What could be wrong if I see black smoke when I start the lawn mower?

Answer by  86bells (41)

Dark plumes emitting from your lawn mower are never a good sign. Two things come to mind as to what is causing this problem. One cause could be that you have overfilled your mower's oil capacity. Another cause is that there is leakage in the engine block.

Answer by  Sky75 (216)

If your mower is blowing black smoke when it is started more than likely it has to much oil in the engine.

Answer by  UncleB (11)

Change oil and filter. When oil has been in an engine for a while it will become thick and will cause engine to smoke.

Answer by  les59 (852)

Black smoke when you start the lawn mower usually indicates that the lawn mower has been sitting for a while. You may want to check your air filter, your oil filter, your spark plugs, and your oil to gas ratio. this last one is only neccessary if it is a two stroke engine.