Don't even think about firing up that mower without giving it a little TLC first. You might be eager to get your yard looking prime, but skipping proper maintenance—especially an oil change—will turn your trusty lawn hero into a gurgling, smoking beast. Sound familiar?
Ever wonder why your mower sputters, stalls, or outright refuses to start come spring? One big culprit is neglected engine maintenance. Let me walk you through a thorough pre-season mower prep that’ll keep your mower humming all mowing season long. And yeah, I’m including the gritty details on how to drain mower oil, swap out the mower oil filter, and handle that nasty business of disposing of old oil.
Along the way, I’ll touch on common mistakes like letting gas sit all winter—don’t do it!—plus handy uses for a spark plug gapper and blade balancer. Stick with me, and your mower will cut clean and start smooth like a champ, not a joke.
Pre-Season Mower Prep: Don’t Skip This Step
Before you even think about starting the mower for the first time after winter, go through these basics. Think of it like giving your mower a spring cleaning and a health check before its workout.
- Check the old gas: If you left gas sitting all winter, you’re asking for clogged carburetors and hard starts. Old gas turns gummy and nasty. Drain it out or run the engine dry before winter sets in next time. Clean the mower deck: Grass, dirt, and gunk buildup under the deck ruin your cut quality and stress the engine. Use a putty knife or an air compressor to chisel and blow the crud loose. Inspect blades: Dull or unbalanced blades are lawn killers. They tear rather than slice grass, leaving a ragged look and inviting disease. Check the oil and filter: Engine oil is the lifeblood of your mower. Changing it regularly saves engine parts from grinding themselves to powder.
How to Drain Mower Oil: The Right Way
Changing your mower oil isn’t rocket science, but there’s a right and wrong way to do it. Roll up your sleeves and get your old rag ready—this is gonna get a little messy.
Warm up the engine: Run the mower for 5 minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil drains better and takes more crap with it. Turn off and disconnect spark plug wire: Safety first. Pull the wire off the spark plug so the mower can’t accidentally start while you work. Locate the oil drain plug or dipstick: Older mowers might have a drain plug near the bottom of the engine. Some use the oil fill hole to drain. Place a drain pan underneath: Have a proper container ready to catch the old oil—don’t spill on your lawn or driveway. Remove the drain plug or tip the mower carefully: If there’s no drain plug, slowly tip the mower on its side (carburetor side up!) to pour out oil. Let the oil drain completely: Patience pays off. Let all the old, dirty oil run out before replacing the plug.Pro Tip: Consult your mower’s manual for the exact location of the drain plug and oil type specifications. If you don’t have a manual handy, sites like GardenAdvice are solid resources for mower-specific tips.
Changing the Mower Oil Filter: Worth the Extra Step
Some mowers have oil filters just like your car engine. It’s tempting to skip changing these, but don’t. A clogged filter defeats the purpose of fresh oil. Here’s the deal:
- Locate the oil filter (usually near the drain plug or oil fill area). Use an oil filter wrench or your hands to remove the old filter. Be ready for a little oil to drip. Take some fresh oil and coat the new filter’s rubber seal to ensure a good fit. Screw the new filter on snugly by hand. No power tools here—hand tight is just right.
Disposing of Old Oil: Don’t Be That Neighbor
I can’t stress this enough: dumping used oil on the ground is a quick way to become *that* neighbor nobody likes. Used oil is toxic and must be disposed of properly.
Many auto shops, recycling centers, or local waste disposal events accept used oil for free. If you’ve been hanging around GardenAdvice, you know these places aren’t hard to find. Keep a sealed container and drop off your oil where it belongs.
Engine Tune-Up: Spark Plug and Fuel
Changing oil is vital, but don’t forget the rest of your mower’s engine system.
Spark Plug Inspection and Gapping
how to store lawn mowerHere’s where the spark plug gapper tool comes in handy. The gap affects how well the spark flies to ignite the fuel. Too wide or too tight, and your mower won’t start right or will just run rough.
Remove the spark plug with a spark plug wrench. Inspect it for carbon deposits, damage, or wear. If it’s worn, replace with a good brand spark plug—don’t cheap out here. Use the spark plug gapper tool to check and adjust the gap to your mower manual’s specs. Reinstall the spark plug and reconnect the spark plug wire.Fuel System Check
Remember that old gas problem? If your mower was sitting with gas in the tank all winter, drain it out for a fresh start. Use fresh, clean gasoline with a fuel stabilizer, especially if you plan to store it again for a while.
Blade Sharpening and Balancing: Cut Clean, Cut Sharp
Dull mower blades tear grass instead of slicing it clean. That’s a fast pass to brown, ragged lawns and weak grass.
Remove the mower blade carefully (wear gloves—these suckers can be sharp). Use a sharpening tool or file to grind the cutting edges until sharp. Balance the blade with a blade balancer. An unbalanced blade causes vibration and damages bearings. Reinstall securely.Trust me, no amount of oil or spark plug tuning will save you from a lame cut if your blades are dull.
Cleaning the Mower Deck and Body: Don’t Let Grass Gunk Ruin You
After mowing, grass clippings, dirt, and grime build up under the deck. This mess traps moisture and leads to rust plus clogs that reduce cutting efficiency.
- After each mow, use a brush or plastic scraper to remove grass build-up. Use a hose to wash off dirt, but avoid spraying the engine directly. Allow the mower to dry before storing to prevent rust.
Quick Maintenance Checklist Table
Task Frequency Notes Oil Change After every 25 hours of use or once per season Use manufacturer-recommended oil type Oil Filter Replacement Every 2 oil changes Check if your model has one Spark Plug Inspection & Gap Once per season Replace if dirty or worn Blade Sharpening & Balancing Every mowing season/start Or sooner if blade appears dull Gasoline Drain Before Winter Annually Run mower until tank is empty or use fuel stabilizer Mower Deck Cleaning After every mow Prevents rust and improves cutFinal Words of Gritty Wisdom
Look, no mower is a magic machine. It needs care and respect. Follow these steps on how to drain mower oil, swap the oil filter, keep your spark plug and gas fresh, sharpen and balance blades, and maintain a clean deck—no shortcuts. Do that, and you’re not just extending engine life; you’re saving money on repairs and getting a lawn that looks like you care.
And for a bit of extra help or product recommendations like the best spark plug gapper or blade balancer, hop on over to GardenAdvice. They’ve got the know-how and gear for green thumbs and grease monkeys alike.
Now get out there, get your hands dirty, and give your mower the overhaul it deserves. Your yard—and your wallet—will thank you.