How to Repair a Lawn Mower: The 7-Step Tutorial
As the winter season nears its end, early signs of spring inevitably arise. The weather gets warmer, lighter clothing is brought out of your wardrobe, and the nuisance of snow disappears. However, just as winter has its fair share of problems, spring also has challenges to contend with.
One of the most common issues homeowners will have to deal with is the grass becoming taller. As such, having a lawn mower ready to be used will be a great asset for lawn care. However, for various reasons, this critical piece of equipment may not power on. If that is the case, you will need detailed instructions on how to repair a lawn mower.
Here are seven steps on to how to repair a lawn mower:
Step #1: Check the lawn mower gas
The first thing you should do to troubleshoot your broken lawn mower is check its gas. Conducting a quick inspection of the fuel level inside your lawn mower can be the solution you may have not expected. If the gas inside is sufficient, but your lawn mower is still not working, it may be the gas itself.
Depending on how long ago you refilled your lawn mower, the fuel may be subject to expiration. Most fuel only has a shelf life of about thirty days, so it’s important to remain aware of this. Switch out your gas if it is old; you don’t want it to damage the parts inside!
Step #2: Repair the spark plug
One of the essential steps in how to repair a lawn mower is to inspect the spark plug. A spark plug that appears to be worn and darkened usually is a good indicator of it being damaged in some respect. By disconnecting it from your lawn mower before you begin the repair job, you prevent the machine from starting on its own.
In addition, there are two other factors that may cause a spark plug to be rendered inert. If it has melted metal around the top, or appears to be striped, this will cause further difficulties. In most cases, purchasing a separate part called a helicoil will speed up the repairing process.
Step #3: Repair the fuel filter
Most appliances that come with some sort of fuel holster can end up being clogged, if proper care is not taken. The same sentiment can be applied when you repair lawn mowers. To fix this, you’ll have to get rid of the sediment buildup that has become the source of the clog.
In most cases, simply replacing the fuel filter should resolve the problem in question. In some other cases, which are not as common, stale gas that is comprised of ethanol may also cause the fuel filter to fail. To get your lawn mower back to a normal, operative state, always double check the state of this component.
Step #4: Check the battery status
Major appliances and machines, such as your car, will always require a battery to start. For a myriad of reasons, the battery may end up failing, rendering your machine to not power on. If your lawn mower runs on a requisite battery, it is imperative to check its status.
Since you usually won’t have an indicator warning you beforehand of a battery on its last legs, check the power using a voltmeter. This will allow you to diagnose it accordingly, and give it enough juice. You may be able to repair the lawn mower and make it return to an operative state!
Step#5: Repair the carburetor
As it pertains to non-responsive lawn mowers, most engine issues stem from a dirty carburetor. Failing to clean it every so often will result in the component becoming filled with an unnecessary amount of dirt. Stale gas will also have a negative impact on the carburetor, so you’ll also have to double check the status of the fuel inside.
Thankfully, cleaning a carburetor is relatively easy. By disconnecting it from the lawn mower, and then disassembling it, you’ll be able to remove the hampering traces of dirt. Wash the parts, leave them to dry overnight, and your lawn mower should work again once the carburetor has been inserted again.
Step #6: Inspect the spark arrestor
The spark arrestor isn’t a vital component when you repair a lawn mower, relative to other parts of the machine. However, there may be a time where blockages affect it, preventing the overall mower from working. Use a wire brush to eliminate the blockages impeding on the spark arrestor, and the mower should work afterwards.
Step #7: Check the air filter
A lawn mower’s carburetor is one of the most vital parts of the appliance’s structure. It requires a proportionate amount of air to run; if it doesn’t, the engine will simply not work. This is where you need to inspect the mower’s air filter. If it appears dirty, simply replace it and the engine will be able to power up normally.
Many of these fixes require a sufficient amount of thorough inspection. With enough patience, you’ll not only be able to resolve the issue in question, but have your lawn mower back in tip-top shape!