Lawn Mower Won’t Start After Perth Winter? 5 Fixes (Step-by-Step)

Is your lawn mower refusing to start after a Perth winter? You’re not alone! Cold mornings, leftover humidity, and months of sitting idle can leave your mower stubbornly silent when you need it most.

The good news? Most winter-related starting problems are easy to fix yourself. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 5 most common reasons your mower won’t start post-winter—and exactly how to solve them without calling a repairman.

Why Perth Winters Are Tough on Lawn Mowers

Before we dive into fixes, let’s talk about why this happens. Perth’s “winter” might not be freezing, but the combo of:

• Morning dew + humidity → corroded spark plugs & stale fuel.

• Long inactivity → gummed-up carburetor from old petrol.

• Cool nights → thickened oil making the engine harder to turn over.

Sound familiar? Let’s get your mower roaring back to life.

Fix #1: Check the Fuel System (90% of Winter Starting Issues)

Problem:

Old fuel is the #1 culprit. Petrol starts breaking down after 30 days, turning into a sticky varnish that clogs your carburetor and fuel lines.

Solution:

1. Drain the old fuel (if it’s been sitting since April, it’s garbage).

   • Tip: Use a siphon pump to avoid spills.

2. Add fresh, ethanol-free petrol (WA’s United Petroleum sells it—ethanol attracts moisture).

3. Still not starting? Clean the carburetor:

   • Remove the carb bowl (YouTube has tutorials for your model).

   • Spray carb cleaner through the jets (wear gloves!).

Pro Tip for Next Winter: Add a fuel stabiliser (e.g., STA-BIL) before storing your mower.

Fix #2: Test the Spark Plug (The Silent Killer)

Problem:

A fouled or corroded spark plug won’t ignite the fuel—especially common after humid Perth winters.

Solution:

1. Pull out the spark plug (use a socket wrench).

2. Check for:

   • Black, oily residue → Clean it with a wire brush.

   • White crust (corrosion) → Replace it ($10 at Bunnings).

3. Test for spark:

   • Reconnect the plug, hold it against the engine (don’t touch metal!).

   • Pull the starter cord—you should see a blue spark. If not, buy a new plug.

Perth Hack: Keep a spare spark plug in your shed—they fail often here!

Fix #3: Inspect the Air Filter (Blocked = No Start)

Problem:

A clogged air filter starves the engine of oxygen. Dust + winter moisture turn it into a brick.

Solution:

1. Locate the air filter (usually under a plastic cover).

2. If it’s paper: Tap out debris or replace it ($5–$15).

3. If it’s foam: Wash it in soapy water, dry fully, and add 2 drops of oil.

Warning: Never run the mower without a filter—Perth’s dust will destroy the engine!

Fix #4: Check the Oil (Thick Oil = Hard Starts)

Problem:

Cold mornings thicken the oil, making the engine harder to turn over.

Solution:

1. Check the dipstick—oil should be amber, not black or milky.

2. Drain and replace if:

   • It’s been >6 months.

   • Looks like a “chocolate milkshake” (water contamination).

3. Use SAE 30 oil (best for Perth’s climate).

Pro Tip: Store your mower on a level surface to prevent oil leaks.

Fix #5: Safety Switches & Battery Issues (For Electric Mowers)

Problem:

Electric mowers? Dead batteries or tripped safety switches (common after long storage).

Solution:

1. Charge the battery fully (even if it “seems” charged).

2. Check the safety key (yes, it’s obvious—but 20% of “repairs” we do are just this!).

3. Reset the circuit breaker (tiny button near the motor).

Still dead? Bring it to us—we test battery health for free!

When to Call a Pro (Perth’s Lawn Mower Repair Experts)

If you’ve tried all 5 fixes and your mower still won’t start, it might be:

• A seized engine (from lack of oil).

• A broken starter cord (common in older mowers).

• Fuel pump failure (rare, but happens).

We offer mobile repairs across Perth—book a same-day service here.

Winter Storage Tips for Next Year

1. Run the tank dry or add fuel stabiliser.

2. Change the oil before storing.

3. Store indoors (or under cover—Perth’s UV kills mowers).