter, to run rough or to stop running after short periods of time. Replacing this part is often less expensive than rebuilding it, although rebuilding is also an option.
- Wheel. Lawn mower wheels wear out due to frequent wear and tear.
- Recoil starter. Replace the recoil starter if it doesn't spin the flywheel to start the engine when you pull the starter rope.