Category: Lawn Mower Repair Tips

Lawn Mower Repair Tips, Riding Lawn Mower Repair

When I Let The Clutch Out My Riding Lawn Mower Dies

You start up your riding lawn mower and everything is running fine. You let the clutch out and then it quickly dies! You try fiddling with the different knobs and it does the same thing.

Let’s check a few things to see if we can quickly troubleshoot this problem.

First, make sure that the PTO switch or Lever is in the OFF position. Next, put the riding lawn mower in neutral and disengage any other features of the mower.

Now start the engine and let the clutch out. If it dies again, check to make sure the seat switch is connected that is under the seat. If it is disconnected, re-connect it and try again.

Most likely this problem is the seat switch. The mower is not sensing someone seated and will kill the engine if an operator is not present. It is creating a scenario where the mower is tipped over and wants to shut down the engine to stop the blades from turning and injuring the rider if the mower rolled over onto them.

You can replace the seat switch fairly easily and a common one is this //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B004HSFDT4&asins=B004HSFDT4&linkId=ed9f0add22f818e9db12f4675f36bae3&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>switch.

Lawn Mower Repair Tips, Push and Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Repair

Honda Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Engine GCV190 Tune-up Kit

Are you ready to get your Honda lawn mower tuned up and ready for spring? Every year certain things must be completed to ensure your lawn mower runs its best and does a great job mowing your lawn.

The first order of business is to get the parts you will need to perform this critical tune-up.

You will want to change the following; the spark plug, air filter and oil. The blades will also need sharpened which can be done after the tune-up is complete.

For a GCV190 Honda Engine Spark Plug, you can find one here at this link; //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B005GK0LP8&asins=B005GK0LP8&linkId=eef1de2ac88d09dddd79dea6741f2e66&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Spark Plug

For a GCV190 Honda Engine Air Filter,  you can find one here at this link; //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B005LOQKT0&asins=B005LOQKT0&linkId=de82bd0677ba38b9fdd9275ad15abbf7&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Air Filter

For a GCV190 Honda Engine Oil,  you can find one here at this link; //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0089LSLJ4&asins=B0089LSLJ4&linkId=02c60ade60ed6cb92cd618f7db3d48c0&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Honda Engine Oil

If you really want to make changing your engine oil much faster with no mess, I suggest that you purchase an Oil Extraction Machine. This will save you a lot of time and mess over the years of working on your small engines. This is the one that I use in my Small Engine Repair shop and I love it! You can find one here at this link; //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0002SR7TC&asins=B0002SR7TC&linkId=ac490354f1478d802922eb498498c137&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Oil Extraction Machine

Once you have all your parts acquired, then you can warm up the engine for 5 minutes and change the oil. Then proceed with changing the spark plug and air filter. The rest of the maintenance is sharpening the blade, cleaning the deck and lubricating the cables and checking the drive system for problems.

The Honda Self-Propelled lawn mower is one of the best on the market and you make a great decision in buying a Honda!

Lawn Mower Repair Tips

The Best Fuel Stabilizer For My Lawn Mower and Marine Engine – Mechanic Reviewed

With so many brands of fuel stabilizers on the market today, it is not surprising that you are overwhelmed with brand overload. They all claim that they are the best and work better than everyone else’s brand so it leaves you in a position to just choose one and go with it.

I am a Small Engine Mechanic by trade and can tell from years of experience who has been using fuel stabilizers and who has not. One look at the bowl of the carburetor quickly reveals the truth. The telltale signs of fuel separation and the dried up or gelled fuel gumming up the main jet and emulsion tube.

My shop has been using Stabil for years. In one of my own tests, I had 5 gallons of fuel mixed with standard Stabil and the fuel was still good 5 years later!  The ethanol mixed fuel that we use today begins to breakdown after 90 days….yes after 90 days the fuel begins to go bad. The alcohol will attract water and then start separating from the gasoline. This is called Phase Separation. Once this process begins, the fuel will quickly deteriorate and you can often tell by the color which darkens and the bad odor.

You want to treat fresh fuel every time you purchase it. I normally use 5 gallon cans and put the Stabil inside the can before I go to the gas station. Then when I dispense it into the can, it mixes it well and I am all set.

You can purchase standard Stabil easily on Amazon by clicking on this link; Standard Stabil

For marine applications such as small boat motors to large watercraft, Stabil makes a marine grade version. Marine grade anything is always a step way above normal products because it has to withstand severe operating environments.

You can purchase Marine Grade Stabil easily on Amazon by clicking on this link;Marine Grade Stabil

 

 

Lawn Mower Repair Tips, Push and Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Repair

Honda Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Engine GCV160 Tune-up Kit

Are you ready to get your Honda lawn mower tuned up and ready for spring? Every year certain things must be completed to ensure your lawn mower runs its best and does a great job mowing your lawn.

The first order of business is to get the parts you will need to perform this critical tune-up.

