Lawn Tractor Won't Start? Try This Easy Free Fix!

Lawn Tractor Won't Start? Try This Easy Free Fix!
Lawn Tractor with Briggs and Stratton engine hard to start or won't fire up at all? Watch as I show you this simple repair to make it start like a new machine again!
This fixes a problem that originated from the factory!
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
I have the largest Small Engine Repair Video Library on KZbin and the entire internet with over 1200 videos, just GOOGLE "DONYBOY73"!
I want "DON THE SMALL ENGINE DOCTOR" on KZbin to save you time, frustration and most importantly, MONEY with my HOW-TO videos!
Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #db73 #smallenginerepair #howto

[@donyboy73]

Watch my video on how to fix a lawn tractor that pops and backfires here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ6ngWh_qK1rnK8

[@casejasnoch2533]

How many hours do you think is to much on a mower like this?

[@Diver830ft]

My neighbor brought me his jd 300 series. It won’t start. It has no spark. Plugs are fine. Coils look good and I cleaned them up. It turns over, but no spark. I’m thinking safety switches are next. He had bypass the seat switch but what and where do I locate the hidden switches?

[@immyjay54]

Good morning, Yesterday I was going to mow. Gee, my mower wouldn't start. Fooled with it most of day. Read this article about the choke but didn't think I could do it. I'm 73+ years and can't get up and down very well. Well I looked at your video again this morning, went to the garage and within 15 minutes had the hood of, choke tightened, jumped mower and boom, started right up. God bless you my dear friend. I'm so happy right now. The only down side is that it rained almost all night and morning so it is to wet to mow. LOL Again, thanks soooo much for this info.

[@station-wb4izc]

Thank God we have people like you who don't mind sharing their knowledge with those of us who don't mind learning new skills. Your channel is great!

[@donyboy73]

just pinned your comment to top of comments

[@waltpartymiller6802]

Agreed, you really do a great service, Dony. Thank you!

[@dwoodog]

I agree, whoever says info on the net is a bunch of balogne is looking in the wrong spot.

[@dagrote1]

@@dwoodog That's the truth! Exactly two days after I watched this video, I got a call from a friend whose John Deere riding mower was hard to start. You guessed it. It was slack in the choke cable. Now it starts in fewer than 2 seconds. He couldn't believe how expertly I made the repair. All I said was, "Eh, sometimes you get lucky," but I know if Donnie hadn't posted this video, I'd still be staring at it after three hours of fruitless effort.

[@jaxenkarter4038]

i guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the account password. I would appreciate any help you can give me

[@fava7753]

Like how you explain things in a easy calm way , no over explanation just straight to the point . With experience and wisdom . Keep up the excellent work and content . Exactly how it should be done .

[@dagrote1]

As Aristotle said in his Metaphysics, a sign of true mastery of a subject is the ability to teach it.

[@Al-tl2ov]

Several years ago I was having a hard start with my John Deere mower, it took some time but I found I was having the same problem shown in your video. Your video is going to help a lot people in the future with this fix, thanks for sharing.

[@ryankincade1158]

I have this exact mower. I have had this issue for two years. This is exactly what was wrong with my mower. Huge thanks!!!!

[@manonfire3642]

This is why donyboy73's channel is so important. Thanks for all the invaluable info.

[@stevepelino5986]

Another great example of how and why to start with the easy fixes first. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@BlueSun2]

This is the way an informational video should be made, quick and concise! Good job and thank you!

[@Johngreful]

Just was ready to have my tractor hauled to shop. Found this video. Fixed in 10 minutes. Thanks very much.

[@livemikeradioshow9868]

I've got to thank you, fixed the choke and it started instantly. There was so much dirt caked around the spring that it kept the choke closed. Cleaned the dirt off the spring and it works like as it should.

[@kyahgirl1360]

Thank you! This freaking tractor just cranks and cranks until the battery dies. I tried your choke adjustment and it fired up like a wild thing! Yay.

[@lonamurray7361]

It starts !! Thanks so much. Fixed our problem. Appreciate you sharing this info

[@lamboya]

Thank you sir! 4 years later and still helping people.

