Troubleshooting: Lawn Mower Smoking
Applicable Models:
All Lawn Mowers
Issue:
When trying to start or run my lawn mower there is a cloud of smoke.
What colour is the smoke?
Are there any hills on your property?
If there are hills on your property this can be the cause of white smoke due to the lack of oil flowing through the unit and not getting enough oil to the engine. Ensure the engine oil is correctly filled and is up to the maximum line without threading the dipstick back in.
Blue or white smoke: Most commonly caused by overfilling with oil or filled with the incorrect oil grade
a. If overfilled, tip the mower to drain oil or use a siphon pump to remove excess oil
b. If using the wrong oil grade, please drain all the oil and add the correct oil grade (refer to your owner's manual)
a. Tilt the lawn mower towards the oil drain pan, have a container ready to catch the oil and remove the dipstick.
b. Once the oil has been emptied, return the lawn mower to a level position and wipe clean any spillages.
c. Fill the engine with fresh oil (please refer to your Owner's Manual for the specific oil type for your unit) up to the maximum mark on the dipstick without threading it back in. DO NOT overfill oil reservoir. Use a funnel to prevent spillage.
d. Reinstall the oil dipstick and tighten
Blue or white smoke: Most commonly caused by overfilling with oil or filled with the incorrect oil grade
a. If overfilled, tip the mower to drain oil or use a siphon pump to remove excess oil
b. If using the wrong oil grade, please drain all the oil and add the correct oil grade (refer to your owner's manual)
a. Tilt the lawn mower towards the oil drain pan, have a container ready to catch the oil and remove the dipstick.
b. Once the oil has been emptied, return the lawn mower to a level position and wipe clean any spillages.
c. Fill the engine with fresh oil (please refer to your Owner's Manual for the specific oil type for your unit) up to the maximum mark on the dipstick without threading it back in. DO NOT overfill oil reservoir. Use a funnel to prevent spillage.
d. Reinstall the oil dipstick and tighten
Black smoke: Dirty or clogged air filter - check your air filter and clean or replace if required
a. Loosen the nut and remove the air filter cover. Remove the air filter housing
and elements and inspect for cleanliness.
b. Clean the foam air filter with soap and water and let dry.
c. Soak the foam filter in clean engine oil.
d. Gently squeeze and then pat out all excess oil and reinstall.
e. Replace filter if it is damaged
3. a) Are there any hills on your property?
If there are hills on your property this can be the cause of white smoke due to the lack of oil flowing through the unit and not getting enough oil to the engine.
Still stuck?
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