Basic Winterfix Checklist - Walk behind Mowers
4 Cycle
NOTE: Always remove the spark plug before doing any work on a lawnmower. Read your operator's manual to see if any other safety precautions need to be taken before working on your mower.
Maintenance
- Remove the spark plug and inspect. Clean or Replace as needed.
Generally it is just easier to replace the spark plug. Spark plugs that have been cleaned usually don't have a lot of life left to them. If you choose to clean it, we use Sea Foam Deep Creep to clean spark plugs. It is a little expensive but it works great. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to the appropriate spark plug and gap. Don't replace the plug until you have finished the rest of the maintenance. - Change the oil and filter (if equipped)
Most Briggs Engines have an oil plug under the engine. On most brands this is accessible from underneath the mower deck. Use a 3/8" drive rachet with an extension to fit in this square hole. If you prop the handle of the mower under a cabinet, the mower is tilted at an easy angle that leaves the underside easy to work on and an oil pan will fit underneath.
Other brands, such as many equipped with Honda Engines, may have the oil plug in a very inconvenient place. If this is the case, you can tip the mower on its side and let the oil drain out of the dipstick tube. If the tube is on the same side as the carburetor, you may want to invest in an oil siphon for draining the oil. Never tip a lawnmower with the carburetor/air filter side down. You will have a big mess to clean up as oil and gas will fill the carburetor and air filter. - Change or clean the air filter
Some mowers have just a paper element, some have a foam element and some have a combination paper filter and precleaner. Paper elements may be gently cleaned with compressed air (low pressure) but do not use water on them. Foam filters may be cleaned with dish soap and hot water, then squeezed between two rags to removed the excess water. Foam filters that are extremely dirty or are decaying should be replaced. - Drain fuel from the gas tank into an approved container and discard.
The easiest way to do this is to disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and let it drain into an approved container. Fuel goes stale and starts to varnish after 30 days. Varnished fuel can ruin a carburetor. If you will not use this fuel within 30 days, discard according to your local laws. - Change the fuel filter (if equipped)
Not all walk behind mowers are equipped with a fuel filter, those that are generally have the squeeze clip type and are very easy to replace. - Put a fuel system cleaner or stabilizer in the fuel tank (such as Seafoam Motor and Marine Treatment).
- Grease or lubricate equipment according to manufacturer's instructions in your operator's manual.
- Check blade condition and replace or sharpen as needed following manufacturer's recommendations.
Care should be taken when you choose a blade for your lawnmower. Many aftermarket blades are of high quality but may not be appropriate for your machine. Ask you lawnmower professional for advice. If a blade does not fit properly, it may damage your blade adapter or crankshaft. Most manufacturer's suggest torquing the blade to 70 ft. lbs. A blade that has not been tightened properly may become loose and damage the mower or even worse, cause serious injury to the operator. - Start engine and let mower run until it runs out of gas.
- Check all nuts and bolts and tighten as needed.
- On battery operated self-propel models, check the manufacturer's instructions as to battery maintenance for storage.
Some manufacturer's recommend removal of the battery prior to storage, others just suggest you store it fully charged. - Check your operators manual for additional tips relevant to your particular model.
Cleanup
- Clean the cooling fins on the engine.
- Clean out under the deck, remove all grass and debris from undercarriage and the top of the deck.
Spraying the underside of the deck with non-stick cooking spray, will help protect the underside of the deck as well as aid in keeping the grass from sticking and accumulating under the deck. This can be done each time prior to mowing. Care should be taken not to spray moving parts during mowing season as this can attract dirt and cause premature wear. Spray only the underside of the deck itself. - If your machine is equipped with a grasscatcher, removed the grasscatcher and inspect for holes or wear. If needed purchase a replacement grass bag. Bags in good condition can be vacuumed with a shop vac or cleaned with compressed air.
- Wipe down or wash entire machine. Using a regular sprayer on a garden hose is alright as well as a bucket of warm water with a little dishwashing detergent in it. Do not use high powered pressure washers to clean Outdoor Power Equipment. The high pressure can force water into places that water wasn't meant to go and damage your machine.
- Make sure mower is completely dry before storing under a tarp. It is not recommended to use tarps or covers in extremely humid areas. It may cause premature rust.
-The Lawnmower Lady