[@jeannebergin4136]

Thank you! Just like you said in a matter of minutes it’s running. I called Lowe’s to come get this brand new tractor they dropped off but wouldn’t start. God bless you today in a special way❤️

[@tc3603]

Your customers are lucky to have you dony.I hope they appreciate an honest mechanic like you

[@01968752]

Fixed my Husqvarna lawn tractor with Briggs & Stratton 22hp Intek for sure! I was so tired of having to use carb spray to get it started. Sure enough, the cable need to be adjusted. The choke actually works now and it starts right up! Thank you.

[@marg4229]

There isn't anyone who fixes these things in my remote location so need to do it all myself. I've been fixing and doing maintenance on my own 21hp, 46" deck, Craftsman for 11 years now with help from people like you. This year I will put in a fuel shut off valve for the heck of it. I often have about 3 issues each season and last year didn't have one so figured I was going to have fun this year. First thing this season, I had to replace the battery - so glad it wasn't the starter! I've replaced and diagnosed so many issues on my own tractor that guys even come to me in desperation to help them. Thanks for helping me with another thing to check.

[@HallNeedsaRose1]

These tutorials would make a great television show. Every home owner has these same basic lawn and garden machines along with the breakdowns. Most of us not only delight in saving money but enjoy the gratification of repairing our own equipment. Thanks donyboy for making this happen and hope to see you on T.V. someday.

[@johnnymckissick6928]

This guy is a blessing. This was a problem I had and never knew it. Thank God for you and for KZbin fix it people!

[@johnrussel4483]

It’s almost magic. I have been cranking that engine for more than 30 seconds on every cold start since countless years and suddenly while looking for a way to prime the start, I fall on your video! It’s like winning a contest. So many thanks to you !!!

[@donyboy73]

you need to buy a lottery ticket!

[@michaelpacifico646]

OMG! I had this ride on mower that was a pain to start for 3 years. One day I couldn’t get it to turn over. Came across your video and since my mower is very similar to the one in the video I had high hopes. Five minutes later the mower started better than it ever had before. Great video. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@southerlandstation]

I had tried several things,but nothing worked till I saw your post.I tried moving the throttle cable like you showed and now my mower starts like a champ.Thanks so much.

[@vitex1231]

For YEARS, I have had a difficult time starting my Husqvarna riding mower. Thanks to this video, it now starts immediately. Thank you!

[@yahwada]

Thanks for this video, I was ready for the worst and was so pleased that it's such an easy fix. Thanks for making this well-done video. Good job.

[@YouberTuber1000]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This is exactly my tractor and exactly my problem...and now it's fixed, thanks to you. It took me all of 5 minutes. I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to do this video!!

[@barbarazuazua3927]

I'm new to lawn tractors and I just got one at the end of last summer, used. I needed a refresher on how to cold start and understanding the choke. I'm glad I looked at this! Not only did you clear up my confusion, you taught me how it actually works! Thanks for a clear and brief explanation!

[@hilltopfamilyfarm1978]

I have been having this hard start problem for three or four years on my craftsman mower and nothing I had tried helped. I just found this video today sept.29 2022 and this was what my problem was. I adjusted the cable and it fired right up. Thanks Dony.

[@cuonu2b]

This adjustment of the choke cable corrected the chronic no start problem we were having with our Craftsman T3200 riding mower. Thank you for sharing this fix.

[@hboyd5700]

Boy, I really appreciate you. I had a brand new craftsman would not start unless I put ether to it. Watched your video this is a simple fix it fixed my problem

[@chuckabbate1264]

This was exactly what was wrong with my Craftsman mower and it made me crazy for 9 years because it was so hard to start when cold!!!!! Your fix made this thing like a completely different new mower. It starts right up now. Amazing, thank you so much. Chuck

[@mattelliott5255]

This video just saved me. I have been fighting my mower for several years starting it cold. Five minutes of work and now it fires right up every time. Thank You!

[@robertvance01]

I just want to thank you for your video because my Snapper was difficult to start from day one. I followed your instructions and that solved my problems. Thank you.

