Pre-Season Mower Preparation

CAUTION: Don't mix gas and oil in a four-cycle engine.

Gas cap, spark plug and oil plug locations may vary by brand and model.

Before the season gets here:

• Remove any gasoline left in the tank during the off-season. Gasoline loses its strength after about 30 days. The chemical composition changes and can harm your engine. When emptying the gas tank, do it in a well-ventilated area. Use caution — even old gasoline is extremely flammable. Dispose of the old gasoline properly. Consult your county health department for advice on disposal.



• Note: When tipping a push mower deck to view or work on the underside, disconnect the spark plug wire. If the mower has a paper filter, remove it to prevent oil from seeping in. For safety's sake, get a friend to help when turning a machine up to clean or drain fluids.



• Remove the spark plug. Slide the wire off of the tip of the plug and unscrew the old plug with a socket wrench or spark plug wrench. To insure the new plug is a proper replacement, take it with you when you buy a new one.



• Change the oil if your mower has a 4-cycle motor. Remove the oil plug and drain. As with the gasoline, make sure you dispose of the old oil properly. Consult your county health department for advice on disposal. Refill to the proper level with a lubricant recommended by the manufacturer. DO NOT OVERFILL.



• Check the air filter. Clean or replace, depending on the filter type.
  
  
  • Foam filters can be cleaned by washing in hot water and detergent. When the filter is clean, squeeze the water out and add a bit of engine oil to the filter. Work the oil into the filter and reinstall. If the filter is torn, replace it.
  
  
  
  • Paper filter systems vary. A pleated paper filter cannot be cleaned and should be replaced. On dual-filter motors, some pre-cleaner filters can be cleaned and replaced; check your mower’s specifications.
  
  
  
• Install the new spark plug. Mower plugs look alike — make sure you get the one that is noted as the correct replacement for your motor. Screw it in by hand and do the final tightening with the wrench. Don’t overtighten or reconnect the wire yet.



• Get the blade sharpened. A sharp blade gives a neat appearance to the lawn and promotes healthier grass. A dull mower blade bruises, tears, and weakens the grass plants, resulting in a ragged, tarnished appearance at the leaf tip.



• Fill the gas tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.



• If you have a two-cycle engine, fill it with a fresh gas-oil mix. DON'T mix gas and oil in a four-cycle engine.



• Reconnect the spark plug wire and start the motor.

These steps are intended to be guidelines. You may find it necessary to do other maintenance, such as cleaning the fuel lines or replacing a starter rope. Always consult the owner’s manual for the specifics for your mower.