How to Maintenance Your Law Mower for Summer

Step-by-step maintenance to get your lawn mower ready for summer time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Putty Knife
• Oil Changing Pan
• Replacement Oil
• Hand File
• Socket and Wrench
• Spark Plug Gauge

1. Clean the under side of the deck with a putty knife to remove built up debris. This will help your lawn mower to cut and mulch more effectively.
2. Change the engine oil. Refer to the owners manual, but there is usually a drain plug for this purpose. Dispose of your use oil by taking it to a recycling center.
3. Check and clean the air filter. If the air filter is torn or damaged replace it. If it's a foam filter and in good shape, use warm soapy warm to wash, then rinse with clean water. Lastly, squeeze the foam filter until it's dry and add about 1 teaspoon of oil to it and work it in by hand before installing the air filter.
4. Sharpen your blade by disconnecting the spark plug to ensure the mower does not start up. Loosen the nut on the underside of the deck that is holding the blade on. This nut is usually a left handed thread, which means you must turn the head of the bolt clockwise to loosen and counter clockwise tighten. Sharpen the blade using a hand file or grinder. Be sure to follow the original bevel of the blade. If you don't want to sharpen your old blade you can buy a new one or pay a shop to sharpen it for you.
5. Check you spark plug by removing it and using an electrical cleaner or 200 grit sand paper to clean the firing end. Next check your plug gap using a spark plug gauge. Set the gap to the recommended gap. This can usually be found in the owner's manual or by using your computer to search online for recommended specifications.

Tips & Warnings

• Use manufacturer recommended oils and specifications.
• Always work safely. Wear personal protective equipment when working with tools.