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Remington Lawnmower Starting Problems. Diagnose/Fixes

Remington produces a range of lawnmower products along with accessories and spares. Most of these lawnmowers use a gas engine, which makes them more prone to starting problems if not well-maintained. Let’s explore what problems you might encounter if your Remington lawnmower has starting problems and how to fix them.

Remington lawnmower starting problems:

If your Remington lawnmower doesn’t start or stalls shortly after starting, ensure the air filter is free from dust buildup, the carburetor isn’t choked with bad gas deposits, and the spark plug electrode hasn’t worn out. Check that the fuel tank vents are not blocked to prevent a vapor lock. If you have an electric Remington lawnmower that doesn’t start, check for blown fuses/tripped circuit breakers. For a battery-powered lawnmower, check the battery level and ensure the start switch isn’t faulty.

For a more detailed understanding of the causes of such problems, we will look into the various causes and fixes in more detail.

Gas Powered Remington Lawnmowers: How to Troubleshoot?

Most lawnmower products by Remington are self-propelled lawnmowers ranging from 100cc to 140cc petrol engines. Some riding Remington lawn mower models are also powered by a 16.5hp Briggs & Stratton gas engine.

When ethanol-blended fuel is used in these engines over a long period, it leaves behind sticky white residues that clog the fuel lines. This decreases the engine’s performance, after which it may become difficult to start. Let’s further discuss some of these engine performance-related issues:

1. Remington Lawnmower doesn’t start?

If a Remington lawnmower doesn’t start, verify that the fuel tank is full and no vapor lock exists. Clean the air filter from dust and the carburetor from fuel debris. Ensure that the spark plug is in good working condition.

– Fuel Tank:

If you face a fuel tank problem, the first thing to do is check that the tank contains enough gas. Check that the tank vents in the fuel cap are not clogged, as this can result in fuel vapors getting trapped inside.

Opening the fuel cap and hearing the sound of air coming out or in clearly indicates that the air vents are clogged. The buildup of vapor pressure triggers a vapor lock that prevents fuel flow to the engine. Clean the tank vents using a thin metal wire.

If the problem remains, proceed to the next step.

– Filters & Carburetor:

Check the condition of your air filter and clean it by rinsing it in hot water. Let it dry afterward and reinstall it on the mower. If your model uses a paper filter, it can not be cleaned, and needs to be replaced.

Besides checking and cleaning the air filter, the carburetor should also be cleaned thoroughly using a carburetor-cleaning liquid.

Doing this ensures that the engine’s air and fuel supply isn’t restricted due to debris buildup in the filters and the carburetor.

– Spark Plug:

Spark plugs ignite the combustion mixture in the engine via electrodes. Due to constant exposure to exhaust gases, the spark plug’s electrodes develop soot deposits and wear out over time. This causes a decline in spark intensity and affects the engine’s power output.

To inspect the spark plug, use a feeler gauge to determine the separation between the main electrode and the ground terminal. If the value exceeds the acceptable range of 0.035-0.07 inches (or 0.9-1.8 mm), set it to the correct distance.

If the spark plug looks dirty, clean it with a metal brush. If it looks bad or worn out, replace it.

2. Remington Lawnmower Starts but then Dies?

A stalling lawnmower indicates a decline in power output due to clogged fuel jets in the carburetor or a vapor lock in the fuel tank.

A lawnmower engine runs optimally on a certain air-fuel mix ratio (typically 14). If this ratio gets too lean (>16) or too rich (<10), the engine’s power drops significantly, and it may shut down under load.

– Air filter:

The air enters the carburetor from the air filter. When the filter’s mesh gets blocked with dust, the airflow gets affected, and the carburetor produces a fuel-rich mixture, which affects the engine’s performance. Check and clean the air filter to ensure unrestricted airflow to the engine.

– Carburetor:

The carburetor draws air and fuel mixed and fed to the engine after the throttle is pressed. The fuel jets of the carburetor tend to get choked due to white fuel deposits resulting from older gas blended with ethanol.

