Though your Husqvarna lawn mower might slice through thick grass like a knife through butter, you machine is still operating under pretty intense conditions. All the moving internal parts of the engine can wear down through constant use, and summer heat can exacerbate any existing problems, too.
That’s why if you take care of your lawn mower engine, it’ll take care of you. While you might be able to pull your mower out of long-term storage and fire it up without a problem this spring, taking the time to tune up your engine will leave you with a more efficient and powerful lawn mower all season long.
It’s time to break out the tools for the best tuneup possible.Situation report
After several months tucked away in the back of your garage, your lawn mower might look ready to go. However, just like you wouldn’t put the pedal to the metal of an antique car without putting it through the paces first, you need to give your lawn mower a head-to-toe checkup before you even think about revving the engine.
First, you’ll want to get rid of any dust or debris that has accumulated on your mower throughout the winter. Aside from the cosmetic reasons, you’ll want to remove any materials that’ll make it harder for your engine to run – if a large clump of dust or dirt manages its way in, you could be in for a rough spring and summer.
Next, you should open your mower up and take a look at some of the internal components that may have taken too much stress last year. Focus on the engine belts that are responsible for transferring energy to the blades. When these start to wear out, your mower’s power level might suffer, and those thick patches of grass you sliced through last summer might pose more of a problem this time around.
Liquid assets
Your lawn mower has so many moving parts that it can seem like you need a degree just to fool around with the engine. However, the most important part of helping your machine run smoothly in the new season isn’t about machinery at all. Instead, you should focus on oil and fuel.
If you didn’t drain your mower’s oil before storing it, you should do so now. Turn the machine on and let residual heat from the engine warm the oil up. This will reduce the oil’s viscosity and make it easier to drain. If you have a model, such as the Husqvarna LTH18538, that comes equipped with an oil filter, make sure to check this for buildup and replace if necessary.
“Replace the air filter instead of trying to clean it.”
Oil helps your mower’s engine run smoothly, but all the cutting power comes from the fuel you provide it. After months of disuse, though, the air filter on your mower is likely to be dirty and clogged, and the less fresh air going into your engine means less overall power. Replace the air filter instead of trying to clean it.
The extra mile
While giving your mower a regular tuneup can help keep it at the top of its potential, you don’t need to replace and clean every single part to get the most out of your machine. For example, the spark plug is one of the most important parts of the internal combustion engine – without a functioning one, your mower might fail to start or operate at a fraction of its normal power.
However, the design of spark plugs and their close interaction with fuel products all but guarantees that they’ll accumulate mineral deposits over time. Instead of throwing the old plug away and buying a new one because it’s been used before, inspect the item for excessive deposits. If more than half of the spark plug’s firing head is covered, it might be time for a new one.