There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a beautiful Saturday morning, a lawn that needs cutting, and a mower that simply refuses to start. You pull the cord once, twice, a dozen times, and all you get is silence or a disappointing sputter. If you’re staring down at a stubborn Bolens lawn mower, you’re not alone. This is a common headache for many homeowners, but the good news is that the solution is often simpler than you might think. Before you resign yourself to an expensive trip to the repair shop, a little systematic troubleshooting can often get you back to a perfectly manicured yard in no time.
This guide is designed to walk you through the most common reasons why your Bolens lawn mower will not start, offering clear, step-by-step troubleshooting tips that are safe and easy to follow. We’ll start with the simplest and most frequent culprits and work our way toward less common issues. With a little patience and this friendly advice, you’ll be equipped to diagnose the problem yourself, saving both time and money.
Begin with the Basics: The Three Essentials
Just like a car, your lawn mower needs three fundamental things to run: fuel, air, and spark. Almost every starting problem can be traced back to an issue with one of these three elements. It’s always best to start your diagnosis here, as these checks are quick and require minimal tools.
First, let’s talk about fuel. It might sound obvious, but is there fresh gas in the tank? Old gasoline, especially gas that has been sitting in the tank over the winter, can degrade and form a sticky varnish that clogs the carburetor. If the fuel is more than a month old, it’s a good idea to drain the tank and the carburetor bowl, and refill it with fresh, clean gasoline. While you’re at it, check that the fuel valve, if your model has one, is in the “on” position.
Next, consider the air. A dirty air filter can restrict the airflow the engine needs to create combustion. Locate the air filter housing, usually a black plastic box near the carburetor. Remove the cover and take out the filter. If it’s made of paper, hold it up to the light; if you can’t see light through it, it needs to be replaced. If it’s a foam filter, you can wash it in warm, soapy water, let it dry completely, and then re-oil it before putting it back.
Finally, the spark. A fouled or damaged spark plug is a very common reason for a no-start condition. Carefully remove the spark plug wire and use a spark plug socket to remove the plug itself. Inspect the electrode at the end. If it’s covered in black, sooty deposits or the electrode is worn down, it’s time for a new one. You can also perform a quick spark test by reconnecting the plug to its wire, laying the metal body of the plug against the engine block (away from the spark plug hole), and pulling the starter cord. You should see a bright blue spark jump across the gap. If you don’t, you likely have an ignition system problem.
Bolens Lawn Mower Will Not Start: Troubleshooting Common Scenarios
Sometimes, the specific behavior of your mower can point directly to the problem. Let’s look at a few common situations and what they typically mean.
If the engine cranks but won’t turn over, it’s often a fuel or spark issue. Go back to the three essentials we just discussed. Stale fuel and a dirty air filter are the most likely suspects here. A clogged carburetor jet, often caused by that old gas, can also prevent fuel from reaching the engine.
If the mower starts but then immediately dies, this often points to a problem with the carburetor. The engine uses the initial fuel in the carburetor bowl to start, but if the main jet is clogged, it can’t draw more fuel to keep running. This could also be a sign of a clogged fuel cap vent. Try starting the mower with the gas cap slightly loose. If it runs, the small vent hole in the cap is blocked and needs to be cleared.
For a mower that makes no sound at all when you pull the cord, the issue is usually mechanical. The most common cause is a disengaged or faulty safety feature. Most modern Bolens mowers have a blade control lever (also called a “bail”) that you must hold down against the handle to start. If this lever isn’t engaged, the engine is designed not to start. Check that this connection is working properly. Also, ensure the spark plug wire is firmly attached.
Don’t Forget the Simple Safety Switches
Your Bolens mower is equipped with several safety switches designed to prevent accidents. While they are important for your protection, they can sometimes be the source of a no-start problem. We already mentioned the blade control lever. Another common one is the operator presence lever. If this lever isn’t being pressed down, it will cut power to the spark plug. Make sure you are fully engaging all controls as described in your owner’s manual when you attempt to start the mower.
When to Seek Professional Help
While the tips above will resolve the vast majority of starting issues, there are times when a professional mechanic is your best bet. If you’ve checked all the fuel lines, cleaned the carburetor, replaced the spark plug and air filter, and your mower still won’t start, the problem could be more serious. Internal engine issues like a sheared flywheel key (which throws off the engine’s timing), a damaged recoil starter assembly, or low engine compression require specialized tools and knowledge to fix safely and effectively.
Getting your lawn mower running again doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By methodically checking the fuel system, the air filter, and the spark plug, you can often identify and fix the problem yourself. Remember to always put safety first by disconnecting the spark plug before performing any maintenance. With these friendly Bolens lawn mower troubleshooting tips, you’re well on your way to a smooth-running machine and a beautifully cut lawn.