How to Fix a Water Damaged Lawn Mower in 7 Steps

When most people think of water damage, they think of homes and businesses. But what about lawn mowers? Believe it or not, lawn mowers are also susceptible to water damage. If your lawn mower has been damaged by water, don’t worry – there is still hope.

This blog post will show you how to fix a water damaged lawn mower. So, if your lawn mower has been sitting in the garage for a few months because you thought it was too damaged to fix, read on. We’ll show you how easy it can be.

How to Fix a Water Damaged Lawn Mower

Step 1: Check if there is Water in Your Lawnmower

The first step is to check if there is any water in your lawnmower. It would be a total loss if the engine were completely submerged in water.

However, if there is just a little bit of water in the engine, you may be able to fix it. The following problems indicate there might be water in the engine:

• Fuel System Damage: If your lawn mower won’t start, there is a good chance that the fuel system has been damaged by water. The fuel system includes the gas tank, fuel lines, and carburetor. If the water reaches these parts, it will cause corrosion and damage.
• Poor Performance: If your lawn mower is running slowly or not at all, the water has likely damaged the engine.
• Running and Stopping: If your lawn mower keeps running after you release the throttle, or if it won’t start at all, there is a good chance that water has gotten into the engine.
• Engine stops under while working: If you try to start the lawn mower and it dies soon after, or if it won’t run at all when the blades are engaged, the water has probably damaged the engine.

Step 2: Fetch a Can of Starter Fluid

Before doing anything else, you will need to fetch a can of starter fluid. This is the gas you spray into the carburetor to start the engine. If your lawn mower has water in the carburetor, you will need starter fluid to get it going.

Step: 3: Turn on the Ignition

Once you have the starter fluid, turn on the ignition. Be sure to use caution when doing this, as the engine will startup is a good chance. If the engine starts, turn it off and remove the air filter.

Clean the air filter and leave it to dry. Once it’s dry, put it back in and start the engine. If the engine starts, you have fixed your water damage; however, if it doesn’t, go to the next step.

Step: 4: Drain the Gas and Oil

The next step is to drain the gas and oil. This can be done by removing the gas cap and tilting the lawn mower on its side. Be sure to place it in an area where the gas and oil can drain out without causing any damage.

Also: Top-rated mower oil extractor

Check the oil for water bubbles. If you spot any, It is possible water got into the gas tank, so it is a good idea to drain it and refill it with new oil. If you have any old gasoline lying around, be sure to get rid of it.

Gasoline sitting for a long time can form a sticky substance called varnish. This will clog the fuel lines and carburetor and cause the engine to run poorly. Try and start the lawnmower. If it doesn’t start, then go to the next step.

Step: 5: Try a New Spark Plug

The spark plug may be damaged if the engine still won’t start. A new spark plug may be all you need to get your lawn mower running again.

Remove the spark plug and check it for water damage. If it is wet, replace it with a new one. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the spark plug.

Once you have installed the new spark plug, try starting the engine. If the engine starts, you are all done. If it doesn’t start, go to the next step.

Related: Ways to cut grass without a mower

Step: 6: Check the Coil for the Rust

The coil is the part of the engine that creates the spark. If it is corroded, it will not create a spark, and the engine will not start.

Remove the coil and check it for corrosion. If it is corroded, clean it off with a wire brush and start the engine. If it starts, you are all done.

Step 7: Clean the Magnets on the Flywheel

The flywheel is the part of the engine that turns the blades. If it is dirty, it will not turn properly, and the lawn mower will not start.

Remove the flywheel and clean it with a wire brush. Be sure to check for rust and corrosion. If the magnets are dirty, clean them off with a wire brush.

Replace the flywheel and try starting the engine. If it starts, you are all done. If your lawn mower still doesn’t start, the water may have damaged the engine beyond repair. In this case, you will need to purchase a new lawn mower.

Also read: Ride on mower for lawn striping review

FAQs- How to Fix a Water Damaged Lawn Mower

If your lawn mower has been in a flood, there is no need to panic. The water damage can be repaired in most cases, and the machine will function again.

As always, inspect it for any visible signs of corrosion or electrical component failure before you plug it back into an outlet or try to use it.

You may want to speak with an expert about how they recommend handling these types of situations if you are not sure what needs to be done next.