When your mower starts blowing smoke on a hot Perth afternoon, it’s more than just an inconvenience — it could be the start of serious engine trouble. At Sanderson Engineering, we’ve seen every type of smoking lawn mower you can imagine. From overfilled Hondas to neglected Briggs & Stratton engines choking on clogged filters, here’s the truth behind what’s happening — and how to fix it.
🔍 Smoke Isn’t the Problem — It’s the Symptom
First things first: smoke means something's gone wrong. Whether it's oil, fuel, or heat-related, identifying the type of smoke helps us diagnose the real issue.
🔎 Quick Diagnosis Guide
| Smoke Colour | Likely Cause | Fix or Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| White Smoke | Overfilled oil / tipped mower | Drain excess oil, clean plug and muffler |
| Blue Smoke | Oil burning inside engine | Check seals, rings, breather, and crankcase |
| Black Smoke | Too much fuel / blocked air intake | Clean or replace air filter, check carburettor |
🧱 Common Causes of Smoking Lawn Mowers in Perth
Perth’s extreme summer heat, sandy air, and ethanol-blended fuels create a perfect storm for mower trouble. Here’s what we see most often:
1. Overfilled or Old Engine Oil
Many customers top up oil without checking levels. Overfilling leads to internal pressure and burning oil — especially after recent DIY servicing. Always check oil with the dipstick on flat ground before and after refilling.
2. Wrong Way Round
If you’ve tilted your mower to clean underneath, there's a 50% chance you did it wrong. Tilting it on the air filter side can flood the engine with oil. Always tilt towards the spark plug side.
3. Blocked Cooling Fins
Fine sand from suburbs like Innaloo, Stirling, and Dianella clogs up engine fins fast. This restricts airflow and causes overheating, especially in Honda GXV and Kohler Courage engines.
4. Clogged Air Filters
Dry summers in Perth mean filters fill with fine dust quickly, especially when mowing near bushland. A blocked filter chokes airflow, causing a rich fuel mixture and black smoke.
5. Ethanol Fuel Breakdown
E10 fuel from most service stations degrades small engine components and carburettor seals. That breakdown can lead to excess fuel flow, poor combustion, and — you guessed it — smoke.
🛠️ Real Repairs We’ve Done
Case Study – “Honda HRU216 from Wembley Downs”
Customer noticed white smoke after a recent service elsewhere. We found oil overfilled, spark plug fouled, and cooling fins caked in red dust. Drained oil to correct level, replaced plug, blew out debris. No parts required. Fixed same day.
🔧 When to DIY vs When to Book a Repair
| Symptom | DIY OK | Bring to Us |
|---|---|---|
| Slight white smoke after oil top-up | ✅ | 🚫 Only if it persists |
| Smoke plus oil leaking near muffler | 🚫 | ✅ Likely crank seal failure |
| Black smoke and poor revving | ✅ Try air filter | ✅ If persists after replacement |
| Blue smoke after running for 5+ mins | 🚫 | ✅ Could be internal wear |
📅 Preventative Maintenance for Perth Conditions
✔️ Oil Change Every 25–50 Hours
Use 10W-30 or 15W-40 (non-synthetic) for most domestic mowers. Always change the oil at the start of summer.
✔️ Clean Filters Monthly
Especially for properties in Joondalup, Wangara, or Morley where sand content is higher. Foam filters can be washed and re-oiled.
✔️ Use High-Quality, Ethanol-Free Fuel
We recommend premium 98 octane fuel, replaced every 30 days. Old fuel breaks down and gums the carburettor.
📈 Want Better Mower Life? Let’s Talk Cooling
Consider these upgrades, especially for commercial gear:
-
High-flow cooling fans on GXV engines
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Aftermarket cylinder baffles to direct airflow
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Temperature checks using infrared thermometers
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Carb tuning for lean burn to reduce heat stress
📍 Book a Service, Fix the Problem — Fast
We’ve been repairing mowers across Perth for over 40 years, from Balcatta to Subiaco. Whether it’s a smoking Victa or an overheating Masport, we’ll get it sorted quickly, professionally, and without the upsell.
✅ Free Pickup & Delivery for Repairs
✅ Fixed-Price Servicing
✅ Genuine Parts Only
📞 Call us now on (08) 9444 1284
Or book online at: www.sandersonsoutdoorpowerequipment.com.au
🧠 Bonus FAQ – Mower Smoke Edition
Q: My mower only smokes when I start it cold — is that normal?
A: A small puff of white smoke on cold start is normal for some engines, especially if stored on a slope. Persistent smoke = time to service.
Q: Can I still mow if my mower is smoking?
A: You can — but you shouldn’t. Prolonged use may cause irreversible damage.
Q: Do you fix ride-ons and zero-turns that are smoking?
A: Absolutely. We service Toro, Cub Cadet, Cox, Rover, Husqvarna, and more. Book it in.
