How to Correct a Spark Plug Gap on Craftsman Lawnmowers

Lawnmowers are simple machines to fix.

The gap on a Craftsman lawnmowers spark plug is the space between the metal pin inside the spark plug and the metal arm that comes up from the side and over the metal pin. The gap between the pin and the arm must be the correct distance for the lawnmower to operate correctly. If the gap is to small, the spark from the spark plug will not be enough to ignite the gas and will foul the spark plug. If the gap is too big, the timing might be off and this will also foul the spark plug. This is a basic job that will take you less that five minutes to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Ratchet
• Spark plug socket
• Spark plug gaping tool
• Owner's manual

Instructions

1. Loosen the spark plug from the Craftsman Lawnmower using the spark plug socket and the ratchet. Pull the spark plug from the Craftsman Lawnmower.

2. Tap the top of the small metal arm that is over the top of the small metal pin in the center of the inside of the spark plug until the arm is close to the pin.

3. Locate the gaping specifications for your specific Craftsman lawnmower inside the owner's manual. Place the gap tool between the metal arm and the metal pin. Turn the gap tool until the correct numbers on the gap tool line up with the center of the metal arm on the spark plug.

References

• "Small Gas Engine Repair;" Paul Dempsey; 2008