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Lawn Mower Servicing DIY Guide

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Lawn Mower Servicing DIY Guide

Lawn mower servicing isn’t quantum physics. Anyone can do it. In fact, you should do it yourself!

Your lawn mower should be properly serviced before the start of each grass cutting season to ensure it will continue to operate and get the job done correctly. Most people don’t even think about getting their mower serviced until it’s time for the first grass cutting. Unfortunately, by that time, service centers will be extremely backed up since everyone waited till that last minute. But if you can do the job yourself (and you definitely can!), you won’t be stuck waiting on Bubba to crank through all of your neighbors push mowers before getting to yours.

There are three major benefits to learning how to service your own lawn mower.

1. Save Money

Mechanics have a reputation for jacking up labor costs. Do it yourself and spend the money you save on getting jacked up on an ice cold brewski.

Here’s a breakdown of some typical costs:

  • Spark plugs: Depending on the type and brand, spark plugs can cost between $2 to $10 each.
  • Air filters: The cost of air filters can range from $5 to $20, depending on the type and brand.
  • Oil: The cost of oil depends on the brand and type, but a quart of oil can cost between $5 to $10.
  • Blades: The cost of replacement blades can vary based on the brand and size of the blade, but typically range between $10 to $30.

Overall, the cost of parts to service your own lawn mower could be anywhere from $25 to $70, depending on the specific items needed.

In contrast, getting a lawn mower professionally serviced typically costs between $50 to $200, depending on the services required and the service provider’s rates. Therefore, by servicing your own lawn mower, you could potentially save $25 to $130 per year.

2. Fast turnaround

By the time most people remember to send their mower in for servicing, local mechanics are already caught up with a waiting list of several weeks. You can do the job yourself and be mowing your lawn the very same day.

3. Ego Boost

Any time you get a little greese on your hands, sweat running down your back and come out the other side with a finely tuned machine, you’re going to feel like a full on BA – and you ARE! Ride that high.

But the big prompt that gets typed into Google over 1,000 times per month is:

“How to service a lawn mower”

The truth is, it’s not hard. When all is said and done, servicing your lawn mower should only take you about an hour or two.

That’s way better than the 3-6 week waiting period most small engine repair shops will hit you with during the Spring service rush.

So, lets dig into the details and follow along with these step-by-step instructions for servicing your lawn mower.

How to Service Your Lawn Mower: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Lawn Mower Servicing DIY Guide
  1. Preparing Your Mower
    • Buy Replacement Parts & Tools
    • Disconnect the spark plug
    • Drain the gas from the tank
  2. Remove the cutting blade
    • Clean it
    • Sharpen it
  3. Change the Oil
    • Empty the old oil
    • Add new oil
  4. Replace the Spark Plug
  5. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Servicing

Lawn Mower Servicing DIY Guide

First, there are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare your mower for serving.

Buy Replacement Parts and Tools

Make sure you purchase all necessary tools and lawn mower replacement parts before you begin servicing your lawn mower. You will need:

Be sure to check your lawn mower’s manual for the correct part numbers to purchase the right parts ahead of time.

Disconnecting the spark plug

You’ll begin by disconnecting the spark plug.

The spark plug placement is different depending on your mower make and model. However, it can generally be found near the front of the mower connecting the engine to the rest of the machine.

Once you’ve located the spark plug, removing it is as easy as using a spark plug wrench to unscrew it counterclockwise. Make sure to keep the spark plug in a safe place where it won’t get lost or damaged.

Drain the gas

Before you begin working on the mower, you’ll want to drain any gas remaining in the tank.

The reason for draining the old gas is twofold:

  1. Old gas can cause problems with your mower’s engine, so it’s important to get rid of it before servicing the machine.

  2. Draining the gas will prevent any spills or leaks while you’re working on the machine.

To drain the gas, locate the fuel line near the gas tank and disconnect it. Place a container underneath to catch any gas that pours out. You can then dispose of the old gas properly.

 

Servicing the Cutting Blade

Lawn Mower Servicing DIY Guide

Now it’s time to remove the cutting blade and clean it. This step is important because a dirty or damaged blade can lead to an uneven cut or damage to your lawn.

