The Lawnmower Hospital
Do It Yourself
Checking The Air Filter:
A common cause of poorly performing engines is a clogged or dirty air filter. An engine like a person needs three things to live, air, a heart beat, and food. The Heart 
beat of an engine is it’s spark, controlled by the spark plug, the food is gasoline and of course air. When an engine is not performing well it means it is missing one of these things. If an engine as a clogged or dirty air filter it will not get the air supply it needs. So to check the air filter go to the air intake on the side of the engine. Remove the intake shroud and take out the filter. If you see that the air intake are is covered or clogged with grass brush it off being especially careful not to let any get in the carburetor. After the intake area is clear of debris, take the air filter and hold it up to the light if you can see light through the filter then it is still doing its job. However if you can not see light through the filter then it is time for a new one, and when in doubt, just replace it to get optimum performance.
beat of an engine is it’s spark, controlled by the spark plug, the food is gasoline and of course air. When an engine is not performing well it means it is missing one of these things. If an engine as a clogged or dirty air filter it will not get the air supply it needs. So to check the air filter go to the air intake on the side of the engine. Remove the intake shroud and take out the filter. If you see that the air intake are is covered or clogged with grass brush it off being especially careful not to let any get in the carburetor. After the intake area is clear of debris, take the air filter and hold it up to the light if you can see light through the filter then it is still doing its job. However if you can not see light through the filter then it is time for a new one, and when in doubt, just replace it to get optimum performance. Checking Spark Plug:
The spark is the heart beat of an engine. If a spark is misfiring or not working correctly then the rest of the machine is useless. Most often carbon from the engines combustion will accumulate on the spark plug and hindering its performance. To check if the spark is working as it should remove the spark plug wire, and using a ratchet with a spark plug attachment
remove the spark plug. Examine the plug if it is a wet black color that usually means that either you are getting more gas in the cylinder than you need if it is a chalky black color that usually means you have excessive carbon build up. Carbon build up can be removed with a small file, wire brush, and some starting fluid. When the plug is cleaned up check the gap because if it is to small or too large it will not fire properly. Most spark plugs should have a gap around .03 of an inch. If the plug is bend or worn then it’s time to throw it away and buy a new one.
remove the spark plug. Examine the plug if it is a wet black color that usually means that either you are getting more gas in the cylinder than you need if it is a chalky black color that usually means you have excessive carbon build up. Carbon build up can be removed with a small file, wire brush, and some starting fluid. When the plug is cleaned up check the gap because if it is to small or too large it will not fire properly. Most spark plugs should have a gap around .03 of an inch. If the plug is bend or worn then it’s time to throw it away and buy a new one. Basic 4 Stroke Tune Up:
A basic tune up is the best way to keep any machine in top shape to preform its tasks. It is also a great way to get th
e most miles out of your implement. The keys to a tune up are these:
e most miles out of your implement. The keys to a tune up are these:-Change oil
-Replace air filter
-Drain old gas
-Replace Spark Plug
To begin the tune up first remove the spark plug wire so that there is no way for the machine to accidentally start while you are working on it. Next Drain the gas by either tipping the Machine upside-down over the container chosen to hold the gas, or my recommendation is to take off the fuel line at the carburetor and drain the tank that way. When the Gas tank is empty drain the oil. Most models have a convenient drain plug towards the bottom of the block. If not remove the dip stick and flip the machine over and drain it through the dipstick hole. Let drain for about 5-10 min then replace plug or turn machine over again and fill with new oil. Most machines take straight 30w oil, however on snow blowers or machines used in the winter it is smart to use a 5w-30 oil. Do not over fill make sure you check the dipstick periodically to make sure. Most engine blocks DO NOT hold a full liter of oil. After the oil has been refilled move to the air filter. The air intake, where you find the air filter is on the side of the engine, by the carburetor. To access the air filter remove the shroud on the air intake assembly, this is usually held in place by a butterfly nut, or a few screws. Once that is removed replace it with the new one. Refill the machine with gas and before attaching the spark plug wire either clean or replace the spark plug. And now you have a machine that will continue to work when you need it.
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