Q: My lawn mower has been running sluggishly lately and is harder and harder to start. I replaced the gas and there was no improvement. Any idea on what could be wrong?
A: The first thing I would check is your air filter. It is common this time of year for air filters to become clogged with dust particles thus preventing appropriate air flow. This can gradually make your lawn mower sluggish and difficult to start. You will also want to check your spark plug to make sure the dirty air filter has not fouled (a thick varnish-like coating) the spark plug.
were is the air filter
Joe,
Generally, the spark plug is located on the front of the mower, the muffler on one side, and the air filter can be found on the opposite side of the muffler. It usually is behind a snap cover or held on by a wing nut. Let me know what model lawnmower you have and I can post a diagram for you.
I replaced my air filter, sparkplug, oil and oil filter. By John Deere L110 tractor mower still runs sluggish. If I try to let it idle in a lower setting, it dies on me.
Given the maintenance you have already done and your mower is still stalling at a low rpm, it is likely that you have an issue with your carburetor. The carburetor can get a build up of varnish from fuel breaking down. That will cause sticking and moving parts and clogging of small passageways in your carburetor. It is likely that you need to have your carburetor cleaned and rebuilt, or possibly replaced.
Give us a call if you would like to schedule a service time or need help ording a part.