Due to this, the engine produces a lean fuel mixture, which causes a decline in power output. To clean the fuel jets, you may need to disassemble the carburetor and clean the float bowl and the nut using a carburetor cleaner spray of WD-40. Make sure all the fuel jets are cleaned thoroughly.

You can also clean the carburetor without removing it, check some other articles on this website for this. But my personal advice is to disassemble it and thoroughly clean it.

After cleaning, reassemble the carburetor and test the engine again. If the problem isn’t fixed, move to the next step.

– Vapor Lock:

Sometimes, vapor accumulation in the tank produces a vapor pressure that causes a drop in the fuel flow rate to the engine. This upsets the air-fuel mixture ratio. To fix this, open the fuel cap for a few minutes and allow the accumulated vapors to escape.

Check that the vents in the fuel gap are open. If needed, clean them with a thin metal wire. Ensure that the fuel tank vents are free from dust.

3. Remington Lawnmower is Smoking?

If your lawnmower is smoking, it’s either due to a faulty gasket or a blocked air filter leading to a fuel-rich mixture.

– Oil Leakage:

If you notice white smoke from your lawnmower, it’s due to oil leaking into the combustion chamber. It can be due to tilting the mower in the wrong direction or overfilling the oil tank. Sometimes, the gasket sealing the crankcase from the combustion chamber might get worn out.

In this case, you should consult a professional to get the gasket checked and replaced. As a precaution, always fill the oil tank up to 75% of the mark and ensure the mower is tilted with the air filter pointing upwards.

– Blocked air filter:

If black-colored smoke is observed from the exhaust, it’s due to unburnt hydrocarbons leaving the engine. This occurs when the air in the mixture is insufficient to burn the fuel completely, leading to an incomplete combustion.

To fix this, thoroughly clean the air filter using a soap-water solution.

Apart from these factors, bad quality fuel or an aging engine are also reasons your lawnmower is always smoking.

4. Remington Lawnmower Runs Rough/Misfires?

If your lawnmower runs rough or misfires, perform a complete tune-up, including cleaning the carburetor and the filter. Also, check the flywheel key and replace it if it’s sheared off.

To maintain performance, engine tune-ups should be performed several times over the engine’s life. This ensures that the debris produced by old fuel deposits is completely removed and the fuel lines provide an unrestricted flow to the engine.

A complete engine tune-up involves cleaning the fuel lines and filter, washing the air filter, spraying the carburetor with a cleaner spray, and inspecting/replacing the spark plug. This checklist should be a part of your engine maintenance routine so it keeps running seamlessly.

– Flywheel key:

The flywheel key couples the flywheel with the crankshaft. The flywheel has a magnet that induces current in the ignition module as the flywheel rotates across it. Hence, the coupling ensures that the spark is produced at the correct instant when the cylinder reaches the top dead center.

Whenever your lawnmower hits a hard object, the key can shear off to prevent load transfer to the crankshaft. As a result, the flywheel is decoupled, and the spark timing gets upset. A new key needs to be installed to fix the issue.

Remington Electric Lawnmowers: Troubleshooting Starting Problems.

Corded electric lawnmowers are quieter and have lesser maintenance demands than gasoline-powered mowers. The only downside is the limited range and the need for an extension cord.

When an electric lawnmower doesn’t start, here’s what can go wrong:

1. Electric lawnmower doesn’t start?

An electric lawnmower may not start if the circuit breaker is tripped or if the plug is loose. Use a multimeter to check for a faulty extension cord and check for or a defective start switch.