[@hughdalziel7490]

Thanks!

[@donyboy73]

Thank you for your support!

[@PirateAndArmadaCo]

4 years later and you might have saved me a days worth of frustration on a recent CC Xt1 i got used for cheap

[@kan815k]

It doesn't cost anything - just a knowledge. Thanks to KZbin we have Donyboy Keep up the work 👍

[@davemarks7322]

Clear, concise video...I watched it even though I don't own a lawn tractor. I watch the rest of your vids just because I like your style.

[@atercero333]

Thank you for publishing this easy to follow video. It saved me calling the tractor repair company and charging me $400 for a home visit. So easy to fix! 👍

[@TonyMontana-tm7ul]

Thank you. I fixed my daughter's today thanks to your video.

[@Zoetherat]

Amazing! I didn't expect to find a solution from youtube so quickly, but my lawnmower started right away. It's always been difficult to start, and this is apparently why.

[@exinanition2307]

Thank you, Donyboy! You are truly a blessing to all your viewers!

[@FendergtrJam]

Thank God I found this video of yours last week I installed a new throttle kit and a full tune up and I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out my jhon deare riding D130 wont start problem lol I'm going outside in a bit hopefully I'll be mowing today Thank's DOC. 😎👍🤙

[@brianbanks8264]

What a simple fix.... probably one of the easiest things to do but a the average consumer would never know this...thanks for pointing this out...great job

[@kenadams7958]

Thanks for the update it solved my problem

[@billmaris5958]

Thank you tractor was left outside for 3 years would turn over just like you said but wouldn’t fire or start adjusted the choke and started like new first try thanks again

[@mikem264]

This fix works, when I purchase my mower 3 years ago the delivery people told to turn the key for 5 seconds then wait 5 seconds and turn again. After 3-5 times of doing this the mower would start. Thank you again the mower now starts with first key turn.

[@stonedboris2715]

just the knowledge I've gained about the choke in such a short time is a reason to subscribe

[@Radiocom100]

Just saw this video I have a snapper ST2046 it is just like yours, except mine has a spring on the bottom of the chock rod. I did what you said and heard the choke close, WOW!!! it started for the first time with the choke, I have been priming the carb., for 3 year to get it started. Thanks.

[@ChrisMillerCrazyHouse]

I tried it out. It seemed like my choke was fully engaged before but I made that small tweek and the moter started instantly. Thanks for the info.

[@nelsonbrann9592]

Thanks so much for this tip. I have tried everything including buying new carb, fuel pump, new fuel lines etc. When I did your tip it cranked right away and even ran better. Thanks again

[@Fishpotatogames]

I have a T100 m0wer. The choke mechanism is slightly different, however this was precisely the problem. I was worried that I broke it somehow but I fully engaged the choke and it started right up. Thank you so much!

[@polity1971]

even after two years, you are helping us out with this video. Thank you.

[@towncar302]

This tip was very helpful! I bought a Simplicity Regent in 2015, and it has always been difficult to start. I watched this video, adjusted the throttle cable, made sure the choke fully engaged, and it starts like a champ every time! Thanks donyboy73!

[@crackpotfox]

Thank you! Earned huge brownie points with the Father in law by fixing his cold start issue. No more ether!

[@TheGafletch067]

It took three times but finally got the adjustment right. Started up. Thanks. I had repairmen say, replace the diaphragm, use carburetor cleaner, additives, etc. But this fixed it.

[@donnadeegan2582]

I can't thank you enough for this video! After struggling with this problem for the last 3 years, you fixed our problem in less than 5 minutes. My husband can finally stop swearing now 😉. You get right to the point, explain things very well and give great step by step instructions. Now, if we can just get the darned generator to start 😉. Thanks again

[@hosocat1410]

I have that same engine on my husqvarna, and that is exactly how it behaves. Thanks for the tip!

[@mathieugauthier3205]

Holy crap, It worked! My lawnmower was difficult to get started in summer ans nearly impossible when it’s getting colder outside. Now it start immediately. Thanks!

