There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a sunny Saturday morning, ready to tackle the lawn, only to have your trusty Craftsman mower refuse to start. You pull the cord again and again, but the engine just won’t catch. Often, the root of this problem is surprisingly simple: the engine isn’t getting the fuel it needs to run. Before you resign yourself to an expensive trip to the repair shop, a little detective work in your own garage can often solve the issue.
Diagnosing a fuel delivery problem might seem daunting if you’re not mechanically inclined, but the system on a small engine is quite straightforward. By following a logical sequence of checks, you can systematically eliminate potential culprits, from an empty tank to a clogged carburetor. This guide will walk you through the essential Craftsman Lawn Mower Not Getting Gas: Troubleshooting Steps to help you get back to mowing in no time. Remember, safety first: always disconnect the spark plug wire before beginning any work to prevent accidental starts.
Start Simple: The Obvious Checks First
It may sound silly, but the first step is one that’s often overlooked. Is there actually gas in the tank? Give the tank a little shake and look inside to confirm it has fresh fuel. Gasoline that has been sitting in the tank for more than a month, especially ethanol-blended fuel, can degrade and form a sticky varnish that clogs the entire fuel system. If the fuel is old, your first move should be to safely drain the tank and fill it with fresh, clean gasoline.
Next, locate the fuel valve. Some Craftsman mower models have a fuel shut-off valve between the gas tank and the carburetor. If your model has one, make sure it’s in the “On” position. It’s an easy thing to bump into the “Off” position during storage or transport. Finally, check the fuel line itself—that’s the hose connecting the tank to the carburetor. Look for any cracks, kinks, or signs of damage that could be blocking the flow of gasoline.
Craftsman Lawn Mower Not Getting Gas: Troubleshooting Steps from Tank to Carburetor
If the basics check out, it’s time to dig a little deeper. The most common causes of fuel starvation are a clogged fuel filter, a dirty carburetor, or a malfunctioning fuel cap. Let’s break down how to inspect each of these components.
First, locate the fuel filter. It’s usually a small, clear plastic or metal cylinder found somewhere along the fuel line. If you can see it, check for debris or a dark, dirty appearance. A clogged filter will severely restrict fuel flow. Replacing a fuel filter is typically an inexpensive and simple task—just be sure to have a pan or rag handy to catch any spilled gas when you disconnect the old one.
Another often-overlooked component is the fuel cap. The cap has a small vent hole that allows air to enter the tank as fuel is used. If this vent becomes clogged with dirt or grass clippings, a vacuum lock can form inside the tank, preventing gas from flowing out. A quick test is to slightly loosen the gas cap and try to start the mower. If it starts and runs, you’ve found your problem. You can try cleaning the vent hole with a pin or simply replace the cap.
When the Carburetor is the Culprit
The carburetor is the heart of the fuel system, mixing air and gas in the perfect ratio for combustion. Over time, especially with old gas, the tiny passages and jets inside can become clogged with gummy residues. If your mower has been sitting for a long time, a dirty carburetor is a very likely suspect.
Before disassembling anything, you can try a simple fix. Locate the carburetor bowl—it’s the small, bulb-shaped metal cup on the bottom of the carburetor. Many models have a drain plug or a small nut on the bottom of this bowl. Placing a container underneath and opening this drain can allow you to flush out some of the sediment. You can also try using a carburetor cleaner spray, available at any auto parts store, directly into the carburetor’s air intake while trying to start the engine. Sometimes this is enough to clear a minor blockage.
For more stubborn clogs, you may need to remove and clean the carburetor. This involves taking it apart, soaking the components in a carburetor cleaner, and using a fine wire to clear out the jets. If this feels beyond your comfort level, or if cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire carburetor, as they are relatively inexpensive for most small engines.
Don’t Forget the Fuel Pump
While less common on basic push mower models, some riding lawn mowers and larger Craftsman equipment have a mechanical fuel pump. This pump uses pulses from the engine’s crankcase to draw fuel from the tank. If your mower has a fuel pump and you’ve ruled out everything else, a faulty pump could be the reason fuel isn’t reaching the carburetor.
To test it, carefully disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor end (with the spark plug disconnected!) and point it into a container. Have a helper crank the engine briefly. If you don’t see a strong, pulsing stream of fuel, the pump may need to be replaced. This is a more advanced check, so consult your mower’s specific manual for guidance.
Getting Your Mower Running Smoothly Again
By working through these steps methodically—from the gas tank to the carburetor—you’re likely to find the cause of your fuel delivery issue. The solution is often as simple as replacing a $5 fuel filter or cleaning the carburetor. The key is to start with the easiest and least expensive possibilities before moving on to more complex repairs.
To prevent this problem in the future, make it a habit to use a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store your mower for more than 30 days, and always try to run the mower until the carburetor is empty of fuel at the end of the mowing season. With a little bit of maintenance and these troubleshooting skills in your back pocket, you can ensure your Craftsman mower is always ready for the job.