Preparing for Spring: Lawnmower Maintenance and Tune Ups

One gas powered motor that can be found around many garages is one that is often overlooked when it comes to servicing. Your lawn mower typically is low on the totem pole for servicing, but is actually relatively easy to maintain with just a few things here and there. Our blog this week will show you items to check within your push-behind mower, and how you can make your mower run more efficiently. For the most intuitive repair advice, always consult with your owner's manual before doing any repair on your lawn mower. 

• Air Filter- Typically, this paper filter is located on the top half of the stroke motor. It is often in a black plastic box, that is typically held in by a few retainer clips. Release the clips to access the filter, check for the dirtiness of the filter. The picture below illustrates the filter location on a Craftsman lawnmower. 
  
• Oil Change- Since there is no odometer to read mileage, oil change cycles typically depend on how much you use your mower. Consult with your owners manual for the proper interval, as well as oil type that your mower uses. 
• The proper oil change procedure will vary from make/model of lawn mower. Check your owner's manual or do an online search to find out the proper method. One method involves simply opening the oil cap and emptying the old oil this way. Another method involves taking out the drain plug, and draining oil this way. 
• Be sure to take any used motor oil to your local Bob Sumerel Tire for free recycling!
• Spark Plug/Wire- Find the spark plug wire, which typically runs on the front face of the top end of the motor. From there you should be able to locate the spark plug. Using a wrench, take out the plug and inspect for corrosion or a burnt white color near the top of the electrode. Typically these only run a few bucks at any parts store, and can drastically improve fuel consumption when replaced! See the picture to the right to find where the spark plug is typically located on most mowers.
  
• Blades- Turn your mower over, exposing the underside where the blade(s) are located. You are primarily checking for dullness of blades, or any severe scoring of the blades. Typically, these can be replaced by just undoing a few bolts, and increase the cutting power of the mower. You may have to order these blades direct from the manufacturer, as they are often not an item you can find in a store. 

With these few touches to your mower, it will be ready to cut once the weather starts to warm up! As stated previously, always check with your owner's manual or an online search if you have any questions about performing these procedures.Typically, if a question cannot be answered through the owners manual, there usually is a hotline number to call for any questions regarding service. As always, be careful when working on your lawn mower, and use the correct safety equipment when doing so!

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