Snapper has been delivering lawnmowers famous for their durability and performance for a long time. However, just like any other lawnmower, your Snapper lawnmower might fail to start someday if not properly looked after.

Snapper lawnmower starting problems. Troubleshooting with fixes

Most gasoline-powered Snapper lawnmowers might face trouble starting because of a damaged spark plug, a clogged carburetor, stale gasoline, sheared flywheel key, or a defective ignition coil. Electric-powered lawnmowers could have a problem with the starter switch or batteries that might prevent your lawnmower from starting.

Troubleshooting your lawnmower is easy and essential to increase the shelf-life and longevity of your equipment. Let’s discuss how to address troubleshooting these problems individually in your Snapper Lawnmower.

5 Major Factors Causing Starting Problems in Snapper Lawnmowers

Here are the major issues that can trigger starting difficulties in a gasoline-powered snapper lawnmower (be it riding or self-propelled). Adequate know-how about these factors and how to fix them can help you troubleshoot a lawnmower yourself.

1. Fuel Issues

Gasoline disintegrates into its by-products when left to stay in the fuel tank for more than 30 days. These by-products form a gummy or sticky substance within the fuel pipes and gasket that can impair the ability of the fuel to combust and run the engine.

Low-quality fuel can also create the same problems by producing large quantities of ethanol, which can clog the fuel delivery system. Hence, it is essential to use fresh fuel for your Snapper lawn mower and replace the fuel once every 30 days. Furthermore, fuel additives can also prove beneficial in preventing these problems.

2. Gummed Up Carburetor

A carburetor plugged with fuel residues is another frequent cause of starting issues with Snapper lawnmowers. Mixing air and fuel to produce an explosive mixture that drives the engine rests with the carburetor. The engine may not start if the carburetor is gummed up or blocked. 

To fix this issue, you should use a carburetor cleaner liquid or WD-40 and a tiny brush to clean the carburetor. Make sure all the jets are cleaned and unclogged thoroughly. The carburetor gaskets should also be examined and, if necessary, replaced.

3. Clogged Air Filter

A blocked air filter is another factor in Snapper lawnmowers’ starting issues. The air entering the engine might be reduced if the air filter is dirty or clogged with debris, making it challenging to maintain the airflow to the engine. 

Check and clean the air filter if necessary to resolve this problem. Replace it with a new one if it’s completely worn out or broken.

4. Blocked Fuel Cap

Did you know your Snapper lawnmower may have trouble starting if the fuel cap is blocked? The fuel cap or vent can get clogged with dust and debris over time, creating a vapor lock obstructing the appropriate flow of gasoline to the engine.

Hence, you must remove the fuel cap, clean it with a rag, and unclog any obstructions in the vent to resolve the problem.

5. Damaged Recoil

When the starter rope has not been used for a period, the recoil starter pulley coils it up. The recoil pulley cannot rewind the starting rope if it is damaged or jammed. The engine won’t start as a result. In this case, replace the recoil starter pulley if it is damaged.

 Snapper Riding lawnmowers:

Riding lawnmowers feature a more sophisticated drive mechanism. Therefore, the added complexity raises the maintenance requirements, and hence your lawnmower may need occasional troubleshooting if not well kept.

1. Riding Lawnmower Does Not Start?

Several factors can prevent a Snapper riding lawnmower from starting. Typical reasons include

• Fuel problems: Verify the gasoline level and quality by checking the fuel. Starting issues might be caused by gasoline that is polluted or old. Drain the old fuel if required, and then add new petrol.
• Spark Plug: Check the spark plug electrodes for signs of wear or damage. Replace the spark plug if it is fouled or damaged.
• Carburetor: An unclean or obstructed carburetor may make it difficult to start the engine. Make sure the fuel lines are unobstructed and the carburetor is clean.
• Start-up device: The starting motor may need to be changed if it is not engaging.
• Safety switches: Check the operation of safety switches, including the seat and blade engagement switches.

2. Riding Lawnmower Starts but Then Dies?

Consider the following troubleshooting techniques if your Snapper riding lawnmower begins functioning but suddenly stops

• Fuel system: Inspect the fuel system for any fuel line obstructions or a clogged fuel filter. If needed, change the fuel filter.
• Carburetor: Check the carburetor for dirt or other debris. Make sure the choke is operating correctly, and clean the carburetor.
• Ignition System: Check the ignition system, including the spark plug, ignition switch, and ignition coil, for any wear or damage. Replace any broken parts.
• Air filter: A clogged air filter increases the risk of an engine stall. If necessary, wash or swap out the air filter.

 3. Is Riding Lawnmower Smoking?

A Snapper riding lawnmower may start smoking for several reasons:

• Oil Level: Overfilling the oil or fuel gasket may cause the lawnmower to smoke. Excessive oil will increase combustion and dissipate smoke.
• Fuel Quality: Low-quality gasoline is often associated with depreciating the quality and functioning of the engine. It can lead to smoke emanating from the engine. High-grade high-octane and anti-alcohol fuels are the best to use.
• Air filter: Clogged or dirty air filters may cause the combustion gases to choke within the engine, causing the release of smoke. It is essential to keep the filters clean.

