A riding lawn mower is a must-have for efficient and convenient lawn maintenance. But technical issues are bound to happen.
No matter how expensive the mower may be, you can never predict when the mower may stop working. That’s what happened to me when I tried to start my riding lawn mower after a month of staying in New York with my cousin, Sarah.
Now, you know what a month-old lawn looks like, so I wanted to get started immediately. But my lawn mower refused to move or make a sound. After a few more tries of starting the engine and moving the blades manually, I was sure that the engine had seized up.
While I was busy fixing it, I realized a lot more people could face the issue unexpectedly. Fret not because I’m here to help you out.
Howdy! I’m Stacy Smith, and I’ve curated a guide on how to tell if riding lawn mower engine is seized. There will be some maintenance and repair tips and tricks, so make sure you read till the end.
Shall we get started?
How To Tell If Riding Lawn Mower Engine Is Seized
Why Does The Engine Seize?
Before getting started, let’s talk about the root cause of the issue. Since the engine is the heart of a lawn mower, if it seizes up, your mower will not start. Knowing the reason behind a seized-up engine can help a great deal in preventing it from recurring.
Usually, when the lawn mower is left idle for a long time, especially during snowy months, the engine requires some fixing to start up. Lack of engine oil or oxidization of interior parts can also lead to a seized engine.
Thus, regular use and sufficient oil levels can save you from the trouble of fixing your lawn mower frequently. Plus, it increases the durability of your machine.
How To Detect An Engine Seizure
So, your riding lawn mower refuses to start. But, you are not sure where the problem lies. Here are some aspects you need to check to detect a seized mower engine.
1. Engine
Starting a riding lawn mower with an engine seizure often results in two cases. One, it produces loud gurgling noises for a short interval and shuts down. Two, the engine will not start at all. In fact, none of the parts will show even the slightest sign of functioning. Moreover, you might notice the cord being tightened and the blades getting stuck.
You can try pulling the throttle cable a few more times, but if the engine does not start, it is likely to have seized up.
2. Amount Of Oil
As mentioned before, lack of oil is the second most common cause of a malfunctioning engine. Since there won’t be any lubrication left for the pistons, they may jam and cause an engine seizure.
Grab a gas container and place it underneath the carburetor and drain the entire gas. Once empty, check the insides of the tank with the help of a flashlight. Check for any holes or cracks that can cause leakage. Remove any debris or accumulated wastes with a baster. Lastly, inspect the oil gauge for any deficit.
If you wish to refill the oil tank, ensure you don’t go overboard. Refer to the user manual of the mower in case of any confusion.
3. Engine Sound
Most of the time, a seized engine does not start at all. However, if you manage to start the engine, instead of its usual roar, you will hear gurgling noises, as if the internal parts are disintegrating. Even if it’s the first time your mower engine has seized up, trust me, you’ll be able to tell just by the sound.
4. Piston Cylinders
Jammed piston cylinders in the internal compartment are the main cause of an engine seizure. Usually, when you leave your riding lawn mower untouched during snow and rain, the moisture reaches the engine and damages the valves and seals. This, in turn, frees the piston and wastes the oil.
Further, the piston gets jammed in the cylinder and stops energy production in the combustion chamber. Thus, there is no movement in the internal parts, causing the engine to seize up.
You can remove the seat and the engine head to check the internal components of the engine. Remember to remove the spark plug beforehand to prevent any mishaps.
5. Quality Of Fuel
Another reason for a failed engine could be the use of poor quality fuel. If that’s the case, the crude oil is likely to clog the chamber and cause the malfunctioning of pistons. That’s why I always recommend buying the best quality oil. A few extra bucks can help get many more years of use out of your riding lawn mower.
6. Blades
The blades of a riding lawn mower with a seized engine will be jammed, thus making them difficult to rotate. You can try turning the blades manually, but you are highly unlikely to succeed.
The mower blades get stuck when the internal machinery locks up. Instead of causing movement in a lawn mower, stuck blades bring the engine to a grinding halt.
Importance Of Safety Measures
Although I suggest getting a professional for fixing an engine seizure, if you’ve got experience with tools and wires, you can try your hand at it. However, I urge you to prioritize your safety by wearing gloves and goggles before you start opening up different parts of the lawn mower.
According to statistics, riding mowers are more dangerous than push mowers as they can get imbalanced easily. Even if the mower has stopped working or is unplugged, it is best to stay safe than sorry.
Final Words
That’s all for today, folks!
I hope this brief yet informative guide helped you learn a thing or two about seized engines and how to identify them. Regular use and maintenance should keep your riding lawn mower in good shape, so try to use it once every two weeks. Other than that, storing it properly, especially during harsh weather conditions, will help bring out its best performance.
With that, I’ll be signing off now. Stay tuned for more such informative reads.
Till then, stay safe!