Spring Mower Preparation “The basics”

It is best to do all this in the fall, but if you didn’t, here are the minimum steps you should take, and the order in which you should do them:

Change Fuel
Before you do anything else, dump out the old fuel from last year and fill the tank with freshly purchased fuel.  91 Octane is recommended as it has less Ethyl Alcohol in it.

Change Spark Plug
Check your engine manual for the correct spark plug & gap.  If you do not have your manual available, copy down the numbers off the engine, take them (along with the old plug) to a dealer and get the correct spark plug.  Ask him to gap it correctly for you.

Service or Replace Air Filter
Paper filters can be tapped gently to get the dirt out.  Do not blow with compressed air. Hold up to the light.  If you can see light through the paper, you can reuse it.  If you cannot see light, replace it.  Foam prefilters can be washed with soap & water and reused, providing they are not damaged or worn in any way. After washing, dry thoroughly & soak with clean fresh oil.  Then squeeze  out and reinstall.

Change Engine oil
Check oil level.  Start & run engine for about 10 minutes.  This will get the oil hot so it drains easily and will mix-in impurities which have settled to the bottom of the crankcase over the winter.  If your engine has an oil filter, replace it after the oil has drained.  Fill the filter with fresh oil before installing.  Most lawnmower engines use a top grade SAE30W oil.  Refer to your owners manual to be sure.  Fill to the full line on the dipstick before restarting.  Most walk-behind lawnmower engines will take around ¾ of a quart.  Riders will take more. 

Sharpen & Balance Blade
In most instances, you should remove the blade and send it out to be sharpened and balanced.  The sharpness of the blade has everything to do with how nice your lawn looks after mowing.  An unbalanced blade will result in premature vibration and failure of the lower crank seal or in the case of riders, the spindle or quill which operates it.  While you have the blade off, clean the underside of the deck with a putty knife or similar tool.  Make sure the blade is reinstalled correctly (not upside down) and that it is tightened securely.

Lube
Most riders and some walk-behinds will have a couple of grease fittings that must be greased with a grease gun.  Check your owners manual for locations.  Other parts which move should have a drop of oil placed on them.

Check Belts & Cables
Check all belts & cables for wear and proper adjustment.  Replace any that may let you down during the mowing season.

Clean
Clean your mower thoroughly.  Plenty of soap and water under pressure will not hurt it.  Make sure the cooling fins on the engine block are clean and free of dirt & debris.  This is important to eliminate overheating and shortened engine life.

Dealer Service
Even if you do all of the above, your mower should still be taken to a reputable dealer every 2 or 3 years for a complete service that includes all of the above plus setting the carburetor properly, setting the RPM’s to manufacturer specs., checking the ignition system, adjusting the governer properly, setting throttle & choke linkages, checking fluid levels and servicing rider transmissions, testing and servicing the battery and charging system, adjusting rider brakes and dealing with any operational safety or repair issues that all mowers eventually need.

Please contact us with any questions: info@creeksideshop.com