Watch an Overview Video

Gather Your Materials and Tools

For long life and few repairs, maintain lawnmower regularly.

Materials and Tools:

spark plug
air filter
motor oil
gasoline
screwdriver
wrench
deep socket wrench
ratchet
metal file
clean rag
spark plug gapper
2x4 lumber
C-clamp
steel wool

Change the Spark Plug

Change spark plug in spring.

Follow black cable toward front of engine and remove cap.

Use deep socket wrench to loosen and remove old spark plug.

Insert new plug and tighten with wrench.

Use gapper to make sure spark plug gap .025 inches.

Change the Oil

Change oil in spring and again after every 50 hours of mowing.

Disconnect spark plug and drain oil into disposable container and discard.

Fill engine with new oil.

Change the Air Filter

Replace paper and foam air filters after 25 hours of mowing.

Tip: A clogged air filter can double gas usage.

Remove air filter cover and take out paper air filter.

Slide in new filter with folds facing you.

Before mowing, always check fuel and oil levels and tire inflation; also tighten loose parts with wrench or ratchet.

Clean the Mower

Clean out clumps of grass after each mowing.

Do not touch blade without disconnecting spark plug.

Use stick to knock out grass.

After mowing wet grass, disconnect spark plug, wedge blade with 2x4 and C-clamp and wipe blade with rag to prevent rust.

Sharpen the Mower Blade

Sharpen blade every couple of months.

Before touching blade, disconnect spark plug, wedge blade with 2x4, and lock with C-clamp to protect you if motor starts unexpectedly.

Use ratchet or wrench to remove blade.

Use metal file to remove small nicks.

Remove rust with steel wool.

File one side toward cutting edge counting strokes; file other side with same number of strokes. Use blade balancer to balance blade.

Reinstall blade and tighten with ratchet or wrench.

Tip: Before storing mower for winter, drain fuel tank and run engine at near idle until fuel runs out.