Simple Lawnmower Maintenance
If you are having trouble starting up your petrol lawnmower the following tips will have your lawnmower starting in no time!
The Spark Plug
The most usual cause of a failure to start is a dirty spark plug. After disconnecting the wire attached to the plug, remove it using a wrench. If the plug is wet looking or black this is the reason the mower will not start. Clean the spark plug top with fine sandpaper making sure that the area around the metal tab is cleaned. Ensure there is a gap between the electrode and the metal tab and use a set of feeler gauges to check the gap if you have the specifications.
Clean off any loose dust,make sure it is dry, then replace on the lawnmower engine.
Check the air filter and replace if it is oily and dirty. If it is just dusty shake it out and put it back in the engine.
Check the oil level and top up if necessary.
If you drained the gas at the end of the mowing season fill it up. If there is still gas from last season drain it out first.
Make sure the fuel line switch is on. Fuel lines do get clogged so if the lawnmower still does not start disconnect the line from the carburetor to see that fuel comes out easily. if not you will need to replace the fuel line.
Cleaning the Carburetor
Turn off the fuel line and find the nut on the bottom of the carburetor. Remove it and take off the bottom portion of the carburetor.Clean inside and ensure the float valve can move freely. Replace the bottom part of the carburetor and turn the fuel line back on.
The lawnmower should now start!
A final task before beginning a mowing season is to sharpen the blade. Now you are ready for a full season of mowing.