Why Won't My Westwood Start? A Guide to Diagnosing Common Starting Problems
Date Released: 1 Mar 2026 Category: Blog
There's nothing more frustrating than a beautiful spring morning, grass ready to be cut, and your Westwood refusing to start. You've looked after it well, stored it properly over winter, and yet when you turn the key, something just isn't right. The good news is that most starting problems have straightforward causes, and once you understand what to look for, you can often identify the issue yourself without needing to call in professional help.
Starting problems generally fall into a few distinct categories, each with its own symptoms. Learning to recognise these symptoms helps you work out where the problem lies and what parts you might need to get your Westwood running again.
Before assuming the battery is dead, check that the connections are secure. Battery terminals can work loose over time, or corrosion can build up around them, preventing good electrical contact. The terminals should be clean and tight. If there's white or blue-green corrosion around them, that needs cleaning off before you can get a proper connection.
To clean corroded terminals, disconnect the battery (always remove the negative terminal first), then use a wire brush or even an old toothbrush with some bicarbonate of soda mixed with water. This neutralises the acid corrosion. Once clean and dry, reconnect the terminals (positive first this time) and make sure they're tight.
If the terminals are clean and tight but you still get nothing when you turn the key, the battery probably needs charging or replacing. You can test this by trying to start the Westwood with jump leads from a car battery, but make sure the car engine isn't running when you do this.
However, a rapid clicking sound suggests the solenoid is working but the starter motor itself might be faulty. The solenoid keeps trying to engage but can't get the starter to turn. This is less common than battery issues but does happen, especially on older machines.
Start by checking the simple things. Is there actually fuel in the tank? It sounds obvious, but it's easily overlooked. If there is fuel, is the fuel tap turned on? Many Westwoods have a fuel shut-off valve that you should turn off when storing the machine. If this is still closed, no fuel reaches the carburettor.
Stale fuel is a very common cause of starting problems after winter storage. If the fuel has been sitting in the tank for months, it may have degraded to the point where it won't burn properly. You can often smell when fuel has gone off. Fresh petrol has a sharp, distinctive smell, whilst stale fuel smells more like varnish or paint.
If you suspect stale fuel, you'll need to drain the tank and carburettor, then refill with fresh fuel. This is tedious but often solves the problem immediately. If the engine still won't start after fresh fuel, the carburettor might be gummed up with varnish deposits from the old fuel.
Remove the spark plug (you'll need a spark plug spanner for this) and examine it. The electrode should be intact and the gap between the electrodes should be correct. If the plug looks oily, sooty, or the electrode is worn down, it needs replacing. Even if it looks reasonable, spark plugs should be replaced regularly as part of routine maintenance.
You can test whether the plug is getting spark by reconnecting it to the plug lead, resting the plug body against the engine block (so it's earthed), and getting someone to turn the key whilst you watch for a spark. If there's no spark, the problem lies in the ignition system rather than the plug itself.
The seat switch prevents operation unless someone is sitting on the seat. If this switch fails or gets out of adjustment, it might think you're not seated even when you are. The brake switch requires the brake to be engaged before starting. The blade engagement switch prevents starting with the cutting deck engaged.
If your Westwood cranks over but immediately cuts out, or won't crank at all despite having a good battery, suspect a safety switch issue. Make absolutely certain you're meeting all the safety conditions: seated properly, brake on, blades disengaged, gear lever in neutral. If you're certain everything is correct but it still won't start, one of the switches might have failed.
Remove the air filter and inspect it. Paper filters should be relatively clean and intact. If it's clogged with dirt or damaged, it needs replacing. Foam filters can sometimes be cleaned, but if they're falling apart or heavily contaminated, replacement is the better option.
Fuel lines themselves can deteriorate over time, especially if exposed to degraded fuel. Check the fuel lines for cracks, splits, or signs of perishing. If they look questionable, replacement is cheap insurance against future problems.
Only once you've eliminated the obvious should you start thinking about component replacement. Often, what seems like a complex problem turns out to be something simple that was overlooked.
Your Westwood's identity plate shows the model and serial number, which parts suppliers need to identify the correct components. This is especially important for items like spark plugs, where the wrong heat range or thread size can cause poor running or even engine damage.
Most starting problems have identifiable causes and fixable solutions. Approaching the problem methodically, checking the likely culprits in order of probability, usually leads you to the issue. Your Westwood is a well-built machine designed to last for years. With proper diagnosis and the right replacement parts, you can usually get it running again without too much difficulty.
Starting problems generally fall into a few distinct categories, each with its own symptoms. Learning to recognise these symptoms helps you work out where the problem lies and what parts you might need to get your Westwood running again.
When Nothing Happens at All
If you turn the key and absolutely nothing happens, no click, no sound, no dashboard lights, you're almost certainly dealing with an electrical problem. The most common culprit here is the battery. Even if you charged it before storage, batteries can lose charge over winter, especially if they're a few years old.Before assuming the battery is dead, check that the connections are secure. Battery terminals can work loose over time, or corrosion can build up around them, preventing good electrical contact. The terminals should be clean and tight. If there's white or blue-green corrosion around them, that needs cleaning off before you can get a proper connection.
