How to Maintain Lawnmower Spark Plugs

Lawnmowers and other yard equipment often come with spark plugs that allow an engine to crank up and run properly. By transmitting a spark across the gapped end of the plug to the tip within the combustion chamber, a kernel of energy is released, triggering the fuel ignition. Once started, the engine must maintain heat dissipation and energy transfer through the spark plug. Here's how to maintain lawnmower spark plugs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small brush
• Gasoline

1. Listen to the engine run. An improperly installed or fouled spark plug will cause the engine to fire incorrectly and will sound as though it is stuttering.

2. Keep the spark plug properly gapped. A gap tool will assist in determining the proper gap for the engine. Refer to the engine's owner's manual for the proper gap distance for the ignition system.

3. Use only clean fuel in the engine. Poor quality or contaminated gasoline can cause the spark plug to become fouled with contaminants. The spark end will exhibit a blackened or charred tip and can be cleaned with a small brush. Bad gas can also lead to a misfiring engine that sounds as though it is backfiring.

4. Secure the spark plug properly in place. A loose spark plug can work its way out of the enclosure and damage the engine. A misfit plug can also lead to overheating of the plug and cause the plug to fail entirely.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a correctly fitted wrench to install the spark plug. An incorrect tool may cause damage to the plug, resulting in failure.
• Ensure that all spark plugs are the same brand and make. Differing brands in one engine may lead to excessive heat and damage either the engine or the ignition system.
• Never use old, cracked or chipped spark plugs as damage and injury can occur.

Resources

• Everything there is to know about spark plugs.
• Here is another in-depth website dealing with spark plug issues.
• Find a good spark plug cleaning article here.