Spring Is Tune-Up Time for Lawn Mowers

PORTAGE, Mich., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Regular tune-ups help reduce fuel consumption and emission levels and increase mower life and reliability. Spring is the best time to get the mower ready for the season and by following these six steps can keep them running season after season.

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Step 1: Use fresh gas. Begin by filling the gas tank with fresh gas. Next, start the engine and let it warm up a few minutes. Turn off and disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the lawn mower from starting accidentally when working on it.

Step 2: Clean the mower. Grass and debris can clog a mower and significantly decrease performance. Therefore, it is important to clean out the grass and debris from the top and the bottom of the mower deck.

Step 3: Replace spark plug. Replacing the spark plug every spring can ensure proper ignition, reliable starting, and improved fuel economy. After removing the old spark plug, be sure to check the gap of the new plug (refer to the owner's manual for specifications). Then screw it on with the fingers, and tighten with socket wrench.

Step 4: Change the oil. Engine manufacturers recommend oil changes after 25 to 50 hours of use. An oil change lubricates the engine's moving parts and prolongs the life of the engine. There are two methods to change the oil.

The conventional method for changing the oil is done by tipping the mower on its side to allow the old oil to drain from the oil fill tube into a container. If the drain plug is located underneath the mower deck place newspaper and an oil pan beneath the mower to help capture the oil. Unscrew the drain plug to allow the oil to drain completely. Replace the drain plug. Then, refill the engine with oil.

A second way to change the oil is with a new tool, called the LiquiVac Oil Changing System. This tool is much faster and less messy than the draining method. The LiquiVac works by creating negative pressure, or vacuum power in the tank. In fact, it works like a lot like a "vacuum cleaner" but without an electric motor. This is accomplished by pumping the handle 20 times. Each pump stroke takes air out of the tank, thus creating a vacuum in the tank. Next, insert the suction hose down the dipstick tube until it hits the bottom. Once the hose clamp is opened the LiquiVac suctions out the oil very quickly. In most cases the oil is extracted in 15 seconds or less, and without any mess.

LiquiVac Oil Changing Systems are available in the lawn mower parts and accessories section of these retailers: Lowe's, Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply Co., True Value Hardware and Do It Best Hardware stores. Retail prices range from $29.99 to $34.99.

Step 5: Clean or replace the air filter. Take out the old air filter and replace it with a new one. A new high efficiency air filter helps the lawn mower engine perform at its peak. If it uses a cartridge air filter, replace with a new one.

Some engines have an older style "form" filter, so be sure to saturate new foam filters with fresh engine oil, wrap in a clean cloth, and squeeze to remove the excess oil before installing.

Step 6: Sharpen or replace the blade. A study at the University of Nebraska proves that gas-powered mowers with sharp blades use roughly 20 percent less fuel than mowers with dull blades. Plus, sharp blades cut the grass cleanly so the lawn looks good too.

Remove the bolt that holds the old blade. The old blade can be re-sharpened or you can purchase a new blade. When mounting the replacement blade make sure the curved edges toward the mower's deck. Fasten tightly the new blade using the original washers and bolt.

The LiquiVac Oil Changing System is manufactured by Airpower America, a privately owned manufacturer of innovative air powered products, located in Portage, Michigan. For additional information, call 1-800-224-2225 or visit www.airpoweramerica.com