Lawnmower Maintenance

Tools:

air compressor
gapping tool
wire brush
5-in-1 painter's tool
plastic pan
spark plug wrench
rotary tool
screwdriver
flat file
work towel
gloves
safety glasses
all-purpose cleaner
penetrating oil
small engine oil
air filter

1. If possible, have owner’s manual on hand. Put on safety glasses and gloves. Disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance on your lawnmower (figure A).

2. Remove screw and open housing holding air filter (figure B). Clean the housing and replace the filter.

3. Remove cover of pull cord housing and clear debris using compressed air (figure C). Inspect pull cord for damage and replace cover.

4. Add fuel stabilizer to tank before storing lawnmower for off-season. Follow directions on stabilizer to determine how much to add.

5. Remove spark plug. Use a bit of penetrating oil to loosen if necessary. Examine plug and replace if fouled. Use a spark plug gauge to set gap to manufacturer's recommendations (figure D). Lubricate washer with oil and replace spark plug.

6. Wrap a towel around the end of a flathead screwdriver and clean cooling slots on front of engine.

7. Check oil level with dipstick and add or change oil if needed.

8. Turn the mower over and use an adjustable wrench to remove the bolt holding on the blade. Clean underside of mower deck using a brush (figure E).

9. Soak the blade in degreaser and sharpen using a rotary tool with grinding stone. Follow the contour of the blade as closely as possible. Smooth blade using a hand file, again following the contour (figure F). File as flat as possible to insure that the cutting surface will be sharp.

10. Apply oil to bolt hole on blade before reattaching.

11. Reconnect spark plug wire and start mower to test.