How to Bypass Fuel Shutoff Solenoid (Steps + Symptoms)

If you have been having trouble starting your lawnmower, a bad fuel shutoff solenoid could be the culprit.

Here are some ways to bypass a fuel shut-off solenoid:

• Bypass the “opened” condition
• Bypass the “closed” condition
• Use a wire and spade terminal
• Remove the plunger
• Block the opening

As a person who has had his fair share of encounters with malfunctioning fuel shutoff solenoids, I am here to tell you how you can bypass fuel shutoff solenoid and how to identify it in the first place.  

How To Bypass Fuel Shutoff Solenoid: Step-By-Step

The fuel shutoff solenoid automatically shuts off the fuel supply to the engine when you turn off the mower. When it malfunctions, the fuel might not seep through to the engine.

In such a scenario, you would need to know how to bypass the fuel shutoff solenoid and restore normal lawnmower engine operation. 

That said, I must warn you that you should not bypass the fuel shutoff solenoid without any reason. Older lawnmower engines did not have them, so what’s the big deal?

Fuel shutoff solenoid prevents fuel leakage and reduces the risk of fire, injury, and accidents. It’s a great safety feature to have, so don’t undermine its importance.

With that out of the way, allow me to demonstrate how to bypass a fuel shutoff solenoid in your lawnmower engine. 

Step 1. Take Precautionary Measures 

Before starting any work, make sure that the lawnmower engine is turned off and cool. You might burn your hands if the engine is too hot.

I highly recommend wearing protective gloves and eyewear to protect yourself during the process. Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starts and minimize injury risks. 

Step 2. Find Out Where The Solenoid Is

 In general, a fuel shutoff solenoid is a cylindrical or rectangular-shaped device, often made of metal or plastic. It is typically located on or near the carburetor, usually on the side or top of the carburetor housing.

The solenoid may have a small wire harness connected to it, consisting of electrical wires that provide power and ground connections.

The solenoid itself may have a plunger or a small pin that protrudes when the solenoid is energized. This pin or plunger is responsible for controlling the fuel flow by opening or closing the fuel passage inside the solenoid.

When the engine is off or the solenoid is not receiving power, the pin or plunger retracts and blocks the fuel passage. 

The solenoid may also have some markings or labels indicating its purpose or model number.

These markings can vary depending on the manufacturer and may include information such as the manufacturer’s logo, part number, or identification codes.

Even though all fuel shutoff solenoids are not identical, you should be able to recognize it.

Step 3. Unplug The Solenoid 

The solenoid is typically connected to two wires: one for power and the other for grounding. These wires play crucial roles in the solenoid’s operation and electrical circuit.

The power wire is responsible for delivering the electrical current that activates the solenoid. It carries the necessary voltage from the ignition switch or another power source to the solenoid.

In most lawnmower engines, the power wire is connected to the solenoid through the electrical system, specifically originating from the ignition switch.

This wire provides the essential electrical signal to energize the solenoid when the engine is started, allowing fuel to flow into the carburetor.

On the other hand, the grounding wire serves as a connection to the ground or earth. It completes the electrical circuit required for the solenoid’s operation.

The grounding wire ensures that the electrical current can flow properly through the solenoid and return to the electrical system, allowing for the solenoid to function as intended.

Gently remove the electrical connectors or terminals that secure the wires to the solenoid. Take care not to pull or twist the wires forcefully, as this could damage the connectors or cause the wires to break.

After disconnecting the wires, I’d advise wrapping electrical tape around each wire end to protect the exposed ends of the wire. 

Step 4. Take The Solenoid Out 

Remove the solenoid from the carburetor or fuel line. Depending on the lawnmower model, you may need to remove screws or bolts holding it in place.

Use the appropriate tools to loosen and remove these fasteners. Make sure not to overtighten or strip the screws or bolts during the removal process.

Once the fasteners are removed, gently pull the solenoid away from the carburetor or fuel line. Be cautious not to damage any surrounding components, hoses, or wires during this step.

If necessary, wiggle the solenoid slightly or use a gentle twisting motion to ease its removal. Protect it from dirt, moisture, or any potential damage that could affect its functionality.

Now that the fuel shutoff solenoid is removed, the fuel supply to the engine should become normal. However, I must remind you that it’s a temporary measure.

I don’t recommend using the lawnmower like this for a long time. Install a new fuel shutoff solenoid at your earliest convenience or repair the old one and reinstall it. 

Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Solenoid On A Riding Mower

Symptoms of a bad fuel shut-off solenoid can range from engine stalling to fuel leaks. Here are some common symptoms of a bad fuel solenoid on a riding mower:

Symptom 1: Engine Stalling

When the fuel solenoid on a riding mower fails, one of the potential symptoms is engine stalling or sudden shutdowns during operation.

The fuel solenoid’s primary function is to control the flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the engine’s carburetor or fuel injectors. So, when it malfunctions it hampers the fuel supply to the engine. 

The unexpected engine stalling or shutdowns caused by a failing fuel solenoid can be frustrating and disruptive, especially during mowing tasks.

It’s important to address this issue promptly to avoid further complications and ensure the proper functioning of the riding mower. Whenever you face such problems, make sure to have a look at the fuel shutoff solenoid. 

Symptom 2: Starting Difficulties 

If the solenoid is malfunctioning, it can restrict or completely cut off the flow of fuel to the engine.

This means that when you try to start the mower, there may not be an adequate supply of fuel reaching the engine. As a result, the engine may not start easily or may require multiple attempts to get it running.

Symptom 3: Fuel Starvation 

When the solenoid fails, it may restrict or entirely cut off the fuel supply to the engine. As a result, the engine can experience fuel starvation, where it does not receive a sufficient amount of fuel for optimal operation.

This fuel starvation can cause poor performance, engine misfires, intermittent operation, and several other problems. 

Symptom 4: Fuel Starvation 

A defective solenoid may develop cracks, breaks, or faulty seals, causing fuel to leak from the solenoid itself. This can occur due to wear and tear, exposure to harsh conditions, or manufacturing defects.

Fuel seeping or spraying from the solenoid housing can be easily visible and noticeable.

What Happens When a Fuel Solenoid Fails?

A faulty fuel solenoid can cause a diesel engine to not start or stop. Once started, the engine will run without a battery or charging system if the solenoid is overridden. Here are some other symptoms of a bad fuel solenoid:

• Engine stalls
• Poor cold start performance
• Engine cranks but doesn’t start.

A solenoid coil can become overheated and “burn out”, or short. This can be caused by an ambient temperature outside the acceptable range or by an error in the applied voltage. 

Final Words 

In conclusion, understanding how to bypass a fuel shutoff solenoid in lawnmower engines can be a helpful skill for certain situations.

The fuel shutoff solenoid is designed to control the flow of fuel to the engine and ensure safe operation.

However, in some cases, a malfunctioning solenoid can prevent the engine from starting or cause other issues.