If you have left your lawn mower for a long without turning it on, you may experience some difficulties.
For instance, I often find my engine struggling to start when I go on vacations or after winter. How do I know if my lawn mower needs new spark plugs?
If my engine refuses to kick to life after leaving it for some time, I know that spark plugs may be an issue. A damaged plug may cause oil dilutions, deposits on cylinder heads, or excessive fuel consumption.
How do I know if my lawn mower needs new spark plugs?
Many factors can contribute to needing new spark plugs. However, common factors that can cause a change of spark plugs include dirt or worn parts.
Sometimes,the engine may not start because you left it alone for so long. When I want to check if my spark plug has gone bad I check for signs of damage or foul.
Here is the way you can determine if you must change your plug:
- Step 1– Disconnect the spark plug lead and ensure that the area around the spark plug is cleaned. As a result, you can avoid debris in the combustion chamber when you want to remove the plug.
- Step 2– Take away the spark plug using a spark plug socket.
- Step 3– You have to examine the spark plug for deposits, or for areas that hve been burned away. If any of these conditions exists, replace the spark plug.
- Step 4– Ensure that you examine the spark plug gap, and try to adjust it if needed.
- Step 5– You have to replace the plug if it is the issue. However, ensure you do not over-tighten (15 ft. lbs. MAXIMUM). You must re-attach your spark plug lead.
When you do this, and your engine starts and dies immediately, there is a spark. Therefore, the problem may be from valves, carburetor, or other places.
If your engine refuses to start or turn over, you should consider taking care of the
ignition system. You have to change the spark plug.
How To Clean Fouled Spark Plugs
If you want to clean your spark plug, I recommend that you use a spray-on cleaner or wire brush to take care of your ignition part. You must not clean your spark plug with abrasives or a shot blaster.
However, if your spark plug does not start after carrying out the mentioned process, you should consider placing the plug. With this step, you can handle your plug issues.
For your pre-season tune-ups or end-of-season storage, you should ensure that your air filter, oil filter, or spark plugs are in good condition.
In addition, you should check the lawn mower oil and fuel stabilizer before you take the next step.
Here is a few things you can do:
- You should pick the right spark plug and adjust the gap settings.
- The next step to do is to disconnect the plug lead, before you can remove it with a spark plug socket.
- Finally, change plug and do not overtighten, and re-attach the spark plug lead.
The process does not take time to complete.
What happens when a spark plug goes bad on a mower?
When you take a long time before you turn on your lawn mower, it might not start. Sometimes, it may require repeatedly tugging on the rewind before you can start its engine.
However, a bad spark plug requires changing it to allow your lawn mower to move. If you don’t change a bad spark plug, it will cause deposits on your cylinder head, excess fuel consumption, or oil dilution.
If you have little or no idea what to do with your spark plug, you should not experiment with your spark plug. This is because you may damage the lawn mower or cause more problems that would cost you more.
I have listed some common problems associated with a bad spark plug:
· The Lawn Mower Will Not Start
When you try starting your lawn mower and it refuses to start, you may be having problems with your spark plug. A lawn mower have problem turning on if it has a faulty or bad plug.
· The Mower Takes More
When you pull your lawn mower cord to turn the engine and it doesn’t respond to your pulling, you should change the plug,. In addition, if you change the plug, you would get enough spark that can start the engine.
· The Lawn Mower is Lacking Power
A mower will have a problem cutting your lawn if it does not have enough power or spark. Therefore, you must ensure that things are working well before you take your
Refueling the Mower More than Usual
If your spark plug intermittently fails, you will have a problem turning on your engine. Therefore, when you have more refueling than necessary, it stops your spark from starting. So, you should pick the best plug for your lawn mower.
In Conclusion
You don’t have to wait until your lawn mower gets bad before you check on it for maintenance. I advise changing your spark plugs often, especially if your mower is getting old.
If you have a mechanic, you can always ask for advice on handling your mower. On the other hand, you should understand that we have different mowers.
While some mowers require more attention, others need little maintenance. You should check your engine manual to learn more about the mower.
FAQs
How often do lawn mower spark plugs need changed?
If you have the standard lawn mower and small engine maintenance, you must check or replace your spark plugs once every season. I recommend that at least 25 hours of use,
Can you clean spark plugs and reuse them?
Yes, you can clean spark plugs, but, in most cases you must not pass through the stress, I don’t recommend it for several reasons. The reason for this is simple: the performance may not be great.
When should I change my lawn mower spark plug?
You should change your lawnmower’s spark plugs at the start of every season or after 25 hours of use – whichever comes first.