How to Make a Craftsman Lawn Mower Run Better

The lawn mower has been part of the American psyche since the early 1950s when suburban neighborhoods popped up by the thousands across the country and provided many people with something they had never seen in a city--grass in their own front yard that needed to be cut. Ever since, Americans have increasingly become more in tune with keeping their yards looking fantastic in the spring and summer--and sometimes in the winter. The main ingredient is the lawn mower, which needs to run in tip-top shape in order for grass to grow.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oil
• New blade (potentially)
• Air filter
• Gasoline
• Fuel additives
• Rags and towels
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Socket set

1. 
    
   Checking the oil

   Replace your oil by unfastening a screw at the bottom of the pan. Let the oil drip out, replace your screw and add new oil. Check that your oil is settled properly by checking the dipstick that is normally at the top of the motor.

2. 
    
   Putting in a new air filter

   Change the air filter. Just like a car engine, a mower engine needs to be checked regularly. The air filter needs to be changed at least once a year. Do this by releasing the bolt for the air filter compartment with a screwdriver (this likely will be on the engine). Take out the old filter and clean out the filter compartment with an old rag or towel. Put in the new filter.

3. Make sure your tires are secure. While most Craftsmen mowers have plastic tires that don't puncture, they do get wobbly after years of usage. The more a tire wobbles, the more it shakes the mower and the more it shakes the user. To tighten the wheels, pop off the wheel cap with the screwdriver and use sockets to tighten the bolts.

4. Check the mower blade next. Depending on usage, a blade needs to be replaced about every 2 years. If the blade appears cracked and chipped, it is time to get a new blade. Also, replace the blade if the mower seems to be missing a lot of grass while cutting.

5. Wipe down the mower with some rags or towels. This gets rid of an old dirt or cobwebs that may have formed.

6. Add some fuel injectors to your gas tank before filling up. This will help the mower run better.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the blade after every mowing. Sometimes wet grass will build up around the blade and that will make the mower stall more often. Make sure to drain your oil at least once every year. Don't let gasoline sit in the tank idle for too many months, so make sure to drain the tank after your last cut of the year.
• Check the owner's manual before doing any work on the mower.

Resources

• Craftsman official site