Please follow the steps below to troubleshoot the cause:

  • Check the plug and socket: First, ensure that the plug is correctly inserted in the socket and isn’t loose. Verify that the socket isn’t faulty using a voltage tester. Also, check that the power is available.
  • Remove the extension cord: If you’re using an extension cord, remove the plug from it and insert it directly into the main socket. Chances are that the extension could be faulty.
  • Check for blown fuses: After verifying the electrical connections are fine, check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers in the fuse box. In case of a tripped breaker, turn the switch back or replace the blown fuse if your house doesn’t have circuit breakers.
  • Start switch: The last thing to check is the start switch, which could have malfunctioned. You should test it using a multimeter set to resistance mode. If an infinite resistance is obtained after turning the switch on, the switch is defective and should be replaced.
  • Motor problem: If you feel that the motor is hot and doesn’t start, it could be that the overheating safety switch is triggered. Let it cool down, and try it again later.

If your device fails to start after troubleshooting using the above steps, ask a professional for help.

2. Electric Remington Lawnmower shuts down after starting?

Your electric lawnmower could shut down mid-operation if there’s a loose connection at the socket. It may also shut down if a power surge has tripped a circuit breaker.

In such situations, always double-check the electrical connections, as they are the most common reasons for shutdown. Whenever a lawnmower is overrevved, it draws a large amount of current from the AC mains, which can trigger a circuit breaker to trip and prevent a hazardous situation.

If the motor feels hot, it could be that the overheating safety switch has been triggered. Let it cool down, and try again later.

Besides these reasons, burnout occurring in the motor’s winding due to overrevving can shut the device down indefinitely. In this case, contact customer support to get it repaired.

Remington Battery-Powered Lawnmowers: How to Fix Starting Problems?

Cordless battery-powered lawnmowers use a Li-Po battery to power the electric motor. Contrary to corded variants, they aren’t limited by range and are much quieter and cleaner than gas-powered mowers.

1. Battery Powered Remington Lawnmower Doesn’t Start?

You should ensure that the battery is fully charged and correctly installed. Also, the safety switches should be disengaged.

The most common reasons for a Remington mower not starting are an empty battery, a loose/drained-out battery, or a faulty start switch. You can inspect the switch with a continuity test using a multimeter. In some cases, the user forgets to turn off the built-in safety switches that are designed to prevent anyone from accidentally starting the lawnmower.

If your battery is really old, it could be that it’s in bad condition. Even though it may look completely charged, it does not have enough power to make the motor work. Try another battery, or look for some professional assistance.

2. Battery-Powered Remington Lawnmower Shuts Down After Starting?

This could happen if the battery percentage has depleted or if the motor has overheated. Sometimes, the motor may shut down when the blades get blocked with debris.

If the lawnmower shuts down despite being fully charged, it’s due to an activated thermal switch in case the motor gets overheated. This inbuilt safety feature is designed to prevent burnout in the motor windings.

It would be best to check again after letting it cool down for 10-15 minutes. Also, check that foreign debris/grass clippings don’t obstruct the blades.

If your Remington battery is really old, the battery may be bad. And will only have enough power to make the mower work for a short time. Try another battery to see if this fixes the problem.

Lawnmower Starting Problems

1. Gas-Powered Lawnmower Starting Problems

S#
Problem
Causes
Fixes
1
Lawnmower doesn’t start
a. Empty fuel tank
b. Clogged carburetor
c. Air filter blocked with dirt.
d. Spark plug with worn-out electrodes
a. Before adding fresh, drain old fuel residues from the tank.
b. Inspect and clean the air and fuel filters from debris. Replace if necessary.
c. Disassemble and clean the carburetor using a carb. cleaner liquid.
d. Replace the spark plug if electrodes are worn out.
2
Lawnmower starts but then dies
a. Blocked air filter
b. Clogged carburetor jets
c. Vapor lock in the fuel tank
a. Clean the air filter using soap and water. Replace if needed.
b. Clean the carburetor jets from residues using a carb cleaner spray.
c. Clean the fuel tank vents to prevent a vapor lock.
3
Lawnmower is smoking
a. Oil leaking into the combustion chamber
b. Blocked air filter  
a. Avoid overfilling the oil tank.
b. Always tilt the mower with the air filter pointing upwards.
c. Check and replace worn-out gaskets.
d. Clean the air filter.
4
The lawnmower runs rough/misfires
a. Stale fuel deposits in the fuel system.
b. Broken flywheel key
a. Perform a complete tune-up involving cleaning the filters, carburetor, and fuel lines.
b. Replace the flywheel key.

