You pull the starter cord on your Craftsman lawn mower, and it turns over with a promising sound, but it just won’t catch and run. Or perhaps it sputters to life for a second before dying again. This frustrating scenario is a classic sign of a fuel delivery problem. Before you resign yourself to an expensive trip to the repair shop, know that the solution is often simpler than you think. Tackling a Craftsman lawn mower not getting fuel can be a straightforward process if you know where to look.
The journey of fuel from the gas tank to the engine is a simple one, but it has a few critical checkpoints where things can go wrong. A clog, a blockage, or a simple stuck part can halt the entire operation. The good news is that with a systematic approach, you can often diagnose and fix the issue yourself in under an hour. This guide will walk you through a simple diagnosis for a Craftsman lawn mower not getting fuel, starting with the easiest and most common culprits first.
The First Step in Your Craftsman Lawn Mower Not Getting Fuel: A Simple Diagnosis
Always begin with safety. Make sure the mower is on a flat, stable surface. Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent any accidental starts. Now, let’s trace the fuel’s path from the tank to the engine, checking each component logically.
Is There Actually Fuel in the Tank?
It might sound obvious, but it’s the most common oversight. Don’t just glance at the tank; if you have old fuel in there, it could be the entire problem. Gasoline that has been sitting for more than 30 days can degrade, forming a sticky varnish that clogs the entire fuel system. If the fuel is old or you suspect contamination, your first step should be to safely drain the entire tank and fill it with fresh, clean gasoline.
Checking the Fuel Line for Blockages
Follow the rubber fuel line from the bottom of the gas tank to the carburetor. Is it cracked, brittle, or soft and swollen? Squeeze the primer bulb (if your model has one) and feel for fuel moving through the line. If the line is damaged or you see no fuel movement, it needs to be replaced. To check for a clog, carefully disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor. Hold the end over a safe container and briefly open the fuel shut-off valve (if equipped) or see if fuel flows out by gravity. If no fuel comes out, the line or the tank’s outlet is blocked.
The Critical Role of the Fuel Filter
Most Craftsman mowers have an in-line fuel filter—a small, clear plastic cylinder in the fuel line. Its job is to catch dirt and debris, and over time, it can become completely clogged. Locate the filter and check its color. If it’s dark or you can see particles inside, it’s time for a new one. This is an inexpensive and easy part to replace. Simply pinch the clamps on either side, slide them back, pull off the old filter, and push the new one into place, ensuring the fuel flow arrow points toward the carburetor.
Don’t Forget the Fuel Cap
The gas cap isn’t just a lid; it 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 forms inside the tank, preventing fuel from flowing out. A simple test is to loosen the gas cap and try to start the mower. If it starts and runs normally with the cap loose, you’ve found your problem. Clean the vent hole thoroughly with a pin or a small wire, or simply replace the cap.
When the Problem is Inside the Carburetor
If you’ve confirmed that fresh fuel is reaching the carburetor, but the engine still won’t run, the issue is likely inside the carburetor itself. The most common internal problem is a clogged main jet or a stuck float. The main jet is a tiny brass nozzle with a precise hole that meters the fuel. Old, gummy gas can easily clog it. The float is a small plastic or brass component that rises and falls with the fuel level, opening and closing a needle valve. If it’s stuck in the closed position, no fuel can enter the carburetor bowl.
Cleaning the carburetor is a more advanced step, but it’s very doable. You can often solve the problem with a carburetor cleaner spray without even removing the carburetor from the engine. Locate the main jet (often accessible by removing the bowl nut at the bottom of the carburetor) and spray cleaner directly through it. For a more thorough cleaning, you may need to remove the carburetor, disassemble it, and soak the metal parts in a dedicated carburetor cleaning solution.
Key Takeaways for a Quick Fix
Diagnosing a fuel issue on your Craftsman mower doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By starting with the simplest possibilities—fresh fuel, a clear fuel line and filter, and a vented gas cap—you can solve the majority of problems without any special tools. If those components check out, a focused cleaning of the carburetor will likely get you back to a perfectly running machine. Remember, using a fuel stabilizer with every tank of gas and running the mower dry at the end of the season are the best ways to prevent these issues from happening in the first place.