[@hidalguense11]

Man! I been trying for weeks to start my mower and your video made me start in just 10 seconds you are a genius .! Muchas gracias amigo!

[@rodneybrand8521]

Thanks again donyboy..I've been seeing this for years and yes it's coming from the mower plant itself..and its not just briggs and stratton either ..had a few kohlers too..

[@mikespain8655]

Yep, set up wrong from the factory. Poor quality control.

[@gpetitto]

Thank you for this! My 11 year old Ariens lawn tractor with the same engine was a bear to start the last few years. It wasn’t right even from the beginning now that I think back. This was the fix I needed. Super easy too. Starts like a champ now!

[@robertwhite7541]

Had the problem worsen since the mower was brand new. Now it's FIXED! THANK YOU DON!!!

[@hughdalziel7490]

Well this little gem worked out well for me ....totally fixed the starting issue on my Craftsman with a BS 26HP . Thank you sooooo much this is one of those oh my God moments after 4 years of cursing.what an easy fix!

[@philmoore71]

The BIGGEST THANK YOU!!!! My choke didn't seem to have any slack but i just rocked the connection a couple of times.... & 1 hr later i am back here saying tks... after mowing :)

[@RonBomb]

Thank you so much! Been searching for days and no one was talking about the choke until you!!

[@HeronCove99]

Thanks so much.. your video pointing out a choke concern was right on the money.. the battery was strong..but just wouldn't turn over.. Did as you suggested and GOT the mower started and in the shed for the winter BiG relief

[@anthonygostling]

Very good advise so many out there that don't know what a choke does, and like you say, something to check before you ring the service shop, nice video.

[@EdmCaper]

You saved my sanity! For days been trying to get my tractor started . Thought it was spark plugs ... Nope. I was at my wits end until I seen this video. Worked like a charm! Thanks a lot

[@christfollower1768]

EXCELLENT video 🇺🇸

[@elgallotony9923]

Thank you so much, this was what was exactly the problem with my mower. You saved me a bunch of time trying to troubleshoot it and finding out what the problem. I adjusted the cable and bam it cranked up within seconds. Thank you so much!!

[@NL-DIYer]

I can't thank you enough for this video. I've struggled with this issue for almost 10 years on this tractor right out of the box. There was a lot more play in my situation but your quick and inexpensive fix was right on the money. Keep up the great videos, they are quite helpful.

[@howardhughes9311]

Don, this is a great video. Cold Carbs always need the choke engaged for starting. It's so simple and should be small engine class 101. I learned this in 1974 when starting my 1969 ford e150 every winter morning before heading off to high school.

[@Dreoc]

After ten years of starting with starter fluid, this did the trick. Oh, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Great video and it worked as a five minute fix! Fantastic!

[@liljoeii6091]

I had a friend's Craftsman tractor do the same thing this is going on about 7 years ago he passed away but every time he would try to start it flood out and he would need another spark plug to put in it cuz the plug was so full of fluid.Thank you for setting some light on it and thank you for the video

[@LarryBumgarner79]

This was the fix for my Craftsman riding mower. Thanks for posting.

[@jayvenjaramillo2914]

Thanks just bought this lawn mower yesterday it will start with starting fluid but not on it own going to check the choke now

[@neilstern7108]

I have had this problem since buying it used, thanks im sure this is my problem. Thanks went out to my mower and did what you said and it pops right over. Had this problem for 6 or 7 years. Too much your the only one so far to point this out.

[@skylineauraearthline8204]

Very clear concise professional easy to understand presentation appreciate the content letting viewers learn without being condescending very valuable information for the people thank you

[@donyboy73]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimbohnenkamp5082]

I have nearly the same model Craftsman, and I put up with this for almost 10 years. I had a repairman out when it was in warranty, and apparently he didn't tighten the choke linkage well enough because it eventually went back to being loose. It was guaranteed that I would need to recharge the battery several times a year because the engine had to crank so long before gas could start the engine without the closed choke. I could not find the solution until this year, and now I no longer have to sit until the thing wants to start. I'm so happy.

