How to fix mower. How to Repair a Lawn Mower: The 7-Step Tutorial

How to Repair a Lawn Mower: The 7-Step Tutorial

As the winter season nears its end, early signs of spring inevitably arise. The weather gets warmer, lighter clothing is brought out of your wardrobe, and the nuisance of snow disappears. However, just as winter has its fair share of problems, spring also has challenges to contend with.

One of the most common issues homeowners will have to deal with is the grass becoming taller. As such, having a lawn mower ready to be used will be a great asset for lawn care. However, for various reasons, this critical piece of equipment may not power on. If that is the case, you will need detailed instructions on how to repair a lawn mower.

Here are seven steps on to how to repair a lawn mower:

Step #1: Check the lawn mower gas

The first thing you should do to troubleshoot your broken lawn mower is check its gas. Conducting a quick inspection of the fuel level inside your lawn mower can be the solution you may have not expected. If the gas inside is sufficient, but your lawn mower is still not working, it may be the gas itself.

Depending on how long ago you refilled your lawn mower, the fuel may be subject to expiration. Most fuel only has a shelf life of about thirty days, so it’s important to remain aware of this. Switch out your gas if it is old; you don’t want it to damage the parts inside!

Step #2: Repair the spark plug

One of the essential steps in how to repair a lawn mower is to inspect the spark plug. A spark plug that appears to be worn and darkened usually is a good indicator of it being damaged in some respect. By disconnecting it from your lawn mower before you begin the repair job, you prevent the machine from starting on its own.

In addition, there are two other factors that may cause a spark plug to be rendered inert. If it has melted metal around the top, or appears to be striped, this will cause further difficulties. In most cases, purchasing a separate part called a helicoil will speed up the repairing process.

Step #3: Repair the fuel filter

Most appliances that come with some sort of fuel holster can end up being clogged, if proper care is not taken. The same sentiment can be applied when you repair lawn mowers. To fix this, you’ll have to get rid of the sediment buildup that has become the source of the clog.

In most cases, simply replacing the fuel filter should resolve the problem in question. In some other cases, which are not as common, stale gas that is comprised of ethanol may also cause the fuel filter to fail. To get your lawn mower back to a normal, operative state, always double check the state of this component.

Step #4: Check the battery status

Major appliances and machines, such as your car, will always require a battery to start. For a myriad of reasons, the battery may end up failing, rendering your machine to not power on. If your lawn mower runs on a requisite battery, it is imperative to check its status.

Since you usually won’t have an indicator warning you beforehand of a battery on its last legs, check the power using a voltmeter. This will allow you to diagnose it accordingly, and give it enough juice. You may be able to repair the lawn mower and make it return to an operative state!

Step#5: Repair the carburetor

As it pertains to non-responsive lawn mowers, most engine issues stem from a dirty carburetor. Failing to clean it every so often will result in the component becoming filled with an unnecessary amount of dirt. Stale gas will also have a negative impact on the carburetor, so you’ll also have to double check the status of the fuel inside.

Thankfully, cleaning a carburetor is relatively easy. By disconnecting it from the lawn mower, and then disassembling it, you’ll be able to remove the hampering traces of dirt. Wash the parts, leave them to dry overnight, and your lawn mower should work again once the carburetor has been inserted again.

Step #6: Inspect the spark arrestor

The spark arrestor isn’t a vital component when you repair a lawn mower, relative to other parts of the machine. However, there may be a time where blockages affect it, preventing the overall mower from working. Use a wire brush to eliminate the blockages impeding on the spark arrestor, and the mower should work afterwards.

Step #7: Check the air filter

A lawn mower’s carburetor is one of the most vital parts of the appliance’s structure. It requires a proportionate amount of air to run; if it doesn’t, the engine will simply not work. This is where you need to inspect the mower’s air filter. If it appears dirty, simply replace it and the engine will be able to power up normally.

Many of these fixes require a sufficient amount of thorough inspection. With enough patience, you’ll not only be able to resolve the issue in question, but have your lawn mower back in tip-top shape!

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How To Repair Lawn Mowers? (Step-By-Step Guide)

Do you want to repair your lawnmower? You know repairing a lawnmower is not a difficult task if you just have patience and a proper guideline. And of course, without proper guidelines, it’s actually a troublesome task.

You won’t be needed to repair the entire lawnmower at a time. Rather gradually repairing every part helps you to give the mower its older strength.

I guess you don’t have any idea how to repair lawnmowers. If so, then you are in the right place!

