Here are some tips to get your mower in shape:
Fuel
Gasoline will degrade over time and that can lead to problems, like hard starting, rough running, or even no starting at all. If you added stabilizer before the winter, that shouldn’t be a problem for you. You should be able to start the mower right up. Similarly, if you ran the mower dry last fall, you can add stabilized gas now. There are a number of good stabilizing products on the market. Ask you Auto parts dealer what he recommends. If you did neither last Fall, siphon out the degraded gas before adding any new fuel.
Oil
If you didn’t change the oil at the end of last season, take time to do it now. Dirty or insufficient oil can cause a mower to overheat and fail prematurely. It’s best to change the oil while the fuel tank is empty to avoid spilling any gasoline. Position an auto-style drain pan beside the mower on the side of the dipstick cap. Remove the cap and tip the mower over the pan to drain the oil. Refill to the proper marking on the dipstick.
Blades
Dull blades will rip rather than slice the grass, making your engine work harder than necessary. Spring is a good time to sharpen your blade before the mowing season. To remove a mower blade, wear heavy leather gloves, remove the spark plug wire, and jam in a short 2×4 to keep the blade from turning as you loosen the bolts. Your lawn and garden dealer will sharpen the blade for about $10.
Electrical
Most manufacturers recommend changing your spark plug after about 100 hours of operation. A worn spark plug can affect engine startup and overall performance. If you can’t remember when you last changed it, it’s time to do it now. With the mower off, remove the spark-plug cap and use a socket wrench with a spark-plug socket to remove the old plug. Take it to an auto-parts store or your lawn and garden store and get a new one.
Filters
A dirty filter usually won’t prevent your mower from starting, but a clean one will protect the engine, lengthening its lifespan. Take the old one with you to an outdoor power gear dealer if you’re not sure which one to get. Check your manual for the proper maintenance schedule and procedure.
Do these five things and your mower will purr like a kitten all summer long!
Freedom Insurance cares about you and your loved ones. We hope you find these tips helpful.
Freedom Insurance
(410) 795-2000
