How to Perform a Lawn Mower Tune-Up

It is necessary to perform a lawn mower tune-up every season. This lengthens the life of your mower and makes it run better. Your mower will be getting a good deal of wear and tear because hopefully, it will be well-used every season.

Before you start

Before beginning a lawn mower tune-up, you should let the engine run a bit. After this task is complete, detach the spark plug wire to prevent the engine from starting unintentionally. After you have done these two things, you are ready to begin your tune-up.

Change the oil

The first task is to change the oil. The first step is to make sure the oil you are going to replace the old oil with is the correct type for your unit. Then, wipe off the dirt on the upper section of the oil tank. An old toothbrush works well for this job. Next, you will need to raise up your mower with two blocks. After your mower is raised so that you can work underneath it, find the plug on the bottom of the oil tank. Then, place a container to catch the old oil underneath and unscrew the plug. After the oil is drained, screw the plug back on. Check if your mower has an oil filter. If it does, replace it and clean the gasket, which is what the filter is touching. After this, put your mower back on the ground and pour the new oil in the tank. Next, run your mower and check for leaks, and this task is done.

Sharpen the blade

(update 5/6/09)

Sharpening the blade on your mower is an important part of your tune up. Doing this will keep your mower running as efficiently as possible, and is also better for the grass. First, remove the blade and bring it to your work bench. I like eHow's description on how to sharpen your blade:

Sharpen the blade by moving the file toward the cutting edge with smooth, even strokes. Follow the original bevel of the blade as closely as you can. Make the same number of strokes on each edge. If you take more metal off one side than the other, the blade will be out of balance. An out-of-balance blade cuts unevenly; it also makes the mower vibrate, which can cause serious damage to the engine.

The last thing you should do is to make sure the blade is balanced. You can do this by placing the blade on the end of the screw driver. If one side sticks up, you will need to sharpen that side a bit more. When you blade is all sharpened, refasten it to your mower, and this task is completed.

Spark plug and air filter

The first thing you want to do is to clean the housing around the spark plug. Then, make sure the gap for the spark plug is the right size using a feeler gauge. You are done with the spark plug. (Make sure not to put it back on yet!) If your mower has a paper air filter, replace it. If it has a foam air filter, wash it thoroughly. You are done with the air filter. Now, all you have to do is reconnect the spark plug, and you are finished tuning up your lawn mower.

Tuning up your lawn mower is an essential task every season. It will save you a lot of mower trouble in the future. Good luck cutting grass for cash!

Further Reading:
http://landscaping.about.com/od/toppicks/a/mower_tuneup.htm

Labels: Equipment, Spring/Summer