This is how to, in general, start a push lawn mower that runs on gasoline. Obviously, how to start your individual lawn mower may vary according to what brand and model of lawn mower you have.
Step 1
Make sure you have enough motor oil in your mower. Usually there is a cap on top of the mower body, smaller than the gas cap, that says "oil" or something similar. The cap will probably have an oil gauge attached, so check the oil as you would in a car, that is, judge the level of oil on the gauge against the depth of the reservoir (the length of the gauge).
Step 2
Make sure you have enough gasoline. There should be a clearly labeled cap on the gas tank. If you open it, you should be able to look down into the tank and see the approximate level. Add more (preferably using a funnel) if needed.
Step 3
Locate the prime button, usually red or black, a squishy button somewhere on the mower's body. Push it between 3 and 4 times in order to force the gasoline into the lines.
Step 4
You may need to pull and hold a starting lever (a safety feature), or the lawnmower will not start no matter what you do.
Step 5
Brace your arm holding the starting lever, and pull upward on the pull cord, which you should find on top of the mower body. You may have to do this several times before the motor starts up.
Step 6
If you are still unable to get your mower started, try the lawnmower inspection and troubleshooting steps at How to Repair a Lawnmower.
Warnings
- Never place any part of your body near the lawn mower blades if there is even the slight chance of the mower starting up. Remember: It's all fun and games until someone loses their fingers!
