DIY walk-behind mower repair
Don't let your grass grow out of control because your push lawn mower won't start, vibrates too much or doesn't cut well. Let Sears PartsDirect show you how to fix your gas mower with our troubleshooting tips and videos and step-by-step repair guides. (If you have a riding mower, check out our DIY riding mower & lawn tractor repair help.)
Preventive maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your walk-behind mower in good operating condition. Learn how to tune up a mower at the beginning of each season and how to replace the cutting blade to get the mowing season off to a good start.
If you pull the starter rope and nothing happens, watch our video for troubleshooting tips on why a lawn mower won't start to figure out what's wrong. If your push mower starts but won't move, there's a good chance the mower's drive system might be to blame. Get your mower moving again using the DIY tips in our video troubleshooting motion drive failures in a lawn mower.
If you have a different problem with your gas mower, check out our articles and videos page for additional troubleshooting tips. Once you find out what part to replace, our DIY repair guides give you detailed instructions to complete the job and get your lawn mower working again. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your gas walk-behind lawn mower, search for your model number.
Symptoms for gas walk-behind mowers
Choose a symptom to see related walk-behind mower repairs.
Main causes: damaged cutting blade, loose cutting blade, damaged flywheel key, engine needs tune up…
Main causes: uneven wheel height settings, damaged wheel, dull or damaged cutting blade…
Main causes: engine needs tune up, dirty or clogged carburetor, damaged flywheel key…
Main causes: drive control cable failure, worn or broken drive belt, bad transmission, broken drive wheel…
Main causes: stale gas, engine needs tune up, bad spark plug, dead battery, bad recoil starter, faulty safety switch, ba…
Main causes: dirty carburetor, bad spark plug, clogged air filter, engine choke problems, clogged gas cap vent…
Repair guides for gas walk-behind mowers
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your walk-behind lawn mower.
How to rebuild a lawn mower carburetor
The carburetor mixes air with fuel to drive the piston. Rebuild the carburetor if it's clogged or leaks.…
How to replace a lawn mower recoil starter on an OHV engine
Replace the recoil starter if it doesn't move when you pull the starter rope.…
How to replace a lawn mower front deck tray
Learn how to replace the front deck tray on your lawn mower if it's cracked or damaged.…
How to replace a lawn mower ignition coil on an OHV engine
Replace the ignition coil if it isn't sending electric current to the spark plug when you pull the recoil starter rope.…
How to replace a lawn mower drive belt
Learn how to replace the drive belt on your lawn mower if it's worn or broken and won't drive the mower.…
How to replace a lawn mower carburetor
The carburetor mixes air with fuel to drive the piston. Replace the carburetor if it's clogged or damaged.…
How to replace a lawn mower blade
Check your lawn mower blade regularly and replaced it if it's bent or damaged. …
How to replace a lawn mower drive cable
The drive cable engages the transmission to spin the drive wheels and move the mower across the grass. Replace the drive…
How to replace a lawn mower flywheel key on an OHV engine
The flywheel key couples the flywheel to the engine crankshaft. Replace the flywheel key if it's broken.…
How to replace a lawn mower spark plug
Take a few minutes to replace the spark plug during your lawn mower's annual tune-up or if the spark plug is burnt or cr…
How to replace a lawn mower transmission
Learn how to replace the transmission on your lawn mower if it's locked up or won't drive the wheels.…
How to replace a lawn mower wheel
Learn how replace a damaged wheel on a walk-behind lawn mower—it's a quick, easy fix.…
How to replace a lawn mower starter rope
These step-by-step instructions show how to replace a broken starter pull rope on a walk-behind lawn mower.…
How to replace a lawn mower flywheel key on a flathead engine
When you hit a hard object with your mower, the flywheel can shear to protect more expensive components. Learn how to re…
How to replace a lawn mower safety switch
The safety switch stops the engine when you release the lever on the handle. This repair guide explains how to replace i…
How to replace a lawn mower ignition coil on a flathead engine
If the spark plug doesn't fire when you try to start the mower, you could have a defective ignition coil. Follow these s…
How to replace a lawn mower recoil starter on a flathead engine
If the starter rope on your walk-behind lawn mower won't retract, replace the mower recoil starter assembly.…
Articles and videos for gas walk-behind mowers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your walk-behind lawn mower.
Keep these 5 things on hand so you’re ready to mow grass all season long.…
Learn what lawn mower repairs you can do easily by yourself.…
See a comparison of cordless lawn mowers and gas mowers so you can decide which is best for you.…
Learn about the top 10 must-have electric lawn & garden tools for 2023…
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Learn about a new feature added to the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Learn about the main parts of a lawn mower and when to replace parts.…
Learn how to fix your lawn mower when its engine surges…
Learn how to safely use starter fluid on a lawn mower…
Keep your lawn mower fuel fresh following these easy tips.…
Your lawn mower will last longer and run better if you take these steps before storing it for winter.…
Learn how a blade removal tool makes replacing the blade easier and safer…
Learn what do do if your started pull cord is stuck after tipping your lawn mower for maintenance or cleaning.…
Learn 3 tips to keep the underside of your mower deck grass-free.…
Learn about the different kinds of mower blades and how to maintain them.…
See how to tune up your mower once a year to keep it running well.…
A dull blade leaves grass tips tattered. Sharpen it several times a season. Here's how.…
A blade obstruction, bad recoil starter or locked-up engine can prevent the pull cord on your mower from working. See ho…
Check whether a clogged air filter, bad spark plug or contaminated gas is why your lawn mower won’t start.…
Find out how to test and fix problems with the spark plug, stop wire, ignition coil and flywheel.…
Find out whether a broken or disconnected drive cable is the reason why your lawn mower won't move.…
How often and tall you mow your lawn has a big impact on its health. Check out these 3 rules.…
Tired of mowing? Here's our tongue-in-cheek advice rendering your mower useless.…
It's easy to install a replacement wheel on your walk-behind lawn mower if the wheel is damaged. Just follow the steps i…
Do these 5 things this spring for a lawn that's healthier all summer.…
Prevent your mower deck from rusting by following our advice for keeping grass clippings from sticking.…
Learn more about your lawn mower from the answers to these often-asked questions about walk-behind lawn mowers.…