How To Service a Petrol Lawn Mower
Sheridan Okey
27 November 2020
Petrol lawn mowers are the best machines for mowing medium to large areas of grass. Its strengths, when compared to an electric or battery-powered lawn mower, are its power and operating autonomy allowing you to work in the garden longer without the constraints of a power cord or having to stop to charge the battery.
Petrol lawn mowers are quite complex and heavy. Self-propelled petrol lawnmowers are also available (whereby the engine moves the wheels and you don’t have to push it) and are especially appreciated on hills by avid and professional gardeners. However, whatever version you own, they do require regular careful checks and maintenance since there are many mechanisms involved. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for these operations, as well as always using the correct spare parts and consumables. There are several checks you can perform yourself to keep your petrol lawn mower in good working order but always ensure you perform maintenance when the mower is turned off.
Things you will need
Screwdriver
Compressor
Carburettor cleaning brush
Step 1
How To Change or Clean Air Filters on Lawn Mowers
A properly functioning air filter is a lawn mower’s first line of defence in counteracting the dirt and debris that are lifted during the mowing process. When the air filter is in good condition and working properly, it prevents dirt from entering the engine through the carburettor. If the air filter is worn and dirty, then a great deal of debris can penetrate the engine. There are different types of air filters on the market from foam filters, rigid paper and hybrids (include both a foam element as a pre-filter and a paper element as a main filter). Some can be cleaned or washed, whereas others only need to be periodically replaced.
Where is the Air Filter On A Lawn Mower?
A lawn mower’s air filter is usually located near the top of the engine and is enclosed in a metal or plastic cover that is usually secured by a screw or snap fittings.
Step 2
How To Clean A Lawn Mower Carburetor?
If your petrol lawn mower’s engine isn’t working properly, the carburetor jets may be clogged. Unscrew them with a screwdriver and clean them with a spray of WD-40® Specialist High-Performance PTFE Lubricant. Clear any obstructions with a carburetor cleaning brush and a spray of compressed air. When checking the carburetor, you should also check the state of the air filter as mentioned above.
Step 3
How to Check the Oil Level and Change Oil In A Lawn Mower?
To check the oil level of a petrol lawn mower, remove the rod connected to the tank cap. Simply clean it and put it back in place, then remove it after a few seconds to check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum notches (better if closer to the latter). Refill if necessary and make sure that the oil is replaced once a year. Specific lawn mower oils must be used with a particular viscosity level for this type of machine.
Step 4
How to Check and Adjust the Lawn Mower cutting height?
The cutting height adjustment lever, which is usually located on one side of the machine near a rear wheel, lets you choose between several predefined cutting heights, generally between 20 and 70 mm. The lifting mechanism must be well cleaned and lubricated with WD-40 Specialist High-Performance PTFE Lubricant. It’s important to avoid lowering the cutting height too much in early spring in order to avoid excessively “offending” the stems that are slowly awakening from their winter slumber.
Step 5
Check the controls
The engine’s operation is controlled by a lever that must be kept pressed against the handle, the engine switches off when it’s released. In self-propelled models there is a second lever that controls forward movement. After an initial clean, we recommend all the joints and steel cables of the various controls should be lubricated with WD-40 Specialist High-Performance PTFE Lubricant. What’s more, it’s also important to rinse and lubricate the wheels and axis after every use as they are subject to wear caused by mud, stones and cut grass.
Step 6
How to Check & Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?
The blade is undoubtedly the part of the machine that undergoes the most stress and therefore should be carefully examined before each use of the machine. If you note any deterioration or deformation due to contact with stones or soil, it must be disassembled by unscrewing the central screw, then sharpened while maintaining the appropriate cutting angle. If you don’t have the right grinding wheel, have it sharpened by a professional at a specialised centre.
Pro Tip:
Now you know how to keep on top of servicing your lawnmower with WD-40 explore how to keep it maintained and working throughout winter too! You’d be amazed at how else WD-40 can be used to help with DIY projects and more – explore some more uses and get started and your next project!
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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