Riding Mowers & Tractors: Why is my riding mower leaking oil or gas?
Check the oil level when the engine leaks oil. Drain oil to the full mark on the dipstick if you find the engine overfilled. A leaking head gasket or sump gasket can also cause oil leaks. Replace any damaged engine gaskets. If you notice gasoline stains on the pavement or garage floor, investigate the source of the leaking fuel. Rebuild or replace the carburetor if it leaks gas. Check the fuel pump for leaks and replace the pump if it's damaged.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR RIDING MOWERS & TRACTORS PROBLEM
Replace the riding mower carburetor assembly
The carburetor mixes gas with air before the fuel goes into the cylinder. If the gas/air mix isn't balanced, the engine won't start or the engine will run rough and stall when you try to drive the riding mower. A damaged carburetor may also leak gas. Replace the carburetor if it causes any of these symptoms.
Riding mower carburetor assembly
How to replace a riding lawn mower carburetor
When a lawn tractor engine surges or is hard to start, the problem could be a clogged or damaged carburetor. This DIY repair guide and video show how you can replace the riding lawn mower carburetor yourself.
Rebuild the riding mower engine carburetor
The carburetor mixes fuel with air to create a combustible mixture that enters the engine cylinder and ignites to drive the piston. Impurities in gasoline can clog the carburetor, preventing the engine from starting. Carburetor clogs can also cause the engine to run rough and the engine may stall when you try to drive the riding mower. Seals and gaskets in the carburetor eventually wear out and can leak gas. Use a carburetor rebuild kit to refurbish a clogged or leaking carburetor.
Rebuild the riding mower engine carburetor
How to rebuild a riding lawn mower carburetor
Does your riding lawn mower engine run rough or misfire? The carburetor might be clogged or worn. This DIY repair guide and video show how to rebuild the carburetor in a riding lawn mower in about an hour.
Replace the riding mower head gasket
If you notice an oil leak and your mower's engine can't reach normal operating speed or the mower struggles to climb a hill, the engine may have blown the head gasket. The head gasket seals the cylinder head to the top of the engine. Air leaking past a damaged head gasket reduces cylinder compression causing a loss of power. A blown head gasket leaks oil because the gasket doesn't seal the cylinder head mounting surfaces. Replace the head gasket if it leaks.
Riding mower head gasket
Replace the riding mower fuel pump
The fuel pump moves fuel to the engine from the fuel tank on the riding mower or lawn tractor fuel tank. If the engine won't start or quits after starting, the fuel pump might not be working. A cracked fuel pump leaks gasoline. Replace the fuel pump if it leaks or doesn't pump fuel to the carburetor.
Riding mower fuel pump
Most common symptoms to help you fix your riding mowers & tractors
Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.
Main causes: faulty battery, bad alternator...
Main causes: damaged cutting blade, worn deck pulley, damaged mandrel pulley, loose fasteners on mower deck components...
Main causes: damaged tie rods, bent or worn wheel spindle, worn front axle, damaged sector gear assembly...
Main causes: worn or broken blade belt, broken belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable failure, bad PTO switch, damaged ma...
Main causes: punctured tire or inner tube, leaky valve stem, damaged wheel rim...
Main causes: engine overfilled with oil, leaky head gasket or sump gasket, damaged carburetor seals, cracked fuel pump, ...
Main causes: clogged carburetor, damaged flywheel key, dirty spark plug, stale fuel, improper valve lash, engine needs a...
Main causes: shift lever needs adjustment, neutral control needs adjustment...
Main causes: worn or broken ground drive belt, bad seat switch, transaxle freewheel control engaged, transaxle failure, ...
Most common repair guides to help fix your riding mowers & tractors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.
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How to replace a riding lawn mower rear tire
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Effective articles & videos to help repair your riding mowers & tractors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor.
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