- Lawn Mower Engine.
Always fill the tank with fresh gas. If your gas is even a season old, it needs to be replaced with fresh fuel. Try starting your mower with fresh gas after priming the carburetor and that may fix the problem. If you are sure there is fresh gas in the tank, prime the carburetor per the manufacturer's directions and pull the cord a few times. The mower should at least fire or "pop" after several pulls, and if it does not, the spark plug has gone bad and needs to be replaced. Ideally, a spark plug should be replaced before the start of every mowing season.
Other things to check are fuel shut-off valves on the gas tank or the gas lines, which need to be turned on to supply the carburetor with gas; the throttle, which should be moved into the choke position each time you start your mower from a cold start; and the emergency shut off handle which needs to be pulled and held on the main handle, or the mower will not fire. Lastly, check the wire on the spark plug to make sure it is secure and tight. - Lawn Mower Blades.
If the mower cuts erratically or if there is a major vibration when cutting, it usually means that either the blade has been damaged or the driveshaft may have become bent.
In many cases, rocks, stumps, tree branches or other objects can damage or bend the blade, causing it to go out of balance. Filing or grinding a blade in an attempt to get it back into balance may work if there are only minor dings or dents, but anything more than minor damage will warrant a blade replacement.
The top blade pictured is severely damaged and will need replacing by the blade beneath it.
A blade will wobble if not tight, so make sure the center nut holding the blade in place is secure, as well as the bolts holding the engine to the deck.
If vibration persists after a new blade has been correctly installed, chances are the blade drive-shaft has been bent. This problem will require professional repair or replacement of the driveshaft.
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