A functional lawn mower can help you keep your yard in top shape, and the spark plug is responsible for starting the mower. If your lawn mower isn’t performing at its best, a worn-out spark plug might be the culprit.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to properly maintain spark plugs in your lawn mower. Follow these practical steps to keep your mower in great condition.
Why Maintaining Spark Plugs Matters
Spark plugs are small, inexpensive components, but they affect how well your lawn mower engine works. Lawn mowers run on fuel, and their engines work like any other combustion engine. New spark plugs will ignite fuel efficiently and start the engine when you need to use your mower. Dirty or worn spark plugs can cause misfires or damage other parts of the engine.
How Often Should You Check Spark Plugs?
Check the spark plug every 25 hours of mower usage or at the start of each lawn care season. If your lawn mower refuses to start, checking the spark plug should be one of the first troubleshooting steps.
Tools You’ll Need
Gather these tools to work safely and effectively on your mower:
- A spark plug socket or wrench
- A gap measuring tool (feeler gauge)
- Spark plug cleaner or a small wire brush
- Replacement spark plug, if necessary
- A clean cloth
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Step 1: Locate the Spark Plug
Find the spark plug in your lawn mower. For most models, it’s on the front or side of the engine, connected to a thick ignition wire. Remove the ignition wire before doing anything else in order to prevent accidental starts.
Step 2: Remove the Spark Plug
Use a spark plug wrench or socket to loosen and remove the spark plug from the engine. Turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. Spark plugs are sensitive, so be cautious and handle the plug gently to avoid stripping or damaging the threads.
Step 3: Evaluate the Spark Plug
Look for any visible wear or defects on the spark plug. Check for cracks in the ceramic insulator, and inspect the electrode for corrosion, deposits, or burn marks. Thin or worn electrodes mean it’s time to replace the plug. If you notice the spark plug electrode has a coating of black carbon or oil residue, there may be problems with the fuel or engine performance.
Step 4: Clean or Replace the Spark Plug
If the spark plug is dirty but otherwise looks okay, clean it using a wire brush or spark plug cleaner. However, if you notice severe damage or signs of wear, replace the spark plug with a new, compatible one.
Step 5: Check and Adjust the Gap
Using a gap measuring tool, measure the gap between the spark plug’s center and ground electrodes. Check your lawn mower’s manual for the correct gap specifications. Adjust the gap if it’s too wide or too narrow by carefully bending the ground electrode. Appropriate spacing is essential for achieving the best engine performance.
Step 6: Reinstall or Replace the Spark Plug
After cleaning or replacing, thread the spark plug back into the engine by hand to avoid cross-threading. Wear gloves to protect the part from contamination. Tighten it carefully with your wrench, but don’t overtighten it. Finally, reattach the ignition wire.
Step 7: Start the Engine
Reassemble the removed parts, and try to start the engine. A spark plug in good condition should provide a strong spark and fire up the mower right away. If the engine struggles to start or runs unevenly despite maintenance, other things may be affecting performance.
Preventive Care Tips for Spark Plugs
- Use the manufacturer-recommended spark plug for your lawn mower.
- During the off-season, store your mower in a clean, dry area to prevent corrosion and keep it in good condition.
- Regularly check the quality of the fuel and oil, as poor-quality fuel can lead to spark plug fouling and degrade your mower’s efficiency.
- Avoid hosing down the engine after mowing, as excess moisture can damage the ignition system.
Common Spark Plug Issues and Solutions
If your mower won’t start, check if the spark plug connection is loose or fouled. Cleaning or replacing the spark plug usually resolves this problem.
If the engine starts but runs with a rough idle or poor performance, the problem might be a spark plug with corrosion or improper gaps. Re-gapping or replacing it should restore smooth operation.
Frequent carbon buildup occurs due to a rich fuel mixture or low-quality fuel. Adjusting the fuel mixture or switching to higher-quality fuel can prevent this.
If you notice the spark plug overheating, it might be incompatible with your mower model. A mismatched plug can lead to overheating and engine complications. Taking these steps can keep your engine running efficiently.
When To Replace Spark Plugs
As with most parts in any engine, spark plugs wear out over time. Replacing the spark plug for a lawn mower once per mowing season is ideal for most models. If you mow large areas or use your mower heavily, consider replacing it more often.
Refer to your mower’s manual for the recommended spark plug type. In addition, always inspect the spark plug for damage or buildup before replacing it. Finally, use a spark plug wrench to install them and avoid over-tightening.
Final Thoughts on Spark Plug Maintenance
Taking good care of the spark plug in your lawn mower is straightforward and essential for reliable mower performance. Whether you have a push mower or a self-propelled model, a clean, correctly gapped spark plug will start the engine efficiently and keep it running smoothly. If you are wondering how to properly maintain spark plugs in your lawn mower, following these steps will keep your mower running like new.
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