Why does a lawn mower shut off in wet grass? We’ve all been there often, standing frustrated in the middle of our lawn and wondering why our mower has stopped halfway.
Believe it or not, there is a good reason! A lawn mower shuts off in wet grass mostly in morning because the moisture causes metal components inside to corrode and wear down, creating an electrical problem.
The good news is that it’s a simple problem to solve. Let’s examine why this happens and how you can fix it.
Why Does A Lawn Mower Shut Off In Wet Grass when it rains?
The main reason a lawn mower shuts off in wet grass is that the blades become clogged with moisture from the grass.
As the blades rotate, they create suction which can draw in moist grass clumps, effectively blocking airflow between the blade and the engine.
Since engines rely on air for cooling, when there’s no air being pulled through, it can cause your engine to overheat and shut down.
Electric Motors and Water Don’t Mix
Most modern lawnmowers use electric motors, which are very sensitive to moisture. If any water gets into the motor, it can cause a short circuit, resulting in the motor shutting down.
The same thing happens if your engine becomes clogged with wet grass or debris. This means that if you attempt to cut wet grass, there is a greater chance of water getting into the motor and causing it to shut off.
Waterlogged Fuel Tank
Another common cause of a lawn mower shutting off is a waterlogged fuel tank. This happens when water enters the fuel tank and mixes with the gasoline, preventing it from reaching its destination—your engine’s combustion chamber.
To avoid this problem, ensure your fuel tank is properly sealed and never allow water to enter it, intentionally or accidentally.
If your fuel tank does become waterlogged, you may need to have it professionally drained and refilled before using it again.
Faulty Ignition System
Finally, a faulty ignition system is another potential reason your lawn mower may shut off in wet grass.
When an ignition system isn’t working correctly, it can prevent the engine from firing even when plenty of fuel is available.
This problem can be fixed by having an experienced mechanic inspect and repair your ignition system immediately.
How To Fix It
The best thing you can do if your mower shuts off from cutting wet grass is to ensure all its components are clean and free of dirt or debris before trying again.
You should also check for any blockages in the air intake filter, which might be causing an airflow restriction.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular preventative maintenance checks and cleaning sessions are the best way to avoid having your mower shut off in wet grass.
Ensure all the moving parts are well lubricated and replace worn-out parts as needed. If you notice any signs of rust or corrosion on exposed metal surfaces, clean them up immediately before they worsen.
Additionally, ensure that all the vents are free from obstruction so that proper airflow can occur within the engine chamber at all times.
Once these steps have been taken care of, try cutting through some dryer parts of your lawn before attempting to cut through any more wet patches; this will help prevent further wear and tear on your machine.
Conclusion:
It can be frustrating when your lawn mower unexpectedly stops while cutting through wet grass—but now that you know why this happens and how you can fix it, hopefully, tackling those soggy patches will be much easier!
Remember to always check for clogs and blockages before starting up again after cutting through particularly damp areas; doing this will help ensure that all necessary components are functioning correctly so that you don’t run into any issues while using your lawnmower in future sessions!
