Tips for Common Lawn Mower Repairs

A lot of effort goes into making a lawn look beautiful, but you won’t get the desired results if you don’t take good care of your mowing equipment. If a lawn mower has a dull blade or if it’s clogged with grass clippings, it won’t be able to provide a quality cut for your yard. Lawn mowers aren’t the most complicated pieces of equipment, so you should be able to fix some minor issues yourself even without a lot of technical know-how.

We have rounded up some DIY lawn mower repair tips. When you run into an issue that is beyond your experience level, get in touch with the experts at Manor Home Center in Oakland, Maryland.

Consult the Owner’s Manual

First things first, you’ll want to read the owner’s manual to determine how often your mower needs to be serviced and make sure to follow that schedule. The manual will probably provide you with tips about what needs to be done when it comes to repairing your mower. A small problem can likely be solved by consulting the owner’s manual, saving you the time and energy of calling a professional.

Starting Problems

If your mower starts and then stops after some time, or if it doesn’t start at all, it’s probably because of a clogged carburetor. This issue commonly occurs when you leave fuel in the mower without using it for long periods of time. The liquid part of the fuel evaporates, leaving behind a sticky mess that jams your carburetor and stops the engine from starting. A carburetor cleaner will help you clear away the grime and dirt thoroughly.

Sometimes a lawn mower won’t start because there’s a problem with the spark plug. Take the spark plug out and check it for any damage or signs of wear. Use a spark plug tester to see if it’s working or not. If the tester’s terminals don’t show a strong spark between them, it’s time to get a new spark plug. You’ll also need to replace the spark plug if there’s carbon build-up in the electrode, if the electrode is damaged, or if the porcelain insulator is cracked.

Sharpening the Blade

A key step of DIY lawn mower repair is sharpening the blade, which gets worn down over time. Not only are dull blades less efficient, they can also damage your lawn. You'll need a file, burr, or grinder to get the dull material off and leave behind a sharp blade. You want to make the blade sharp enough to be effective, but don't over sharpen it. The blade only needs to be sharp enough so that it can quickly cut the grass.

Battery Issues

If your lawn mower’s battery keeps dying out fast, one or more cells may need to be replaced. Sometimes, though, it isn’t your battery at fault but other components. You can use a multimeter to check if the charger is giving the right voltage output. You can also use a multimeter to check the alternator which charges the battery and powers your mower when it’s in use.

Clogged Undercarriage

Your mower’s deck can become obstructed with grass clippings and mulch. Due to water and mud, this type of residue can harden and become stubborn when trying to remove it and will damage your mower over time. If you clean your deck regularly, you’ll prevent buildup and subsequent wear and tear to your mower’s undercarriage. This will also save you from having to replace belts and other broken parts.

Gas Leak Issues

One common lawn mower repair involves fixing gas leaks. If the fuel is leaking from the bottom of the carburetor, the bowl gasket might be missing or dried out, and you need to replace it. Another reason behind a gas leak could be the float needle not shutting off fuel. This needle opens and closes the float valve to allow fuel into the float bowl. If it’s damaged, the fuel will fill the carburetor until it overflows. Replace it if it’s damaged.

Tires

If you notice that your mower stops cutting evenly, check the tire pressure. Uneven pressure can result in the deck being tilted, which will result in uneven cuts to your lawn. Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial to prolonging your lawn mower’s lifespan. Keep in mind that tires and other parts are less likely to wear out if they’re properly maintained and balanced.

Overheating Issues

Another very common issue with lawn mowers is overheating. However, this is rather easy to avoid with a little care. Your mower has an air-cooled engine with cooling fins fixed into the engine’s cylinder head and short block. These fins keep the engine cool while your mower is busy at work. While it’s working away, your lawn mower can at times pick up grass, leaves, or debris, which in turn clog the fins. You need to clean your mower regularly to ensure that your machine doesn’t overheat.

We hope this lawn mower repair guide has been helpful. If you’re not sure about fixing a problem with your machine, get in touch with us at Manor Home Center in Oakland, MD. Our trained technicians will get your mower up and running in no time! If you’re searching for a lawn mower for sale, stop by our dealership to check out our incredible selection. We welcome all our friends visiting us from Garrett County, MD, and Morgantown, WV.