You dust off your Craftsman lawn mower after a long winter, fill it with gas, and… nothing happens. This is a classic problem for homeowners everywhere. The good news? Most Craftsman mowers that won’t start after winter storage are brought back to life with a few simple checks and some basic maintenance. Here’s exactly what to look for, how to fix it, and how to avoid this problem next spring.
Quick Picks: Most Common Reasons a Craftsman Mower Won’t Start After Winter
- Old, Stale Gas: Gas left in the tank or carburetor over winter goes bad and won’t ignite properly.
- Dirty or Clogged Carburetor: Old fuel turns to varnish and gums up jets and passages, stopping fuel flow.
- Fouled or Old Spark Plug: A plug that sat all winter with carbon or fuel residue won’t fire well.
- Clogged Air Filter: Dust and debris may have settled in, restricting air and making starting tough.
- Dead Battery (on electric start models): Batteries often discharge over winter and can’t crank the engine.
- Old Oil: Dirty, sludgy oil can trigger a safety shutoff or make the engine harder to turn over.
- Rodents/Debris: Occasionally, critters or their nests block the air intake or chew wires during storage.
Buyer’s Guide: What You’ll Need for a Post-Winter Tune-Up
- Fresh gasoline (never more than 30 days old)
- Carburetor cleaner spray
- Socket set and wrenches (for spark plug and air filter access)
- New spark plug and air filter
- Battery charger or replacement battery (if electric start)
- Oil and oil pan (for oil change if needed)
- Work gloves and safety glasses
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start Your Craftsman Mower After Winter
1. Drain Old Gas and Add Fresh Fuel
- Use a siphon or carefully tilt the mower to drain out all old gas from the tank and carburetor.
- Refill with fresh, clean gasoline—this is often enough to get things going.
2. Clean or Replace the Spark Plug
- Remove the spark plug and inspect it for carbon, oil, or damage.
- Clean with a wire brush or replace with a new plug (recommended for spring start-up).
- Ensure the plug wire is snapped on tight.
3. Inspect and Replace the Air Filter
- Remove the filter and check for dirt, dust, or rodent nests.
- Replace with a new filter if dirty; a clean filter lets your mower breathe easy.
4. Check and Charge the Battery (Electric Start Models)
- If your mower has an electric start, the battery likely lost charge over winter.
- Charge the battery overnight; replace if it doesn’t hold a charge.
- Clean terminals and make sure all connections are tight.
5. Clean the Carburetor
- If the mower still won’t start, remove the air filter and spray carburetor cleaner into the carb intake.
- Try to start the engine; if it fires, varnish in the carb was the likely culprit. For persistent issues, remove and clean the carburetor thoroughly.
6. Change the Oil
- Old oil gets thick and sludgy over winter. Drain and refill with the oil type recommended in your owner’s manual.
- This helps protect the engine and makes starting easier.
7. Check for Rodent Damage or Debris
- Look for chewed wires, nests in the air intake, or blocked cooling fins. Clean and repair as needed.
Comparison Table: Craftsman Mower Won’t Start After Winter – Causes & Solutions
| Problem | Solution | Difficulty | Parts Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Gas | Drain and replace with fresh gas | Easy | Gasoline |
| Fouled Spark Plug | Clean or replace plug | Easy | Spark plug |
| Dirty Air Filter | Replace filter | Easy | Air filter |
| Dead Battery | Charge or replace battery | Easy | Battery, charger |
| Dirty Carburetor | Clean carburetor | Easy-Medium | Carb cleaner |
| Old/Dirty Oil | Change oil | Easy | Oil |
| Rodent/Debris Blockage | Clean and repair as needed | Easy | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common reason a mower won’t start after winter?
Old, stale gas is the number one culprit—always start the season with fresh fuel!
How do I prevent starting problems next year?
Run the mower dry or drain the fuel tank and carburetor before winter storage. Store in a dry area, and disconnect the battery if equipped.
How often should I replace my spark plug and air filter?
At least once per mowing season, or more often in dusty or heavy mowing conditions.
My engine turns over but won’t fire—what now?
Check for spark at the plug, ensure fresh fuel is reaching the carburetor, and make sure all safety switches are engaged.
Conclusion
If your Craftsman lawn mower won’t start after winter, the fix is usually simple—fresh gas, a new plug and filter, and a clean carburetor almost always do the trick. Regular off-season maintenance and careful storage are the keys to hassle-free starts year after year. Here’s to a lush, healthy lawn all season long!