The summer is here and your mower whether walk behind or sitting, has been getting some work in since Spring. Make sure you use the following tips to improve your maintenance routine and to keep your mower running all summer long.

Clean your engines 

Clean engines run cooler. Remember to remove the spark plug before you begin, and use it as a socket wrench. This ensures that the lawn mower doesn’t start accidentally while you’re cleaning it. Your favourite engine degreaser and some clean water are great ways to get your engine clean. Be sure to avoid the air filter area.

 

Change the oil filter.

 If your lawn mower uses paper filters, remember to exchange it with a new one, and make sure that the paper ends face outward. Your mower may use an oil soaked sponge filter, wash it gently with some soap and water and allow it to dry entirely. When it’s dry, add some clean oil to the filter before entering it into the lawn mower.

 

Empty the fuel.

Empty all the fuel from the tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Remember, before starting your unit (at the end of your maintenance routine), you should prime the unit to start. If it surges or runs on the primer alone, further fuel system work will have to be completed. In the event that this happens, you should contact the small engine service department with your engine model, type and code numbers for additional directions.

Clean the undercarriage. 

In order to prevent rusting and to clear the passage to the discharge chute, you should be sure that the bottom of your mower is just as clean as the inside. You will then need to thoroughly clean the debris from the undercarriage. Yan can use a wire brush and putty knife to remove the grass and mud build-up.

 

Sharpen the blade

 Wear your thickest pair of gloves and a pair of goggles to do this. Remove the mower blade by unscrewing the bolts that keep it in position. Put the blade in a vice. Use a hand grinder to grind the blade parallel to its original angle, removing as little metal as possible. When you’re finished, clean the dirt and debris from the blade.

 

Clean and inspect belt

If it’s a self-propelled mower, remove the belt cover, clean and inspect the belt and pulley assemblies. If you find the belts to be worn out or cracked, you should have belts replaced.

 

Replace the spark plug.

Before putting the spark plug back in place, remember to check its gap. You should then screw the new plug in finger-tight. Try tightening it 1/4 to 1/3 turn more with a spark plug socket and attach the spark plug wire.

 

Change the oil.

 You should turn on the engine just about 10-15 minutes before changing the oil. This is supposed to loosen any sludge and contaminants within the engine and provide a more effective oil change. If your unit has a dipstick, tilt it slightly on its side and drain it using the dipstick tube. If your unit does not have a dipstick, find the drain plug beneath the unit, put a drain pan underneath it and drain the oil from the lawn mower. Finishing up by replacing the drain plug and refill with lawn mower oil.

 

To finish up, examine your mower for any noticeable fuel or oil leakages or damages.

 

If you are looking for small engine repair services in Ottawa, mobile car battery boosting, lawn mower and lawn tractor repairs and tune-ups, or snow blower repairs then give us a call to book your mobile small engine repair today. We fix, repair, and tune-up small engines such as lawnmowers and snow blowers. The best part is that we come to you so no more waiting in line or travelling back and forth to fix your small engine equipment.