Lawn mowers are one of those machines that need precise care and attention. Fortunately, if we're talking about reel, push, and walk-behind mowers, you can handle them yourself.
Optimal Timing for Lawn Mower Tune Up
The most responsible attitude is to check at the beginning, middle and end of the season, whenever it starts in your area. A mid-season check can be scheduled after 25–50 hours of use. Problems can accumulate, and it will only get worse. We don't need that, right?
Safety Precautions and Preparation for Lawn Mower Maintenance
You should start with the manual. Each model may have its own special features. Always disconnect the spark plug before any tune up work. This will prevent the lawn mower from starting accidentally during your inspections. If you realize that the lawn mower will be idle for a long time, be sure to drain the oil and gasoline. By doing those drains, you will protect yourself from possible leaks and consequently ignitions and fires.
Essential Tools for Lawn Mower Maintenance
Frankly, you're going to need a pretty solid set. Set of wrenches and sockets. We're going to loosen the screws. For example, to remove the blade. Screwdrivers and pliers are also best kept on hand. For spark plugs, you will need a special wrench to install and remove them. And also a spark tester. It is with its help that the correctness of ignition will be determined.
A sharpening stone is needed to sharpen the blade. To change the oil, we will again need a special wrench and also a sump. It is not recommended to drain it into whatever containers you can get your hands on. The funnel will help you pour new oil into the engine without spilling.
Replaceable air filters as well as a brush for cleaning them. You will need a stiff brush and a trowel to clean the grass from the mower deck. Gloves and safety glasses are a must. You'll be working with sharp blades and hot liquids, so don't think to argue. A jack-and-grease gun is an advanced level. But you'll definitely need a roomy and well-maintained space for all of the above.
Materials Needed for a Lawn Mower Tune Up
For mower tune up you will need:
- engine oil
- oil filters (optional)
- spark plugs
- air filters; fuel (without ethanol, if possible)
- fuel filter and replacement blades
- grease for moving parts of a lawn mower
How to Tune Up Lawn Mower: step-by-step
We are now talking about quite a complex process that you should prepare for and follow a certain sequence of actions. You already have a list of tools and consumables. Now it's time to put them into action and learn how to tune up a lawn mower in practice.
Clean the Mower
The underside of your mower is a key element. It must always be kept completely clean, and for this purpose, it must be cleaned after every mowing operation. Wet grass that sticks to the underside will eventually become impossible to wash out, leading to the corrosion of the equipment. That’s a basic rule to tune up lawn mower.
The method of cleaning depends on the type of lawnmower. In the case of the simplest models, a brush or compressed air from compressors will suffice. Interestingly, the latest walk-behind mowers even have a special wash out port. All you have to do is put a watering hose in it, run the water at low or medium pressure, and start the engine. All the debris will wash off the blades and deck automatically.
If you have a standard model, turn it off, turn it on its side, remove the main debris with a brush, and then rinse off what's left with a strong stream of water. This is the most reliable method. You can use a leaf blower to remove debris that collects around the engine.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Refer to the manual, find the position of the air filter, and remove it. You must then decide whether to clean or replace it. Refer to the instructions again for cleaning. Paper or foam filters can be gently rinsed with clean water. Some filters can be washed with soapy water and allowed to dry completely. If the filter is too dirty or damaged, replace it.
Replace the Spark Plug
You can try to get the exact same one, or you can refer to the manual or the manufacturer's website to check out more options. It is easy enough to find the plug. It is located next to the motor and is covered by a cap, which you just need to pull a little to the side and then towards yourself.
Use the special wrench that we mentioned in the “tools” section to remove the plug. There are two basic sizes of spark plugs and, consequently, spark plug wrenches for them. Make short, light movements with the wrench until you feel that the plug has loosened its grip. Insert the new plug firmly into the unscrewed plug, and carefully screw it into the engine base. Make sure that it fits into the socket as tightly as possible, but do not overdo it. Finally, close the play with a cap to complete the lawnmower tune up.
Change the Engine Oil
Remove the power cable from the spark plug for safety reasons. Tilt the mower on its side (with the air filter facing up) and drain the old oil into a container. Add new oil and do it with the recommended type and amount. The gauge is often combined with the cover that closes the oil compartment.
Sharpen or Replace the Blade
You need to clamp the blade in the pliers, and then you can sharpen it by two means. With a metal file and only in one direction. Or you use a combination of the blade sharpener and drill. After sharpening, you need to make sure the blade is balanced. For this, you will need a balance kit or an everyday screwdriver. Place it in the center of the blade and check the tilt. If it is, this part of the blade needs to be sharpened. Actually, both procedures are not that easy. The easy and affordable procedure is to buy a completely new blade.
Inspect and Clean the Fuel System
Use a fuel siphon pump or run the engine until the tank is empty. Check for clogs or dirt. If the filter is dirty but still in good shape, you can clean it. For a paper or mesh filter, tap it to remove debris, or wash it with water and let it dry completely. If it is clogged or damaged, it is better to replace it with a new one. Check the fuel lines. Look for cracks, leaks, or signs of wear. If you see any damage, replace them. If the lines are dirty or have residue, you can clean them with a cloth or brush.
The carburetor is usually mounted on the engine and connected to the fuel system. Use carburetor cleaning spray to clean the outside surface and internal components. Pay special attention to the jets and passages. Make sure that all residues are removed.
What is the cost of tuning up a lawn mower?
Somewhere around $28–$70, but keep in mind that this doesn't include the basic tools needed every time. It only includes consumables like oil, filters, and spark plugs.
Repairing Your Lawn Mower vs. Buying a New One
Logical opposition for lawn mowers older than 5 years. And also in the event that it has become difficult for you to find spare parts for the model and the repairs have begun to take an indecent amount of time.
Choosing Between DIY and Professional Lawn Mower Tune-Up
And this is about saving money or saving time. We would recommend doing the work yourself in the case of basic lawn mowers. If you have an expensive model, get in touch with a specialist.
How UDC Parts Supports Your Lawn Mower Maintenance
We offer you a wide selection and only high-quality components. After the purchase, our team will be happy to give you advice and answer all your questions.
Conclusions
For a complete do-it-yourself service, you'll need about 20 serious tools and a lot of time. Calling in a professional or even selling and buying a new lawn mower may be a better solution in some cases. Now you know everything about how to tune up lawn mower.
