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HomeRepair HelpMurray RepairMurray Lawn mower runs rough Repair
Murray Lawn mower runs rough
If your Murray lawn mower runs rough, sputters, or the engine runs unevenly, the most common cause is a clogged carburetor from old fuel that has turned sticky inside the passages. That buildup can make a Murray lawn mower run rough after starting, surge, or lose smooth power under load. Start by cleaning the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. If that does not restore normal operation, rebuild it with a carburetor repair kit or replace the carburetor altogether. Next, check the spark plug for wear, heavy carbon buildup, a damaged electrode, or a cracked insulator. Using a spark plug tester is the best way to confirm the plug is firing properly. A clogged fuel filter is another possible cause, especially if stale fuel sat in the tank for a while, restricting fuel flow and causing lawn mower sputtering or mower engine surging. Draining old fuel and replacing the fuel filter often helps. To make sure you get the exact Murray carburetor, carburetor repair kit, spark plug, or fuel filter for your mower, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com.
01 - Murray Carburetor
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to run roughly. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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02 - Murray Carburetor Repair Kit
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to run roughly. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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03 - Murray Spark Plug
Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.
Highly Likely
04 - Murray Fuel Filter
The fuel filter might be clogged. A clogged fuel filter is most commonly caused by leaving old fuel in the lawn mower. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the fuel filter and cause the engine to run roughly. If old fuel was left in the lawn mower, drain the old fuel from the fuel tank and replace the fuel filter.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Murray lawn mower run rough after it starts?
How do I know if the carburetor is causing my Murray mower engine to sputter or surge?
Can a bad spark plug make a Murray lawn mower run rough?
What should I check first if my Murray lawn mower runs rough only with old gas in it?
How do I find the right carburetor, fuel filter, or spark plug for my Murray lawn mower?