While watching the local news, Tom McNutt said we are done with accumulating snow. We all know if it's on TV, it has to be true. So, I suppose we should think about some basic lawn mower maintenance.
If you are not mechanically inclined, do not attempt ;-)
We will start with changing the motor oil. (Remember, if your mower runs on mixed gas--2 cycle engine--you do not have to change the oil separately. The gasoline and oil are mixed together.) First, start the mower and let it run for a few minutes to warm the oil. Next, shut the engine off and pull the spark plug wire off the spark plug. Now, look for the oil drain plug (usually located on the bottom of the mower, you will see a cut-out in the deck) and remove it by turning it counter clockwise. Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug (do not over-tighten) and refill with the manufacturer's recommended oil.
The next step is cleaning or replacing the spark plug. Remove the spark plug and check for wear or carbon build-up. If you see anything that does not look right, just replace the old spark plug with the manufacturer's recommended brand. (You can clean the old spark plug with a wire brush or sand paper, but I suggest replacement as new ones are fairly inexpensive and provide easier starting of the mower.) Place the new or cleaned spark plug back in the mower. (Again, do not over-tighten.)
Remove the air filter cover located on top of the carburetor and take out the air filter. If it is a paper filter, use an air pressure hose to clean it. If you cannot see light through the filter after cleaning it, it needs replaced. If your mower has a foam filter, clean it with warm soapy water. Let it dry and then add a few drops of oil to help collect dust and dirt. Now you are ready to place the filter back on the engine and reinstall the air filter cover.
Don't forget to put the spark plug wire back on or you will be wondering why your mower won't start!
If all of this seems to much for you, then give us a call and we'll take care of the mowing for you.
Buckeye Landscape 614-866-0088 www.buckeyelandscape.com
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