How Should I Prepare My Lawn Mower For The Season?
Few Simple Steps To Better Lawn Mower Performance
-
Use fresh gas. If you didn't drain
the gas tank last fall then you should replace the gas. Gasoline that
is older than a month has lost some of it's energy and can lead to problems
with the carburetor and engine.
-
Change the
engine oil. Find the drain plug and drain the oil to a
container, replace it with clean SAE-30 engine oil. Check the owners
manual for oil recommendations. The oil should be changed at least once
a year.
-
Replace the spark plug. You can
take the old spark plug to your local gas station or service shop or
find the type and gap information in the owners manual. A new spark
plug is inexpensive and can save you a lot of trouble later.
-
Check
the air filter. Tap the filter on a flat surface or carefully
clean it with pressurized air. If the filter is very dirty you should
replace it. Never try to clean it with water.
-
Have a
look at the blade. Is it dull? Is it broken or bent? If
so then replace the blade. A dull blade can be sharpened with a file
or grinder but never try to do it on the mower. Some blades are dual-edge
and can be turned over but most blades has to be replaced or sharpened.
-
Check the drive belt. If your lawn
mower has a drive belt then check it for wear and lack of tension. You
should be able to move the belt sideways about half an inch with one
finger if the tension is correct.
- Clean the mower deck.
Disconnect the spark wire from the spark plug to prevent engine from starting.
Use water and a soft brush to carefully clean the outside of the mower
deck around the engine.
Turn the mower 90 deg on it's side, with the carburetor
facing up and clean the inside of the deck, using a wooden stick to remove
heavy grass buildup.