You will want to change the following; the spark plug, air filter and oil. The blades will also need sharpened which can be done after the tune-up is complete.

For a GCV160 Honda Engine Spark Plug, you can find one here at this link; //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B005GK0LP8&asins=B005GK0LP8&linkId=eef1de2ac88d09dddd79dea6741f2e66&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Spark Plug

For a GCV160 Honda Engine Air Filter,  you can find one here at this link; //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B005LOQKT0&asins=B005LOQKT0&linkId=de82bd0677ba38b9fdd9275ad15abbf7&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Air Filter

For a GCV160 Honda Engine Oil,  you can find one here at this link; //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0089LSLJ4&asins=B0089LSLJ4&linkId=02c60ade60ed6cb92cd618f7db3d48c0&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Honda Engine Oil

If you really want to make changing your engine oil much faster with no mess, I suggest that you purchase an Oil Extraction Machine. This will save you a lot of time and mess over the years of working on your small engines. This is the one that I use in my Small Engine Repair shop and I love it! You can find one here at this link; //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0002SR7TC&asins=B0002SR7TC&linkId=ac490354f1478d802922eb498498c137&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Oil Extraction Machine

Once you have all your parts acquired, then you can warm up the engine for 5 minutes and change the oil. Then proceed with changing the spark plug and air filter. The rest of the maintenance is sharpening the blade, cleaning the deck and lubricating the cables and checking the drive system for problems.

The Honda Self-Propelled lawn mower is one of the best on the market and you make a great decision in buying a Honda!

Lawn Mower Repair Tips, Push and Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Repair, Riding Lawn Mower Repair

6 Ways To Extend Your Lawn Mowers Life in Dusty Conditions

Dust is a killer on a lawn mower engine and drive system. When you are mowing on a dusty lawn, your mower will kick the dust up and it covers every part of your mower from the transmission to the electrical components.

To keep your lawn mower working its best for years to come, here are some pro tips that will do the trick.

  1. Air Filter

Check your air filter more frequently. You probably change it once a year right now, but if you are mowing in dusty conditions, you may need to change it 2-3 times a year or more. Remove the filter cover and use compressed air to blow out the housing. Now remove the filter and inspect it by holding it up to a light or by putting a light inside of it for round filters. If there is little light shining through, replace it. If there is a foam air filter, gently clean it with compressed air and then wash it in a mix of liquid detergent and water. Squeeze out the excess water and allow to dry. You can also spray some oil filter oil on it to help capture the dust before it gets to your air filter.

  1. Oil

Check your oil and change it more frequently. Fine dust particles will get through the air filter and crankcase seals and into the oil. These microscopic pieces of sand are like a diamond and will scour the engine parts and create more wear over time. By changing your oil more frequently, you will purge these contaminants out of the system each time you change it.

Most lawn mowers use 10W-30 or SAE-30 motor oil. You can find the oil that we recommend by clicking on these links //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00GEIAA0C&asins=B00GEIAA0C&linkId=f2e9839e672e5450c7935279d53e03e1&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>10W-30  – //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000BXOGMY&asins=B000BXOGMY&linkId=88fb8f8c9825b25cdc4914bf9e66676b&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>SAE30

  1. Spark Plug

Change your spark plug a couple times year. As this dust comes into the engine, it mixes with the gas and air and ignites in the cylinder. It can collect in the spark plug and fowl it out. Spark plugs are fairly cheap, so change them out to keep your engine burning clean.

  1. Cleaning

Keeping your engine, deck and drive system as clean as possible is extremely important. As you mow, this dust collects on everything and builds up over time. This creates heat buildup on an air cooled engine and reduces the life of the engine. The same thing happens with the transmission.

Use a leaf blower or compressed air to blow the dust off your engine, transmission, body, frame and deck after each mowing.

The dust will get into the deck system and damage bearings, pulleys and linkages. When you clean your deck, it may be necessary to use an air chisel to get the dust/grass mixture from under the deck.

  1. Greased

There are grease fittings on the deck, on the suspension components and the front wheels on most lawn mowers. Be sure to great them more frequently in dusty conditions. The dust will impregnate the bearings on the deck and the wheels. Fresh grease helps push out that dust away from these critical components.

Here is a heavy duty grease for your lawn mower. //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lawnmowerre02-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0038U3L28&asins=B0038U3L28&linkId=538c790ca18ecc6faa5a72a862aa3e38&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Lawn Mower Grease

  1. Clean You Lawn Mower

Most people never clean their lawn mower. A good electric or gasoline power washer does a great job. You can even load it up and take it to the car wash for a good deep cleaning. The only precaution is to be careful around carburetors, fuel injection components and computer controlled units.

Lawn Mower Repair Tips, Push and Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Repair

My Push Mower Safety Bail Cable is Hard to Pull

If you live in a high humidity area or store your mower outside in the rain, that moisture gets into the cable and begins to rust it. The rust continues to build up inside the cable and then it becomes impossible to move it or it only moves a little. Eventually it will become frayed and break. Then you won’t be able to start the push mower because the flywheel brake will be on and the ignition kill as well.

