April 20, 2023

Walk-behind lawn mower repair guides

If your walk-behind lawn mower won't start, the engine runs rough or the mower doesn't cut grass like it should, learn how to fix it by following the steps in these DIY repair guides and videos. Our lawn mower repair help covers major brands, like Craftsman, Poulan and Snapper. Search your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts, then order the part you need.

gas-walk-behind-mower

Repair guides for Repair guides common to all 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
March 01, 2016

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower recoil starter on an OHV engine
March 01, 2016

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower front deck tray
March 01, 2016

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower ignition coil on an OHV engine
March 01, 2016

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower drive belt
March 01, 2016

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower carburetor
March 01, 2016

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower blade
March 01, 2016

How to replace a lawn mower blade

Check your lawn mower blade regularly and replaced it if it's bent or damaged. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower drive cable
March 01, 2016

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…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower flywheel key on an OHV engine
March 01, 2016

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower spark plug
March 01, 2016

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…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower wheel
April 01, 2013

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower starter rope
April 01, 2013

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower flywheel key on a flathead engine
April 01, 2013

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…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower safety switch
April 01, 2013

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…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a lawn mower ignition coil on a flathead engine
April 01, 2013

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…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Symptoms for gas walk-behind mowers

Choose a symptom to see related walk-behind mower repairs.

Main causes: dirty carburetor, bad spark plug, clogged air filter, engine choke problems, clogged gas cap vent…

Main causes: stale gas, engine needs tune up, bad spark plug, dead battery, bad recoil starter, faulty safety switch, ba…

Main causes: uneven wheel height settings, damaged wheel, dull or damaged cutting blade…

Main causes: drive control cable failure, worn or broken drive belt, bad transmission, broken drive wheel…

Main causes: engine needs tune up, dirty or clogged carburetor, damaged flywheel key…

Main causes: damaged cutting blade, loose cutting blade, damaged flywheel key, engine needs tune up…

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.

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to sharpen a lawn mower blade

How to sharpen a lawn mower blade

A dull blade leaves grass tips tattered. Sharpen it several times a season. Here's how.…

Lawn mower won't start troubleshooting video: can't pull recoil pull cord

Lawn mower won't start troubleshooting video: can't pull recoil pull cord

A blade obstruction, bad recoil starter or locked-up engine can prevent the pull cord on your mower from working. See ho…