If your lawn mower refuses to start after sitting through a Perth winter, you’re not alone. Every spring, we see a rush of homeowners across Osborne Park, Balcatta, Joondanna and Morley with the same issue: “My lawn mower won’t start after winter.” The good news? Most winter-related mower problems are simple to fix — and often don’t require a mechanic. In this guide, Sanderson Outdoor Power Equipment shares the 5 most common reasons your mower won’t start after winter — and how to get it going again, fast.
🧊 Why Perth Winters Stop Lawn Mowers from Starting
Perth winters might be mild, but they’re still tough on lawn equipment. Months of disuse, overnight condensation, and humid conditions lead to: stale fuel gumming up the carburettor, corroded spark plugs and blocked air filters, thickened engine oil making cold starts harder, dead mower batteries or tripped safety switches in electric models. These problems are especially common in coastal suburbs, where salt air accelerates corrosion.
✅ Fix #1: Replace the Fuel and Clean the Carburettor
Problem: Petrol degrades after 30 days, especially in winter. Old fuel leaves behind sticky residue that blocks jets and clogs the carburettor. Solution: Drain any fuel left in the tank. Add fresh, ethanol-free petrol (available at United Petroleum). Use carburettor cleaner spray directly into the air intake. If needed, remove the carburettor bowl and clean jets (or bring it in — we do this daily). Pro Tip: Use a fuel stabiliser before winter to prevent this next year.
✅ Fix #2: Check and Replace the Spark Plug
Problem: Spark plugs corrode quickly in cold, humid sheds. No spark = no ignition. Solution: Remove the spark plug using a socket wrench. If it's oily, black, or has white crusting — replace it. Test for spark by grounding the plug and pulling the cord — look for a blue arc. We stock spark plugs for all major brands, including Honda, Briggs & Stratton, and Kohler — ready to pick up in Osborne Park.
✅ Fix #3: Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Problem: A blocked air filter prevents air from mixing with fuel, stopping the engine from firing. Solution: Remove the air filter cover. Foam filter? Wash in warm soapy water, dry fully, add a few drops of oil. Paper filter? Tap it gently or replace if clogged or torn. Tip: Perth’s dry air and sand clog filters faster — check them every 3–5 uses.
✅ Fix #4: Change the Engine Oil
Problem: Sitting unused in winter thickens and contaminates your engine oil, especially if your mower wasn’t serviced before storage. Solution: Check the oil dipstick — look for dark, gritty, or milky oil. Drain and refill with SAE 30 oil, ideal for Perth’s climate. Dispose of oil properly — we accept used oil in-store. We sell mower oil and service kits over the counter — no need to guess what your machine needs.
✅ Fix #5: Recharge or Replace the Battery (Electric Mowers)
Problem: Cold weather drains battery capacity, especially if not removed or charged over winter. Solution: Fully recharge the battery — even if it shows partial charge. Check for loose terminals or corroded connectors. Reset any circuit breakers or safety switches on the machine. Still not working? Bring it in — we test and replace batteries for EGO, Victa, Bushranger, and more.
🛠️ When to Call Sanderson Outdoor Power Equipment
If your mower still won’t start after trying the steps above, it could be a more serious issue: a seized engine from old oil, a broken pull cord or recoil starter, carburettor damage from degraded fuel, ignition coil failure. We offer fast repairs and servicing at our Osborne Park workshop — with pick-up and delivery available throughout Perth’s northern suburbs.
🌱 Bonus: How to Store Your Mower Next Winter
Run the fuel tank dry or add fuel stabiliser. Change the oil before storing. Remove or charge the battery. Cover the mower with a UV-stabilised cover to protect it from sun and moisture. Store indoors or on a raised surface in a shed.
📍 Visit Us for Mower Repairs, Parts, and Servicing
Sanderson Outdoor Power Equipment
Unit 2, 52 Frobisher Street, Osborne Park WA
(08) 9444 1284
Mon–Fri: 8:00am–5:00pm | Sat: 8:00am–12:00pm
We stock: spark plugs, filters, oil, blades, belts. Genuine parts for Honda, Victa, Masport, Bushranger, Toro. Same-day servicing available by appointment.