To do this, you’ll need to:

  1. Turn your mower over so you have easy access to the blade.

  2. You can use a block of wood to wedge the blade in place, preventing it from moving while you work.

  3. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolt in the center of the blade.

  4. Remove the blade.

    • Be careful when removing the blade so you don’t accidentally cut yourself.

  5. Once the blade is off, clean it with a wire brush.

  6. Sharpen or replace the blade.

    • In most cases, you’ll be able to sharpen your blade back to working order. However, some blades may have large chips or gauges in the metal from hitting rocks or other debris in the past. If the blade is fairly banged up, you may want to consider replacing it with a new blade. Check your mower’s manual for the correct blade part number to purchase your new blade.

    • If you plan to sharpen your blade, the best way is to use a metal file or grinder. Make sure to wear heavy duty gloves and protective eye goggles while doing this. Start by sharpening the first end of the blade, then flip it and sharpen the opposite end. Make sure to balance the blade by checking that both ends are the same weight. If they aren’t, use a grinder to remove some material from the heavier end until it balances.

  7. Once the blade is sharpened and balanced, reattach it to the mower and tighten the bolt securely.

Changing the Oil in Your Lawn Mower

Lawn Mower Servicing DIY Guide

Just like your car, your lawn mower needs to have the oil changed. Fortunately, unlike your car, you only need to do this once a year or every 50 hours of use (whichever comes first).

Here’s how to do it:

  1. First, position the mower so that the oil drain plug sits at the lowest point of the engine. Some mowers will have a designated oil drain plug while others simply need to be tipped over to drain the old oil.

  2. Remove the oil drain plug and let the old oil drain out completely.

  3. Replace the drain plug and add the recommended type and amount of oil for your mower. You can find this information in your owner’s manual.

  4. Check the oil dipstick to ensure the oil level falls in between the recommended range. If it’s low, add more oil until it reaches the appropriate

Replacing Lawn Mower Spark Plugs

Lawn Mower Servicing DIY Guide

Now, it’s time to replace the spark plug. It is recommended to replace the spark plug once per season to ensure proper ignition and to prevent damage to the engine.

Here’s how to replace the spark plug:

  1. Locate the spark plug, which is typically connected to a thick wire leading to the engine.

  2. Use a spark plug wrench to loosen and remove the old spark plug by turning it counterclockwise.

  3. Check the gap on your new spark plug to ensure it matches the manufacturer’s specifications, and adjust the gap if necessary.

    1. The gap is the distance between the center and side electrodes of the spark plug. You can use a gap tool to make sure it is set correctly.

  4. Screw the new spark plug into place by turning it clockwise until it is snug. Use the spark plug wrench to tighten the spark plug just a bit more, being careful not to over-tighten it.

Cleaning or Replacing a Lawn Mower Air Filter

Lawn Mower Servicing DIY Guide

The final part of self-servicing your lawn mower is to clean or replace the air filters.

It is recommended that you clean or replace the air filter at least once a season, or more frequently if you use the mower in dusty conditions.

Here’s how to clean or replace your mower air filter:

  1. Remove the air filter cover

    • Typically located on the side or top of the mower’s engine. You can identify the cover because it will be a grilled piece to allow air flow and is usually secured by a screw or clip.

  2. Remove the air filter, which is often made of foam or paper.

    • If it’s made of foam and undamaged, it can be washed with warm, soapy water and left to dry fully before being reinserted into the air filter housing. If it’s made of paper, it should be replaced with a new one.

    • Check your lawn mower’s manual for the proper air filter part number when buying a replacement filter.

  3. Inspect the air filter housing and remove any debris, such as leaves or grass clippings, that may have accumulated

That’s all there is to it! You’re ready to fire up that lawn muncher and start cutting those dank lawn lines like true yard dog!

Remember, if self-servicing isn’t your thing, no worries. Just make sure you’re signed up for our lawn care reminders and we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s time to send off your grass guzzler to the service centers and beat the last-minute rush.

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