You can try to lube up the cable and see if it will break free, sometimes it will, but in most cases it is better to buy a new one and replace it. Then find a better way to store your mower and out of the weather. A shed or garage is preferred.

The cable is pretty easy to replace and can be done with only a pair of wide jawed pliers. It takes a few minutes to do if everything goes according to plan.

If you don’t feel like tackling this little project, check out or Locations page for a lawn mower repair shop near you to change your safety bail cable on your push mower.

Lawn Mower Repair Tips, Outdoor Power Equipment Reviews, Push and Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Repair, Riding Lawn Mower Repair, Zero Turn Lawn Mower Repair

My Lawn Mower Backfires and Then Dies

The first thing you must find out is if it backfires through the exhaust or the intake or carburetor side of the engine. In a lot of cases it will be on the intake side of the engine. When it backfires, it is sending out raw fuel out the carburetor and the ignition is igniting it and you may see flames come through the air filter or it blows off the air filter box completely. When it blows the fuel out, the combustion chamber has no fuel left in or very little and the engine dies. The same thing can happen in the exhaust.

So obviously we have a timing problem or a valve problem. A set of tests must be done to determine what the problem is. The first test is a leak down test. This will tell you if your valves are leaking and which one is the culprit. It could be both of them causing the problem.

Checking the engines timing is more difficult and requires that the engine be taken apart to see if the timing gear cam or chain has jumped a tooth. But before you go ripping things apart, check the flywheel key to make sure that it is not partially sheered. One some models you have to remove the flywheel to check it, but on most you remove the nut holding it in place and you will see it.

These tests are often out of reach for many home owners because they do not have the test equipment. Check our Locations page for a shop near you for help.

 

Lawn Mower Repair Tips, Push and Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Repair, Riding Lawn Mower Repair, Zero Turn Lawn Mower Repair

My Lawn Mower Leaks Oil And I Cannot Tell Where it is Coming From

Just how in the world can you tell if you have an oil leak on a lawn mower that is now covered in dirt and dust?

When oil leaks out of your lawn mower, dust and dirt quickly adhere to that oil and make it very hard to detect the exact location of the leak. The first thing you must do is to power wash the engine to remove the dirt and debris. You must take special care to ensure that you don’t get water into vital areas such as the carburetor, fuel injection or air filter area.

Now you can run the engine and search for the leaking oil but you must take care if this is a push or self-propelled engine as the blade will be turning.

Another way to look for an engine leak is to apply some dye to the engine oil and then use a black light to find it. The dye is illuminated by the black light and makes finding leaks easier.

If you are still struggling to find an oil leak in your lawn mower engine or need the leak repaired, check out our Locations page for a lawn mower repair shop near you.

Lawn Mower Repair Tips, Push and Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Repair

The Pull Cord is Broken on My Lawn Mower

The first thing I like to consider is why did the pull cord break? Was it old and frayed and needed replacement? Was the flywheel brake locked up and caused it to break or was the engine or lawn mower blade not turning and it snapped?

You must first understand the why before you can repair the pull cord. Remove the spark plug cable and then inspect the lawn mower blade to ensure it turns freely. It will be a little hard to turn as the flywheel brake is on. If everything turns freely, then most likely the cord was old and needed replaced.

If the engine is locked up and doesn’t turn, make sure there is not a stick or a rock locking up the blade. Engage the safety brake handle and make sure that it is not sticking and not disengaging the brake. If the safety brake is working correctly and there is nothing stopping the blade, then the engine may be seizing up due to low oil.

Put the mower back on the ground and check the oil level. If the level is OK, something internal may have happened to the mowers engine.

But if everything checks out, remove the blower cover and replace the pull cord if you know how to do so. If not, check our Locations page for a lawn mower repair shop near you.

 

Lawn Mower Repair Tips, Riding Lawn Mower Repair

One Wheel Turns on My Riding Lawn Mower and the Other Does Not

You are riding along and take a turn while cutting the lawn and the inside tire spins. This is very normal because most riding lawn mowers have a type of limited slip or one wheel drives only.

When mowing on hills or when turning quickly, you soon find out which tire is spinning right away. Some riding lawn mowers have a locking rear end that makes both of the drive wheels turn at once. These would be on a lawn tractor or a compact tractor.

If you feel like your lawn mower should not have only one wheel turning, look in the owner’s manual and see if it gives you the specifications. If it does not list it, contact the manufacturer and speak to Technical Support for expert advice. There are many different type of transmissions so be sure to have the Model and Serial number of your mower so they can easily look it up to see what drive system it has in it.

So if the spinning tire is creating an issue, you may have to adjust your mowing habits and how you mow your lawn to resolve this situation.

If you need professional riding lawn mower repair, visit our Locations page for assistance.