The Craftsman M220 is a popular entry-level self-propelled mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton 150cc engine. Sold through Lowe’s and other retailers, this mower offers good value but develops predictable issues. This guide covers common M220 problems and how to fix them.

M220 Specifications
Starting Problems
Self-Propel Issues
Engine Running Problems
Cutting Performance
Maintenance Schedule

M220 Specifications

Engine: Briggs & Stratton 150cc (625EXi series) Cutting Width: 21 inches Drive: Front-wheel drive, single speed Deck: Steel Wheels: 7” front, 11” rear MSRP: $329-379 (varies by year)

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Craftsman M220 showing engine and controls]

The 625EXi engine features:

Ready Start (no priming or choking)
Check-Don’t-Change oil system
E-Z Start cam

Starting Problems

Won’t Start - No Response

Ready Start system means no priming needed. If engine won’t start:

Check in order:

Fuel level - Fresh gas less than 30 days old
Fuel shutoff - Make sure valve is ON
Safety bail - Must be held against handle
Blade control - Must be engaged on some models

If still won’t start:

Remove spark plug and inspect
- Should be tan colored
- Replace if fouled black
Check air filter
- Dirty filter prevents starting
Verify fuel reaching carb
- Disconnect fuel line at carb, should flow

Hard Starting After Storage

Most common M220 problem. The 625EXi carburetor varnishes quickly with ethanol fuel.

Solutions:

Drain old fuel - Replace with fresh
Clean carburetor - Remove bowl, spray passages
Replace carburetor - $25-40 aftermarket, $50+ genuine

Prevention: Use fuel stabilizer in every tank. Run dry before storage.

Starts Then Dies

Symptoms: Fires for 2-3 seconds then quits.

Causes:

Clogged main jet - Fuel not flowing after initial start
Fuel delivery issue - Filter or line blocked
Air leak - Carburetor gasket failed

Fix: Clean or replace carburetor. The E-Series carbs are inexpensive enough that replacement often makes more sense than cleaning.

Pull Cord Hard to Pull

Possible causes:

Blade hitting debris - Check deck
Hydro-lock - Oil in cylinder (tipped wrong direction)
Seized engine - Ran without oil

For hydro-lock: Remove spark plug, pull rope several times to clear oil, reinstall plug.

Self-Propel Issues

The M220 uses a simple front-wheel drive system.

Drive Won’t Engage

Check:

Drive bail - Must squeeze against handle
Cable adjustment - May have stretched
Drive belt - Could be broken or off
Transmission - May have failed

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Craftsman M220 drive cable and transmission location]

Cable Adjustment

Symptoms: Have to squeeze bail really hard, or drive engages weakly.

Adjustment procedure:

Locate adjustment barrel on cable
Turn to increase tension
Drive should engage with moderate bail pressure

Drive Belt Replacement

Signs of worn belt:

Squealing when drive engaged
Weak or inconsistent drive
Visible wear or cracks

Replacement:

Tip mower (air filter up)
Remove belt cover/guard
Note belt routing
Slip old belt off pulleys
Install new belt same path
Test operation

Front Wheels Not Driving

Single front wheel not driving:

Check wheel engagement - must click into drive position
Inspect wheel gear - teeth may be stripped

Both wheels not driving:

Transmission likely failed
Belt may be broken

Engine Running Problems

Engine Surges

Symptoms: RPM hunts up and down continuously.

Common causes:

Dirty carburetor - Clean or replace
Air leak - Check carb gasket
Governor issue - Linkage binding or worn

Fix: Start with carburetor service. On 625EXi engines, surging is almost always fuel-related.

Lacks Power

Symptoms: Bogs in normal grass, can’t maintain RPM.

Check:

Air filter - Must flow freely
Spark plug - Replace if old
Blade - Dull blade increases load
Deck buildup - Scrape underside clean

White/Blue Smoke

On startup: Normal oil burn after storage Continuous: Check oil level, verify not overfilled

After tipping mower: The M220 must be tipped with air filter UP. Tipping filter-down floods cylinder with oil.

Engine Overheats and Shuts Off

Causes:

Plugged cooling fins - Remove debris
Low oil - Check and add
Engine shroud missing - Must be in place
Operating too slow - Move faster, let airflow cool engine

Cutting Performance

Uneven Cut

Diagnostic steps:

Check all wheel heights - Must match
Inspect blade - Bent or damaged?
Deck level - Front should be slightly lower
Tire condition - Worn tires affect height

Poor Mulching

Improvements:

Sharpen blade (minimum once per season)
Mow dry grass only
Don’t remove more than 1/3 of grass height
Slow down in thick areas
Clean deck regularly

Grass Clumping

Solutions:

Wait for grass to dry
Clean deck after every 2-3 uses
Sharpen or replace blade
Make two passes if grass is tall

Bagging Problems

Bag won’t fill:

Remove mulch plug if installed
Verify bag seated correctly
Check for clogs in chute
Empty bag when 2/3 full

Maintenance Schedule

Every Use

Check oil level (look through window)
Inspect air filter
Remove debris from deck top

Every 25 Hours

Clean air filter
Sharpen blade
Check drive cable tension

Every 50 Hours

Replace air filter
Replace spark plug
Inspect drive belt
Clean cooling fins

Annually

Replace fuel filter
Service carburetor if needed
Inspect all safety features
Professional blade balance

Storage

Run tank dry or use stabilizer
Clean entire mower
Store in dry location
Fresh oil before spring

Common Parts

Part	Part Number	Cost
Air filter	593260	$8-12
Spark plug	796112	$5-7
Carburetor	799584	$25-40
Drive belt	532196853	$12-18
Blade (21”)	532406712	$18-25

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the M220 typically last?

With proper maintenance, 5-8 years is reasonable. Entry-level mower but decent quality for the price.

Should I repair or replace when it breaks?

For first 3-4 years, repair. After that, evaluate cost of repair vs new mower. Major engine problems on older units often aren’t worth fixing.

Can I use ethanol-free gas?

Yes, highly recommended. The 625EXi carb is sensitive to ethanol fuel degradation.

Why does Craftsman use Briggs engines?

Modern Craftsman is owned by Stanley Black & Decker. Briggs engines are cost-effective and parts are widely available.

The Craftsman M220 delivers solid value for budget-conscious homeowners. Keep up with basic maintenance - especially fuel system care - and it will serve well for years.

Craftsman M220 Problems | 150cc Mower Repair Guide

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