How to Make a Lawn Mower Start Automatically

Check your lawn mower's air filter, whether paper or foam. Air and gas need to flow freely through the air filter. If a paper filter is clogged or dirty, the best idea is to replace it. If you have access to a compressed air blower, you can try to blow the dirt out of the filter. However, you cannot clean a paper filter with solvent.

If your filter is made of foam, you can remove it from the mower and wash it in a solution of dishwashing liquid and water. Dry it with a cloth and saturate the foam filter with engine oil. Wring out the excess oil. If you find that your foam filter is crumbling or falling apart, replace it with a new one. It is best to clean this type of filter after every 25 hours of use.

Monitor the gas cap. The gas cap provides ventilation to the fuel tank. If it is clogged, the gas flow will be arrested. To check for normal gas cap function, loosen the cap. If the engine continues to run once the cap is loosened, the cap is faulty and needs replacing.

Adjust the throttle. On some lawn mower models, the throttle controls the choke. The choke is what draws gas into the center jet of the engine. If the choke is not operating properly, the engine will not crank into action.

Loosen the throttle until it is completely open. Push it in until you see the choke is completely closed.

Perform these checks and adjustments while the mower is running smoothly to help prevent subsequent problems starting the engine.