There’s nothing more frustrating than a beautiful Saturday morning, a lawn that needs cutting, and a mower that refuses to start. You pull the cord on your Craftsman M110, and you’re met with silence, a sputter, or the disappointing feeling of an engine that just won’t turn over. Before you resign yourself to a costly repair bill or consider buying a new machine, take a deep breath. Many of the most common issues are surprisingly simple to diagnose and fix yourself with a little guidance.
This article is your go-to resource for getting your machine back in action. We’ve put together a clear, step-by-step Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower Not Starting: A Troubleshooting Guide to help you identify the problem. By following these logical steps, you can systematically check the most likely culprits, from old gas to a dirty air filter, and get your mower running smoothly again.
Your Step-by-Step Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower Not Starting: A Troubleshooting Guide
Let’s walk through the most common reasons your mower won’t start, starting with the simplest and most frequent fixes. Always remember to disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any checks or maintenance to ensure your safety.
Checking the Obvious First
It may sound silly, but it’s always worth double-checking the basics. Is the fuel valve, if your model has one, in the ‘On’ position? Is the engine shut-off control lever (the bail) held securely against the handle? The engine will not start unless this safety feature is engaged. Also, ensure the spark plug wire is firmly attached. A loose connection here is an easy problem to miss.
The Usual Suspects: Fuel, Air, and Spark
For any small engine to run, it needs three things: fuel, air, and spark. A problem in any one of these areas will prevent starting.
Fuel System Issues: Old gasoline is the number one cause of starting problems. Gasoline can begin to degrade in as little as 30 days, forming gums and varnishes that clog the carburetor. If the fuel has been sitting in the tank for over a month, safely drain it and add fresh, clean gasoline. While you’re at it, check the fuel line for cracks or blockages. If fresh gas doesn’t solve the issue, the carburetor’s tiny jets may be clogged and need a cleaning.
Air Flow Problems: Your mower’s engine needs a precise mixture of fuel and air. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the engine to be “choked” and preventing it from starting. Remove the air filter cover and inspect the filter. If it’s caked with dirt and debris, clean it (if it’s a foam filter) or replace it. A clean filter is a simple and inexpensive fix.
Inspecting the Spark Plug
The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture inside the engine. Using a spark plug socket, carefully remove the plug. Is the tip covered in black, sooty deposits or is it wet with gas? Is the electrode gap visibly too wide or the porcelain cracked? A fouled or damaged spark plug cannot create a strong enough spark. Give it a good cleaning with a wire brush or, for a few dollars, simply replace it with a new one. This small part makes a huge difference.
When to Check the Oil Level
Many modern mowers, including the Craftsman M110, have a low-oil safety sensor. If the oil level is too low, this sensor will prevent the engine from starting to protect it from severe damage. Always check the oil dipstick and top it off to the full line with the recommended type of oil before troubleshooting further.
By methodically working through this guide, you’re likely to find the issue causing your Craftsman M110 to refuse starting. Most often, the solution is as simple as using fresh fuel, replacing a dirty air filter, or installing a new spark plug. With these checks, you can save time and money and get back to maintaining a perfectly manicured lawn.