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Fix it Yourself: Lawn Mower Parts and Repair Tips

Your lawn mower can last many years if you take care of it properly. With the right information and parts, repairing your mower can be relatively cheap and easy, as well as more efficient than taking it to a repair shop. For example, lawn mower parts like the blade and tires are easy for an owner to fix on his own. Similarly, you can tune-up your lawn mower by replacing its spark plug and changing both the oil and filter. Experts recommend tuning-up your lawn mower every year. Below are other tips for repairing your mower.

First Check the Spark Plug
As soon as spring rolls around and you have to start trimming your grass at more regular intervals, you know it's time to get that lawn mower in prime condition. Most of what you need to get your lawn mower in top form is easy to do yourself. The first thing to check is the spark plug. If it is not showing signs of being worn, clean and replace it. However, replace it with a new one if you notice any signs of wear. As you are doing this, inspect all nuts and bolts for rust and looseness. Replace any that are overly rusted and tighten those that have become loose.

Cleaning the Deck
The lawn mower deck is the housing for the cutting blade located on the underside of the mower. This needs to be cleaned of grass bits at least twice a season. Before cleaning the deck, make sure the gas tank is empty, and disconnect the spark plug from your lawn mower. After turning your lawn mower on its side take a hose and remove clippings and dirt. Vegetable oil can be sprayed on underside to help reduce buildup.

Fix it Yourself: Oil and Air Filters
At the beginning of each season, replace all of the oil that has been sitting in your mower. If your lawn mower runs off of a two-cycle engine, then you only have to make sure to use the correct ratio of oil to fuel, rather than replacing all of the oil.

A four-cycle engine needs to have the oil level checked before you start your lawn mower. During the use of the mower, add oil as needed. If the oil is dirty, then you drain and replace it after your mower has had time to cool when you are done mowing. Not only will waiting prevent the possibility that you could burn yourself, but it is also a good idea because cooler oil comes out easier.

Along with your oil, you need to change the filter on your mower. Filters will be either paper or foam. While paper air filters must be replaced periodically, you can clean a foam one, keeping the same one for a few seasons or longer.

Replacing a Mower's Blades
Of all a lawn mower's parts, its blades need the most maintenance, requiring a sharpening each month or two. To sharpen the blades, remove the spark plug. Using a wrench take off the nut that holds the blade in place. At this point, you can either take the blade to a hardware store to have it sharpened for a minimal price or you can file it yourself. If you sharpen the blade on your own, use a file at a 45° angle by following the cutting edge on the blade already. Replace the blade when it has been sufficiently sharpened.

Changing Your Mower's Tires
Change the tires on your lawn mower yourself by removing the black boot covering the tire's spindle. Be careful not to tear it. Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the C clip that holds the tire in place. Be sure not to lose the clip, as they tend to come off quickly. You should be able to remove the tire by pulling it off the axle. After you carefully replace new tire, clip and spindle, you are ready to continue mowing.

Cost of Repair
Doing most if not all of your lawn mower repairs yourself will save you time and money. If you run into a problem you can't fix, consult an expert to see whether or not the issue is something you can or should try to do yourself. Talk to your friends and do research to find a repairman or shop you can trust. Although you will have to pay for their expertise, occasionally this will be necessary.

If your problem is going to run you a lot of money, you may consider just replacing your lawn mower with a new one. Figure out what everything will run you and check into the price of new lawn mowers.

Caring for your lawn mower on a regular basis will help it last significantly longer. You can avoid many common problems by just keeping up with the basic maintenance described above.