2. Corded Electric Lawnmower Starting Problems

S#
Problem
Causes
Fixes
1
Lawnmower doesn’t start
a. Loose connection
b. Defective extension cord
c. Faulty start switch
d. Tripped circuit breaker
a. Ensure the connections aren’t loose and the socket is working.
b. Try plugging in directly without an extension cord.
c. Test the start switch using a multimeter and replace it if needed.
d. Reset the tripped circuit breaker.
2
The lawnmower shuts down during operation.
a. Loose plug at the socket
b. Tripped circuit breaker
c. Motor winding damage
a. Ensure the connection isn’t loose and the socket works.
b. Reset the circuit breaker or replace the blown switches.
c. Contact customer support to seek a replacement in case of motor damage.

3. Cordless Battery Powered Lawnmower Starting Problems

S#
Problem
Causes
Fixes
1
Lawnmower doesn’t start
a. Low battery
b. Faulty start switch  
a. Ensure the battery is fully charged.
b. Test the start switch for continuity using a multimeter.  
2
The lawnmower shuts down during operation.
a. Low battery
b. Overheating
c. Debris obstructing the blades  
a. Ensure the battery is fully charged.
b. Let the lawnmower cool down for 10-15 minutes and restart.
c. Clean the mower’s underside and remove any debris/grass clippings.

4. Robotic Lawnmower Starting Problems

S#
Problem
Causes
Fixes
1
Lawnmower doesn’t start
a. Disconnected boundary wire
b. Faulty power supply
c. Software update
d. Debris stuck in blades
a. Ensure the boundary wire is connected to the charging station.
b. The battery connections should be correct and the charging should be sufficient.
c. Keep the software up to date.
d. Remove any debris stuck between blades.
2
The lawnmower keeps shutting down mid-operation
a. Ensure the boundary wire is connected to the charging station.
b. The battery connections should be correct, and the charging should be sufficient.
c. Keep the software up to date.
d. Remove any debris stuck between blades.
a. Avoid mowing when the conditions are damp.
b. Resolve error messages on the display.

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  1. Wyatt Hill says:

    Excellent breakdown of the common issues with Remington lawnmowers and how to address them.

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you, Wyatt! I’m glad you found the breakdown helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance.

  2. Herman Carter says:

    This article is a lifesaver! I was struggling with my lawnmower, but now I know what to check.

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Herman! I’m glad the article was helpful for you. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

  3. Troy Fowler says:

    Great tips for keeping my lawnmower running smoothly!

    • Web Editor says:

      Thanks, Troy! Remember to clean the air filter, carburetor, and check the spark plug for any issues if you encounter starting problems with your Remington lawnmower. Happy mowing!

  4. Lewis Reynolds says:

    How often should I replace the spark plug on my Remington lawnmower?

    • Web Editor says:

      To maintain optimal performance, replace the spark plug in your Remington lawnmower every 100 hours of use or once a season. This will ensure efficient combustion and prevent starting problems.

  5. Pat Sutton says:

    Do I need any special tools to clean the carburetor on a Remington lawnmower?

    • Web Editor says:

      Yes, a carburetor cleaning kit and some basic tools are needed to clean the carburetor on a Remington lawnmower. Just remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a successful cleaning process.

  6. Brandie Chavez says:

    Is there a warranty on Remington lawnmowers?

    • Web Editor says:

      Yes, Remington lawnmowers typically come with a warranty. Be sure to check the specific details on the product you purchased.

  7. Adrian Alvarez says:

    How often should I clean the air filter on my Remington lawnmower?

