Should you’re questioning, “The place’s the spark plug on a lawnmower?”, your machine might be damaged and there is an overgrown garden ready to be mowed. Worse but, perhaps it stopped mid-trimming, leaving your grass half minimize.
Repairing your lawnmower is not only about making your backyard look neat and tidy. It is also an effective way to save lots of money and time as a result of you do not have to analysis the greatest lawnmowers or greatest using lawnmowers and splash out on a brand new mannequin. Repairing a broken machine additionally helps forestall a repairable device from going to waste, which is healthier for the planet.
Even and not using a breakdown, specialists suggest checking and cleansing the spark plug usually and changing it yearly to make sure your mower all the time begins reliably – so learn on to learn how.
What’s the spark plug?
The spark plug is the ignition supply for a gasoline lawnmower engine. It sends {an electrical} present to the combustion chamber containing the compressed gas. This present ignites the gas, causes combustion and begins the engine. Should you drive a gasoline automobile, it can even have a spark plug, as spark plugs are an important a part of a conventional inner combustion engine. Whereas we suggest in search of assist from a mechanic in case your automobile or truck wants a brand new spark plug, changing this half on a lawnmower is a comparatively straightforward job that you are able to do at dwelling.
On a lot of the greatest lawnmowers (opens in new tab) (similar to walk-behind fashions), the spark plug is normally situated on the entrance of the engine. Spark plugs are normally hidden behind a rubber cap, which protects the half from mud and dust, together with flying grass clippings. That is linked with a brief wire, about half an inch thick. It ought to be straightforward to seek out the spark plug in your mower as soon as you’ve got disconnected this wire, which you are able to do by hand.
On the most effective ride-on mowers (opens in new tab), the spark plug can also be situated on the entrance of the engine, beneath the hood. You’ll most likely need to unscrew and take away the engine cowl to get to the spark plug. As soon as uncovered, you will see that that the spark plug is on the entrance of the engine, lined with a cap and linked with a brief wire, very similar to a push mower.
In case you are undecided, discuss with the proprietor’s guide to seek out out the place the spark plug is situated on a particular producer’s lawnmower.
Indicators of a defective spark plug
Tom Monson, CEO of Monson Garden & Landscaping, says, “A defective spark plug could cause a number of issues with the mower, similar to beginning issues or decreased engine efficiency”. Should you expertise any of the next, it could possibly be an indication that your mower’s spark plug is soiled or broken, which may trigger it to fail;
• Issues beginning the engine. The most typical signal of a defective spark plug is problem beginning the mower engine. Should you use a push mower, you might have to tug the starter rope extra typically to get it going. On a using mower, you might discover that the engine doesn’t begin reliably if you flip the important thing.
• Use extra gas. A defective spark plug will be the motive it’s good to refill your lawnmower’s gasoline tank extra typically. If the spark plug does not spark correctly, the gas will not burn as fully or effectively, which might improve your mower’s gas economic system. You may additionally discover a gasoline scent whereas working the mower, attributable to the gas not burning fully.
• Engine cuts out. If the engine stalls instantly after beginning, or runs for some time after which stops (leaving you with half a minimize of grass), the spark plug will be the perpetrator. You may additionally discover the engine sputtering or popping.
• Seen harm. Should you look at the spark plug and see any indicators of harm, it ought to be changed.
Methods to verify spark plugs
After you have situated the spark plug in your mower, you will have to take away it to verify it. Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, says, “Pull the cable that goes to the highest of the spark plug and use a spark plug wrench to take it out. Then you may have a look at the tip of it and see if it is soiled or burnt. In that case, it’s good to clear it or change it.”
Different widespread indicators of damage embrace a middle electrode with a rounded high (it ought to be flat), cracks within the porcelain sheath that protects the spark plug, or pitting on the ignition electrode. A spark plug that’s in good situation could have a lightweight grey or gentle brown coloration. If the spark plug is roofed with black carbon residue or is moist with gasoline, it ought to be totally cleaned.
Methods to clear spark plugs
Lawnmower spark plugs are cheap to purchase, so it might be simpler to simply change a grimy spark plug moderately than clear it. Spark plugs are additionally available from {hardware} shops or on-line shops, which means you will not need to spend an excessive amount of time searching for a substitute.
Nevertheless, if it’s good to use your mower and might’t get to the store or have to attend for a brand new spark plug to reach, it’s attainable to wash the prevailing spark plug. You may additionally need to keep away from shopping for new components when you do not completely want them, to cut back waste and get monetary savings. Both approach, it is simple to wash spark plugs in a couple of easy steps;
1. Disconnect the spark plug
Take away the spark plug from the mower.
2. Use rubbing alcohol to take away the grease
Dip the tip of the plug in rubbing alcohol to chop off any oily residue. You too can use a brake cleaner or degreaser.
3. Clear the spark plug
Scrub the spark plug clear with a wire brush.
4. Give it a rinse
Rinse with rubbing alcohol or your chosen cleansing product.
5. Dry it off
Scrub once more if mandatory, then dry the spark plug.
6. Repeat if mandatory
If the spark plug remains to be soiled, repeat the method till it’s clear.
Please be aware that cleansing the spark plug could not repair it because the malfunction could also be electrical. Should you put the clear spark plug again in and the lawnmower engine nonetheless will not begin or continues to stall, you most likely want to switch the spark plug.
Methods to change spark plugs
Earlier than changing your mower’s spark plug, decide which one to purchase. Says Bryan Clayton, “You want a brand new one which’s the identical as your previous one. You’ll be able to write the code in your previous one, seek the advice of your guide or take it with you if you purchase a brand new one.” As he explains, most spark plugs have a code on the aspect, making it simpler to trace down the right substitute. Most producers produce spark plugs that can be utilized on all manufacturers of mowers, however when you’re undecided, verify your proprietor’s guide.
Whether or not you will have a walk-behind or ride-on mower, putting in a brand new spark plug ought to be fast and straightforward;
1. Use anti-seize grease
Earlier than putting in the brand new spark plug, apply a really small quantity of anti-seize grease (out there at {hardware} shops). This could make the spark plug simpler to take away sooner or later.
2. Set up the spark plug
Use your fingers to twist the spark plug into place.
3. Be sure it’s tight
Tighten the spark plug an extra 1/2 or 3/4 flip with a spark plug wrench for a safe match.
