PreSeason Lawn Mower Tip #2

Some more tips for you before you start mowing your lawn this season.  Many people don't know that most air cooled engines use about 1 ounce of oil for every hour of use.  The average walk-behind mower’s oil capacity is 20 ounces.  So, if you don’t check your oil on a regular basis, after only 20 hours of use you may run out of oil and damage the engine.  Adding oil is ok, but just like your car, a complete oil change should be performed at least once a year.  And while you are doing an oil change, replace your spark plug as well.  Most new spark plugs are already pre-gapped to the correct spacing.  Refer to your owner’s manual for the type of spark plug and oil to use – don’t reach for the first quart of oil you have on hand, the wrong weight oil can do engine damage.  

Another thing you should check and/or replace is your air filter.  An engine’s carburetor needs to mix fuel with filtered air for smooth running. In the image for this article, the air filter on the left was replaced just last year, but not checked during the mowing season.  It is embedded with grass, oil and dirt.  The filter on the right is a new one.  A clogged air filter will restrict the proper air flow, but a bigger hazard in not cleaning or replacing the filter is that a dirty or torn filter can allow dirt into the engine.  All lawn-related gas-powered machines have some type of air filter – some just need to be cleaned off, while others should be replaced. 

If you tip your mower on the air filter side, oil may seep out and become embedded into the air filter and need replacing.  Always tip your mower back by pushing down on the handle towards the ground.  If you overfill your oil, or tip it on the wrong side, white smoke will typically puff out when you start your machine.