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Husqvarna Riding Mower Hard to Start All of a Sudden

8 years ago

Hey everyone... thanks in advance for the help. I have a Husqvarna YTH22V46 with only about 40 hours on it so far. All of a sudden, this season, it's gotten tough to start and takes a few tries. Once last week I couldn't even get it to start and gave up, but it started the next day. I posted a video (https://youtu.be/W5zwu7TZd60) so you can see what I mean. Once it gets going, I can shut it off and it'll start back up fine. It's just that first start that's rough. I changed the oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, spark plug, charged the battery...but nothing seems to help. I'm not all that handy when it comes to things with engines, but I'm willing to try whatever you think may help. Thanks!

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Comments (6)

rexlex
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
First off, the machine is most likely still under warranty. So, best idea is to get dealer to fix the problem.

beyond that, you might remove the engine air breather from the carb and then while observing the choke plate down in the carb throat, move the choke lever to full choke, verifying that choke plate fully closes (or advancing throttle beyond rabbit position if throttle and choke controls are combined)... sometimes the choke control wire gets loose, then the choke does not fully close and the cold engine becomes hard/impossible to start. There is usually an adjustment clamp near the carb that correctly positions this wire.

Look it over - chk the choke function. but, beyond that, best to get the dealer involved. Good luck.
kevpsu8
Original Author
8 years ago
Awesome... I'll give it a look. Thanks!
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exmar zone 7, SE Ohio
8 years ago
Totally and completely agree, get the dealer involved. "Almost" anything you touch will give them an opportunity to say, the customer screwed it up. Void the warranty and wait for you to buy another one. 'course, they don't even have to do that lately, it's automatic to say the carb is messed up due to using the wrong gas due to ethanol and charge for a new carb and labor.

BTW, you DO put stabil or equivalent in all gas that goes into the machine, yes? And you also add SeaFoam or equivalent occasionally as well??
kevpsu8
Original Author
8 years ago
Definite yes to the stabil, and just did a fuel system cleaner not long ago. I'm going to check out the choke when I have a chance (sounds like it's a common issue for this model) but if it's any more than that I'll bring it in for service. I don't trust myself messing with much more than that. Thanks!
kevpsu8
Original Author
8 years ago
It was 100% the choke. 2 minute adjustment and now it starts up fine. Thank you so much!
rexlex
8 years ago
Awright! Keep thet yard lookin good, now... :)

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