To clean corroded terminals, disconnect the battery (always remove the negative terminal first), then use a wire brush or even an old toothbrush with some bicarbonate of soda mixed with water. This neutralises the acid corrosion. Once clean and dry, reconnect the terminals (positive first this time) and make sure they're tight.
If the terminals are clean and tight but you still get nothing when you turn the key, the battery probably needs charging or replacing. You can test this by trying to start the Westwood with jump leads from a car battery, but make sure the car engine isn't running when you do this.
The Click Without Starting
A single click when you turn the key tells you something different from complete silence. That click is the solenoid trying to engage the starter motor. The battery has enough power to operate the solenoid, but not enough to actually turn the starter motor and crank the engine. This usually means a weak or failing battery.However, a rapid clicking sound suggests the solenoid is working but the starter motor itself might be faulty. The solenoid keeps trying to engage but can't get the starter to turn. This is less common than battery issues but does happen, especially on older machines.
The Engine Turns But Won't Fire
If the starter motor cranks the engine over nicely but the engine won't actually fire up and run, you're dealing with either a fuel problem or an ignition problem. Working out which one requires a bit of detective work.Start by checking the simple things. Is there actually fuel in the tank? It sounds obvious, but it's easily overlooked. If there is fuel, is the fuel tap turned on? Many Westwoods have a fuel shut-off valve that you should turn off when storing the machine. If this is still closed, no fuel reaches the carburettor.
Stale fuel is a very common cause of starting problems after winter storage. If the fuel has been sitting in the tank for months, it may have degraded to the point where it won't burn properly. You can often smell when fuel has gone off. Fresh petrol has a sharp, distinctive smell, whilst stale fuel smells more like varnish or paint.
If you suspect stale fuel, you'll need to drain the tank and carburettor, then refill with fresh fuel. This is tedious but often solves the problem immediately. If the engine still won't start after fresh fuel, the carburettor might be gummed up with varnish deposits from the old fuel.
Spark Plug Issues
Whilst fuel is one possibility, ignition problems are equally common. The spark plug might be fouled, worn out, or simply not getting power. Spark plugs are inexpensive and relatively easy to check, making them a good place to start.Remove the spark plug (you'll need a spark plug spanner for this) and examine it. The electrode should be intact and the gap between the electrodes should be correct. If the plug looks oily, sooty, or the electrode is worn down, it needs replacing. Even if it looks reasonable, spark plugs should be replaced regularly as part of routine maintenance.
You can test whether the plug is getting spark by reconnecting it to the plug lead, resting the plug body against the engine block (so it's earthed), and getting someone to turn the key whilst you watch for a spark. If there's no spark, the problem lies in the ignition system rather than the plug itself.
Safety Switch Problems
Modern Westwoods have several safety switches that must all be satisfied before the engine will start or run. These are genuinely important safety features, but they can prevent starting if they're faulty or out of adjustment.The seat switch prevents operation unless someone is sitting on the seat. If this switch fails or gets out of adjustment, it might think you're not seated even when you are. The brake switch requires the brake to be engaged before starting. The blade engagement switch prevents starting with the cutting deck engaged.
If your Westwood cranks over but immediately cuts out, or won't crank at all despite having a good battery, suspect a safety switch issue. Make absolutely certain you're meeting all the safety conditions: seated properly, brake on, blades disengaged, gear lever in neutral. If you're certain everything is correct but it still won't start, one of the switches might have failed.
Air Filter and Air Flow
A completely blocked air filter can prevent starting, though this is relatively rare unless the filter has been neglected for a very long time. Still, it's worth checking. A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, creating too rich a fuel mixture that won't ignite properly.Remove the air filter and inspect it. Paper filters should be relatively clean and intact. If it's clogged with dirt or damaged, it needs replacing. Foam filters can sometimes be cleaned, but if they're falling apart or heavily contaminated, replacement is the better option.
Fuel System Components
Beyond stale fuel and carburettor issues, other fuel system components can cause starting problems. The fuel filter, usually found somewhere along the fuel line between tank and carburettor, can become blocked. If fuel can't flow through the filter, the engine won't get fuel.Fuel lines themselves can deteriorate over time, especially if exposed to degraded fuel. Check the fuel lines for cracks, splits, or signs of perishing. If they look questionable, replacement is cheap insurance against future problems.
Making a Diagnosis
Working systematically helps identify the problem without replacing parts unnecessarily. Start with the simple, free checks: fuel level, fuel tap, safety switches, battery connections. Then move to things you can test: battery voltage, spark plug condition, fuel freshness.Only once you've eliminated the obvious should you start thinking about component replacement. Often, what seems like a complex problem turns out to be something simple that was overlooked.
Finding the Right Parts
Once you've identified what needs replacing, using genuine Westwood parts ensures proper fit and performance. Battery specifications, spark plug types, filters and fuel system components are all specific to your Westwood model. Using your model information to order the correct parts means they'll fit properly and work as intended.Your Westwood's identity plate shows the model and serial number, which parts suppliers need to identify the correct components. This is especially important for items like spark plugs, where the wrong heat range or thread size can cause poor running or even engine damage.
Most starting problems have identifiable causes and fixable solutions. Approaching the problem methodically, checking the likely culprits in order of probability, usually leads you to the issue. Your Westwood is a well-built machine designed to last for years. With proper diagnosis and the right replacement parts, you can usually get it running again without too much difficulty.