Continued smoke in the engine might lead to engine damage. For additional assessment and repair, seek the advice of an expert.

 4. Riding Lawnmower Runs Rough/Misfire?

One or more of the following problems might be present in a Snapper riding lawnmower that runs rough or misfires:

• Spark Plug: Check the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. Whenever required, swap out the spark plug.
• Ignition Coil: Check for wear or damage on the ignition coil and ignition switch in the ignition system. Replace any broken parts.
• Carburetor: A dirty or misaligned carburetor can result in jerky operation and misfires. The carburetor should be cleaned and adjusted by the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Fuel system: Check for any blockages or damage in the fuel lines, filter, and pump. Replace any broken parts.

 5. Riding Lawnmower Has A Dead Battery?

Except for recoil manual start push mowers, all riding lawnmowers need a battery to power the ignition coil. When a lawnmower battery is dead quite often, it is a sign that the battery cannot sustain charge anymore.

In case the battery of your riding lawnmower is dead, you need to start by checking its terminals for silt buildup that can impede its charging. Use a baking soda solution (2 cups water to 3 teaspoons of baking soda) to remove any corrosion you detect on your terminals. 

Followed by this cleaning and recharging your battery for some time, you need to check the battery terminals’ voltage using a multimeter. A measurement of around 12.7 volts is required. If your battery level is lower than this even after a full charge, it needs to be replaced.

Snapper Self-Propelled Lawnmowers:

Self-propelled lawnmowers are pocket-friendly, more maneuverable, and an ideal pick for trimming perfectly leveled fields. Apart from engine issues, the starting problems that can occur in these variants are commonly due to a misplaced recoil spring or a faulty pull cord.

1. Self-Propelled Lawnmower Engine Doesn’t Start?

• Fresh Fuel: If your self-propelled mower engine doesn’t start, first, ensure you have fresh petrol in your tank. Starting issues might also result from using old gas. Drain your fuel tank and replace it with fresh unleaded petrol if your mower still has last season’s gasoline. 
• Spark Plug:  Make sure the spark plug is in working condition.
• Brake: It can also be caused by starting the brake being activated. Before pulling, ensure the handle on the bar is in the down position.
• Jammed Spindle: This may also occur if grass strands are stuck between lawnmower blades, making turning it difficult. Make sure the blades are free to rotate before starting. Hence, Clear the underside of extra clippings with the mower off and the spark plug wire disconnected.

 2. Self-Propelled Lawnmower Pull Cord Doesn’t Work?

Pull cords on Snapper self-propelled lawnmowers may break down for several reasons. In this case, you must remove the blower housing on your lawnmower and inspect the pull cord and the recoil starter assembly.

• Recoil starter: Inspect the recoil starter assembly for signs of wear or damage. Repair any damaged components.

• Pull cord: Check the pull for fraying or other signs of deterioration. It could be necessary to replace the pull cord.

• Engine seizure: If the pull cord is challenging to draw or the engine won’t turn, the pistons might have been jammed in the cylinder, indicating an engine seizure. This can occur if the engine has been severely overheated or overrevved. An engine seizure is an engine failure requiring a complete overhaul or a replacement in most cases.

Snapper Battery Powered Lawnmowers:

Battery-powered lawnmowers require less upkeep and are prone to undergo lesser issues. Nevertheless, the starting problems in these machines are commonly due to battery drainage or a faulty starter switch.

1. Battery-Powered Lawnmower Doesn’t Start.

Although it’s not the primary cause of your Snapper mower not starting, the charging mechanism might play a role in a weak battery that keeps the mower from starting.

If the battery charging mechanism is faulty, stored potential inside the battery will not be enough to start your lawnmower. Sometimes, a loose or burnt starter switch can trigger starting problems.

The charging issue can result from a faulty charger, a charging port issue, or a loosely connected battery.Using a multimeter, check the connectivity of the starter switches.

2. Battery-Powered Lawnmower Shuts Down?

Your snapper lawnmower shuts down because of a faulty start switch, loose wirings, or connections. It is essential to check for rust or decay at the terminals and ensure any faulty switches must be replaced. 

In addition, battery-powered snapper lawnmowers might shut down due to fluctuating voltage from the battery due to damage to any inner circuitry. Some electric lawnmowers have a thermal switch that engages when the machine overheats. Hence, restart it again after it cools down.

If no other options work, getting the motor checked by the manufacturer is recommended.

Lawnmower Starting Problems

1. Gas-Powered Lawnmower Starting Problems

2. Corded Electric Lawnmower Starting Problems

3. Cordless Battery Powered Lawnmower Starting Problems

4. Robotic Lawnmower Starting Problems