DIY Lawnmower Maintenance

DIY Lawnmower Maintenance

It's that time of year when your grass is growing faster than you can cut it. Your lawnmower has been sitting in the shed all winter and hasn't been cranked in months. Small engines need to be cranked regularly and after sitting up all winter, your lawnmower will likely not start. Most people who own lawnmowers don't know anything about small engines and don't want to fool with repairs. It's actually very difficult these days to find someone willing to work on small engines. So they head to the store for a new lawnmower. What these people don't know is that there are a few simple things anyone can do to maintain or repair their lawnmower. So before you buy a new one, try these:

1. Replace the spark plug. The spark plug looks like a little space rocket that screws into the engine. They are approximately 3 inches long. It will have a black rubber hose connected to the tip. Disconnect the hose, unscrew the spark plug (may require a wrench), and take it to your local hardware store and they will give you a new one for under $5.

2. Replace the air filter. Air filters vary from lawn mower to lawnmower. Some are foam pads underneath a vented, plastic casing. Some are hollow cylinders or squares with a corrugated felt-like material. Locate your air filter and remove it. It shouldn't take more than unscrewing a wing nut. Take it to your hardware store and match it up with a new one.

3. Change the oil. The oil tank should be easy to find. Unscrew the cap, turn the lawnmower over while the gas tank is empty, and drain the oil. Replace with new oil. It is usually SAE 30.

4. Change the gas. Any gas sitting in your lawnmower over the winter is likely no good. Drain the gas by removing the gas cap and tilting the lawnmower. Be sure not to use regular gas in your lawnmower. Ethanol is terrible for small engines. Find ethanol-free gas at either your local hardware store or a marine gas station.

5. Change the blade. If your lawnmower is running but not cutting well, it is likely your blade. They only last a few seasons with regular usage. Turn the lawnmower on its side and inspect the blade. If it is warped or too worn, it needs to be replaced or sharpened. It can be removed with a wrench by unscrewing the nut in the middle of the blade. Your hardware store can sharpen it, or if it is too far gone, give you a new one.

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