    • Web Editor says:

      Hi Adrian, it’s recommended to clean the air filter on your Remington lawnmower every 25 hours of use, or more frequently if you notice it’s dirty. Regular maintenance will help prevent starting problems.

  8. Alvin Chapman says:

    Are there any video tutorials available for troubleshooting Remington lawnmowers?

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you for your query, Alvin. Unfortunately, we do not have video tutorials available at the moment. However, the blog post provides detailed troubleshooting steps for Remington lawnmowers. Hope this helps!

  9. Nellie Fields says:

    Can I store my Remington lawnmower outside?

    • Web Editor says:

      Yes, you can store your Remington lawnmower outside, but consider using a cover to protect it from the elements and keep it well-maintained to prevent starting problems.

  10. Timmothy Ford says:

    Will using a fuel stabilizer help prevent starting problems in a Remington lawnmower?

    • Web Editor says:

      Using a fuel stabilizer can indeed help prevent starting problems in a Remington lawnmower, especially if it’s run on ethanol-blended fuel. Ensure regular maintenance for optimal performance.

  11. Megan Andrews says:

    Very helpful information for anyone experiencing starting problems with their lawnmower.

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you, Megan! I’m glad you found the information helpful for your lawnmower starting problems. Feel free to reach out if you need more assistance with your Remington lawnmower.

  12. Ashley Bowman says:

    Great advice on maintaining the air filter and carburetor on a lawnmower.

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you, Ashley! I’m glad you found the advice helpful for maintaining your lawnmower’s air filter and carburetor. Happy mowing!

  13. Louise Howell says:

    What is the average lifespan of a Remington lawnmower?

    • Web Editor says:

      Louise, on average, a Remington lawnmower can last between 5-7 years with proper maintenance. Starting problems are often caused by issues with the air filter, carburetor, or spark plug.

  14. Leta Gray says:

    I’ll make sure to check my spark plug more often after reading this article.

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you for reading our article, Leta! Checking your spark plug regularly is a great maintenance tip for your Remington lawnmower. Keep up the good work!

  15. Erin Castro says:

    Thank you for explaining the reasons behind each starting problem and how to fix them.

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you, Erin! I’m glad you found the information helpful in troubleshooting your Remington lawnmower starting problems. Let me know if you need more assistance!

  16. Alberto Lane says:

    I never knew about the impact of using ethanol-blended fuel in lawnmowers, thanks for sharing.

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you, Alberto! I’m glad you found the information about ethanol-blended fuel impact on lawnmowers helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.

  17. Paula Spencer says:

    Can I use regular gasoline in my Remington lawnmower?

    • Web Editor says:

      Yes, you can use regular gasoline in your Remington lawnmower. Just ensure it’s free from ethanol to prevent engine performance issues. Check the air filter, carburetor, and spark plug for starting problems.

  18. Sylvia Caldwell says:

    Very informative, thank you for the detailed explanations.

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you for the positive feedback, Sylvia! I’m glad you found the explanations helpful. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy mowing!

  19. Ella Jordan says:

    How can I prevent my Remington lawnmower from constantly smoking?

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you for your question, Ella. Ensure the air filter, carburetor, and spark plug are clean and in good condition to prevent smoking issues with your Remington lawnmower.

  20. Renee Steeves says:

    I appreciate the step-by-step troubleshooting guide for different types of Remington lawnmowers.

    • Web Editor says:

      Thank you Renee! I’m glad you found the troubleshooting guide helpful for your Remington lawnmower. Let me know if you encounter any other issues.

  21. Mildred Anderson says:

    Are there any safety precautions I should take when troubleshooting my Remington lawnmower?

    • Web Editor says:

      To troubleshoot your Remington lawnmower, check the air filter, carburetor, and spark plug. Ensure fuel tank vents are clear to prevent vapor lock. For an electric model, check fuses and the start switch.

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