Keep Your Lawn Mower Tuned Up

Before the mowing season, buy a new spark plug. Following the engine maker's specifications, set the gap between the two metal electrodes at the plug's threaded end. Use a spark-plug gauge's bending bracket on the L­shaped side electrode to adjust the gap. Take out the old sparkplug, connect the wire to the new one, and rest the plug's threaded surface on the engine.

Crank the engine; if there is steady sparking between the two electrodes, install the spark plug. If there's no spark or the spark is erratic, remove the sheet-metal cover over the flywheel and inspect the magnetic coil and the entire length of the plug wire. If either is damaged, replace it; on many mowers it is one component. If you see no damage, have a professional check the electronic ignition.

If you have an older lawn mower with ignition points instead of electronic ignition, you should inspect the points and adjust the gap between the contacts. However, the points are under the flywheel, and to remove the flywheel, you need special tools. You can avoid buying special tools by installing an electronic ignition conversion kit, which is less costly than the tools. Once the kit is in, the points need never again be serviced.

Check that the spark plug wire terminal fits tightly on the plug. If it is loose, push back the rubber nipple and crimp the terminal with pliers.

If the starter is a pull-rope type, inspect the rope for fraying and replace it if necessary.

Remove the air-filter cover and inspect the filter element. Replace the pleated paper type if it's dirty. Clean a plastic-foam filter by immersing it in kerosene, then gently squeezing the kerosene through it; allow it to air dry. Soak it in clean engine oil, gently squeeze out the oil, and reinstall.

Spray the carburetor linkage with penetrating oil. Also spray penetrating oil on the axles.

If the mower has a chain or belt drive, check the chain or belt for looseness. Press on it with a finger. If a belt deflects more than ¾ inch between pulleys, or if a chain deflects more than 1/2 inch between sprockets, readjust it. In most cases, loosen engine-to-mower bolts, which pass through elongated holes, and move the engine forward or back as necessary. Belts that are automatically tensioned by a spring-loaded pulley cannot be adjusted; replace the loose belt. Tighten the engine-to-mower bolts.

If gasoline was left in the tank during the winter, gum may have formed, making the mower difficult to start. To clean out the gum pour a pint can of carburetor solvent into the tank; fill with gasoline. Prime the engine: remove the air filter and pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of clean gasoline into the bottom of the filter housing.