Winter season is just around the corner. That means mowing season for this year is almost over. But before you keep that lawn mower, be sure to do these basic proper maintenance for your gas-powered lawn mower if you want it to start and run without a fuss come spring time. As a matter of fact, this is the best time to condition your lawn mower for the next mowing season.
Modern lawn mowers are well-built and durable enough to withstand numerous mowing routines. Be aware, however, that over time the mower parts will deteriorate due to wear and tear. The difference between how long your mower parts last and how soon before they are replaced depends on the maintenance provided. Proper and regular maintenance of your lawn mower ensures that it will run trouble-free longer than if is was not properly maintained.
Before doing these maintenance work be sure that you are comfortable with repairing things. Otherwise, it is always wise to have a professional lawn mower repairman do the job for you. You might want to read the basic guidelines before doing lawn mower maintenance.
It is always advisable to consult your equipment’s “Owner’s Manual” for accurate information concerning maintenance and parts look up.
1. Empty or Stabilize the fuel.
There are two varied thoughts about whether to drain or stabilize the fuel. Fuel becomes stale, attracts moisture condensation and creates gummy buildup on the inside of the carburetor. Draining the fuel, however, allows seals to dry out or water vapor to collect in the tank and rust it out. Which method is best depends on where your lawn mower is gonna be stored. If you store your mower in a dry and heated building or basement, consider emptying the engine of fuel. If you store your mower in a cold shed or unheated garage, it is best to leave fuel in the gas tank after adding a stabilizer.
2. Change the engine oil.
Drain oil when the engine is still warm by removing plug located at the bottom of the crankcase. If your mower does not have an oil drain plug in the crankcase, the oil is drained through the the oil filler tube by removing the filler cap and turning the mower on its side or upside down. Be sure to use the type of oil recommended for your lawnmower. Make sure to fill the oil reservoir to the mark displayed on the dipstick. Too much or too little oil is bad for your mower. Old oil must be disposed of properly at a recycling center or auto parts stores that provide this service.
3. Clean or Replace Engine Spark Plug and Air Filters.
Remove and inspect spark plug to check for dirt or corrosion. Clean the spark plug if there is no sign of corrosion, being burned or fouled, otherwise, replace it with new one. Before inserting the spark plug, spray a generous coating of WD-40 into the cylinder and pull the starter rope five to six times to distribute the oil throughout the cylinder.
Remove the air filter and remove stuck dirt or replace it with new one if it is already worn out.
4. Check the nuts, bolts, and screws.
Check nuts, bolts, and screws. Replace the missing ones and tighten up any that might have become loose during the mowing season.
5. Clean the mower deck.
Scrape the underside of the deck until caked on dirt and grass clippings are removed from the deck including the grass clippings chute if any. Spray off the mower under deck and exposed surfaces with garden hose to remove any dirt residue and wipe it dry. Once dry, spray under deck surfaces with WD-40 and put protective coating to the deck with automobile wax.
6. Sharpen or replace the blades.
Check the blades and sharpen them or have it professionally sharpened if you are not comfortable doing the sharpening yourself. Consider replacing them is they are already worn out.
7. Store your mower in a dry place.
Store your mower in a dry environment. If the storage place gets wet from snow and salt in the winter, use some wood or concrete to elevate it. If you use mower covers, it should be made from a breathable cloth material rather than plastic as plastic can trap water and will cause corrosion.
LawnEQ has wide array of lawn mower parts for all types of lawn mowers at very reasonable prices.