[@Mjh-mh7vj]

Dude, after watching video I made adjustment and my mower started right up. I was getting frustrated as well and about to call a small engine repair place. Thanks for the video, great stuff. Subscribed.

[@sasha95dog]

Thank you for sharing this video I had the same problem with my same exact mower but a 24hp for years had to use starting fluid to get it started every time I went to use it no matter what time of year it was, it would start after running and shutting it off and restarting but would have to use starting fluid again after sitting not being used for one day. I put some gas in the tank and I did what you instructed in your video and it started with no starting fluid after sitting for months all winter. Thank you, a less frustrated tractor owner!

[@danhardy8813]

You just saved me from a big headache. This was the troubleshooting trick that I needed and it worked!

[@RoastMcGhost]

I cant believe how easy that was. I have been trying to start my craftsman for weeks, not really knowing anything about engines. I dont even have that screwdriver, I just jammed a piece of wood under there and boom, started up instantly. THANK YOU! I will fix it for real once I can borrow one of those drivers.

[@garyf3693]

Thank you Thank you Thank You! This very hard start has been bothering me for some time. It took longer to find the torx screw driver than to fix the problem. I truly appreciate you sharing this solution with us.

[@Tripple_Alpha]

Been scratching my head on this problem for the last 3 years! You the man! Thank you!

[@rufust3553]

So glad you left this video up and I was able to find it. My girlfriends mother's mower has had this problem since she bought it. After so much aggravation and countless trips to the shop, thanks to you I was able to finally fix it in less than 5 minutes even. Thank you so so much!

[@stans5270]

I wish that you had this video two years ago. It would have saved me some time. I have a slightly older 20HP one. The problem is that the carburetor linkage travel is shorter than the operator throttle linkage travel. When you pull down the linkage to idle too hard it will eventually change the cable position, causing hard starting. If Craftsman put hard stops on the operator's lever, the problem of the cable moving would be eliminated.

[@Jayfe]

Thank you so much for the informative video! My Toro Timecutter (fairly new)has always had some hesitation starting. Tightened the choke line a little and it worked! Starts immediately and doesn’t struggle! Didn’t need to have it serviced. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@spconn3867]

Great Video & advice. Did my tractor & it starts much quicker now. Took me only 5 minutes. Took longer to find a Torx24 Screwdriver.

[@yohannesestifanos9048]

Thank you so much people like you are blessed! God bless you!

[@aunttriciaattic]

Thank you so much I have had this problem from the beginning when we purchased it I will try this tomorrow and get back with you and let you know.

[@larryschneider4762]

Great video, I have fought this problem for several years. Thank you

[@donyboy73]

Glad it helped

[@okde1875]

This guys knowledge about small engines is just mind blowing thanks Don for sharing

[@jimmysapien9961]

He A modern day Genius 💡💡💡

[@angelaprater2679]

I have this the exact lawn mower and that is exactly what it a doing. Can t thank you enough. Bless you and yours.

[@markgoodman218]

OMG I want to thank you. I was about to take my mower back to the dealer. I watched the video went out did the adjustment a BAM it starts. Thank you

[@donyboy73]

make sure you're subscribed!

[@michaelpalumbo6981]

Donnyboy, excellent video how to’s… you need to get a tv channel to support you and your knowledge, it would help out a lot of us diy’s , your right to the point, no babbling ( like others do) and I know I’m not the only one who really appreciates your self help videos. Thanks a million, keep up the great work. You saved me another trip to the local tractor shop

[@juliecain978]

Thanks! this video help me and my dad fix our mower. Your instructions were clear and easy to understand.

[@parkermah5458]

Thanks! Worked like a charm for my Craftsman riding mower!!!!!

[@davidfrank2824]

I never would have tried to adjust that choke the way you did. That is a amazing trick. I probably would have been taking everything apart to try to figure it out and still would have not do what you did. Thanks for the great information.

[@donyboy73]

Glad you liked it!

[@gretchengund8375]

I was having this exact problem and moving that cable about 1/4 of an inch solved it. Starts right up again. Thank you so much!