Maintaining Lawnmower Parts

Maintaining a lawnmower and lawnmower parts is not at all a tough job. It just requires a little regularity on your part and some expert guidance on how to maintain lawn mower parts.

Getting your lawnmower started is one tough job- yank the pull cord, then a sputter, and a pop and before you know, you are cursing the thing as it just would not start.

Relax! Here are some tips which have always benefited in keeping and maintaining lawn mower parts in perfect shape. First of all check the following things when you get started:

Spark Plug

Start with the spark plug.
Unfasten the wire to the plug and unscrew the plug with a plug wrench.
Measure the gap with a feeler gauge. The correct gap is mentioned in the manual (usually 0.03 inches).
If necessary, bend the side electrode to adjust the gap.
Re-install the plug finger-tight.
Now tighten a half-turn with the plug wrench (15 to 30 foot-pounds if you have a torque wrench).
Do not over tighten.

Note: Leave the spark plug wire off while you work on the mower.

Oil

Now, check the oil in the engine crankcase.
Most four-cycle mowers don't have an oil filter, so it is crucial to change the oil frequently, ideally after 25 hours of operation.
Changing oil will prolong the life of your mower.
Collect the old oil and dispose it of safely.

Lawnmower Blade

Then turn the mower on its side and check the blade.
If the edges of the blade are nicked and dented, then replace the blade. Sharpen them if the blade is dull.
Brace the tip of the blade with a 2 x 4 to keep it from turning.
Clamp it in a vise; use a flat file to sharpen the cutting edge. When both edges are sharp, balance the blade on a cone-type balancer. A properly balanced blade will reduce vibration.
Use the proper size socket wrench-never an adjustable wrench-to loosen the nut.

Gasoline

Gasoline gets gummy in a month. You can add a gas stabilizer instantly after pumping the gas. This avoids the gas going stale and clogging up the carburetor and fuel lines.

Air Filter

Keep the air filter clean.
Some brands use a disposable paper filter cartridge that can be changed when dirty. Some have foam filter that can be cleaned and reused. Use liquid detergent and hot water to wash. Rinse, wring out water, and allow drying. Spray a few drops of oil on the filter and squeeze to distribute the oil. Wipe away any dust or dirt from the filter housing, and install filter. For a fourcycle mower, change the air filter when you change the oil. Two-cycle mowers will need a filter change after about 10 hours.