How to Clean the Mower Housing on a 4.5 HP Murray Lawnmower

Murray Mowers are among the most popular American lawn mowers because they are dependable, offer a variety of models to suit the needs of most homeowners and are reasonably priced. Murray walk-behind lawn mowers offer the standard features that homeowners want, including mulching and bagging, side or rear discharge and the ability to adjust the handle height. While Murray walk-behind mowers require little maintenance, occasionally grass clippings and other debris can build up in the mower housing, causing the lawn mower to operate inefficiently.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves
• Two buckets
• Water
• Mild detergent
• Rag or sponge
• Paper towels

1. Release the engine stop lever to stop the engine. Allow the engine to cool. Put on a pair of gloves. Grasp the spark plug wire located on the front of the engine and pull it off the spark plug.

2. Place a small amount of mild detergent in the bottom of one of the buckets. Fill the bucket 3/4 full of water. Fill the other bucket 3/4 full of clean water.

3. Wipe all dirt and debris from the upper side of the mower housing. Place the rag or sponge into the bucket of soapy water. Clean any remaining dirt with the soapy rag. Rinse the mower housing with clean water. Towel the upper mower housing dry with the paper towels.

4. Tip the mower up from the spark plug side of the mower, being cautious to not spill gasoline from the tank. Remove any accumulated grass clippings, dirt and debris from the underside of the mower housing. Wipe away any debris that may have accumulated on the mower blade. Clean any remaining dirt with the soapy rag. Rinse the mower housing with clean water. Towel the underside of the mower housing dry with the paper towels.

5. Lower the mower back to the ground. Dispose of the paper towels in an appropriate trash receptacle. Reconnect the spark plug wire by pushing the connector back onto the spark plug.

Tips & Warnings

• Always tip the mower with the spark plug up. Tipping the mower with the spark plug down can cause oil and gas to saturate the air filter, resulting in hard starting, smoking and spark plug fouling.
• Lawn mowers are high-speed cutting machines and are capable of amputating hands and feet. Use extreme caution when operating.
• Never put hands or feet under the mower housing without ensuring the engine is off and that the blade has ceased turning. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the lawn mower to prevent accidental starting.