Regular maintenance can extend a mower’s life

New mowers are expensive, and you can double the useful life of yours with normal maintenance.

Always disconnect the lead wire from the spark plug before working with the motor or the blades. Nature has aligned our fingers and toes in their most useful positions, and it would be foolish to rearrange or remove some of them through the surprise of a motor’s unexpected starting.

Gasoline-powered lawn mowers are air-cooled. Buildups of grease and dirt on the outside of the engine, especially the “vane” areas, reduce heat loss and make the motor run hot. Wash or wipe these areas clean. A strong blast from the hose will usually suffice.

While you’re in the basic cleaning mood, don’t forget the blade (bell) housing on rotary mowers. Use a chisel or a similar tool to scrape off old, dried grass buildup. The mower won’t work properly if this area is plugged or “side-heavy” from accumulated clippings.

The air cleaner should receive special scrutiny. If the filter is dirty, your engine simply can’t put out the power it was designed to. Remove the filter and wipe the casing clean of all dirt and grease. The filter itself may be cleaned with soap and water or by pouring a little gasoline and then squeezing it and the dissolved dirt and oil out. When the unit is clean, let it dry, then add a little clean oil and squeeze to distribute. Accordionlike paper filters can be blown clean or replaced.

Dirty crankcase oil should be drained and replaced. If it’s black and thick as syrup, your oil is doing a lot more harm than good. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions on the type of oil to use. Be sure to tip the mower to drain out that last cup of the dirty lubricant.

The spark plug is a key to good motor operation. You should regap the plug and remove corrosion or carbon buildup around the point area. Check the white porcelain for cracks and the lead wire for breaks.

Finally, tighten bolts and screws and grease or oil wheel bearings and pulley shafts where indicated.