Yes, in this article, you will get the proper guidelines in this regard. Just keep patience because a lawnmower consists of numerous parts. We will try to cover all the things that will be helpful to repair important parts of your mower.

So, without delay, let’s start.

In this content you’ll learn:

The Process To Repair A Lawnmower

Before repairing the mower, you need to identify where really the problem occurs. And when you will become ascertained about the problem, it will actually become easier for you to repair.

Basically you know repairing a lawnmower means repairing the parts of the lawnmower. So let’s take a look at the parts where people face the most problems and how these can be repaired.

The engine of the mower

When the engine doesn’t respond properly, it’s really a tough task to start the mower. You know the engine of the mower is the only power source to start the mower.

All the other parts supply adequate power to the engine and finally, the engine works to start the mower.

To know how to repair the engine of the mower, follow the steps stated below. You will also get some additional information about the repairing process of the mower.

Steps to follow:

Step #1: Disconnect The Spark Plug

Before doing any repair, don’t forget to wear safety clothing and disconnect the power cable or spark plug from the mower. It will save you from being electrified and any unwanted injury.

Step #2: Check The Spark Plug

After disconnecting the spark plug, diagnose the condition of the spark plug. If it is melted or damaged then replace the plug.

Step #3: Check The Ignition System

Test the ignition system. You can easily test it before disconnecting the spark plug. Just start the mower and notice the ignition system. If you see any spark when starting the mower, then the ignition system is in good condition. Otherwise, you have to replace it.

Step #4: Remove The Flywheel

Remove the flywheel now. It’s become a hard task if you don’t know how to remove it. It’s a little bit of a tricky process. First, locate the crankshaft and block the rotation. Use a wrench to remove the nut of the blade and keep it in a safe place.

Now, use a crowbar to lift the flywheel and keep the wheel as well as the key of the wheel in a safe place for reinstallation.

Step #5: Check and Clean The Mower Carburetor

Clean the carburetor properly as it acts as the main culprit of the engine problem. The jets of the carburetor become clogged due to long time use. Use small pieces of brass wire to clean it.

Step #6: Clean The Fuel Tank and Gas Cap

Clean the fuel tank and the gas cap if the engine starts trouble. Use a little brush to clean the lines, gas cap, and primer bulb. Clean all things properly to remain the normal flow of the gas towards the engine.

Step #7: Use Exhaust Valve Cleaner

If you have a four-stroke mower engine, you will have a 2 exhaust valve in the engine. Use a commercial exhaust valve cleaner to clean those. These valves should remain dust-free if you want to run the engine flawlessly. And after cleaning the valves, replace those in their previous position.

Step #8: Clean The Spark Arrestor

Use a wire brush to clean the spark arrestor of the mower engine. Though it is not an important part of the engine, cleaning it also helps you to run the engine accurately.

Step #9: Check The Piston and Cylinder Wall

Now remove the piston of the mower engine and separate the halves. We don’t recommend you separate it because if you separate the halves, then the crankshaft will be totally disconnected from the piston of the engine.

Check the piston and the cylinder wall whether there is any leakage or scratch in those parts. If so, then replacing those parts will be the best decision.

That’s all for repairing the mower engine. Reinstall all the parts following the reverse process.

The pull cord

The pull cord is really a vital part to start the mower. You can’t start the mower whether the pull cord is torn or damaged.

Check the flywheel of the engine first. Check out the brake of the flywheel whether it is engaged against the mower handle when you pull the cord. When the flywheel is properly working, then check the mower blade.

When the grass clippings make a cake-like layer underneath the mower, the blade becomes stuck. That’s why the pull cord becomes hard and doesn’t work properly.

So clean the bottom of the mower carefully. Replace the pull cord if you feel the cord is problematic.

The air filter

When the air filter is dirty, it creates difficulties in the time of starting the mower. To clean the air filter, locate the filter at first. Bring out the filter from the air filter compartment and clean it. We recommend you to replace it because the price of the air filter is not so high.

The blade of the mower

Sharp the blade whether it becomes damaged or blunt. A damager or blunt blade can’t work properly and take too much time to mow the lawn. Remove it carefully and sharpen it by using a flat-file.

After sharpening the blade, don’t forget to balance it. Use a screwdriver to balance the mower blade.

The battery

The battery of the mower supplies adequate power to turn on the mower. When the battery doesn’t respond properly, it becomes a tough task to start the lawnmower. Then check the battery condition by using a multimeter.

If the battery is damaged or not charged properly, you can jump-start the mower by attaching a jumper cable with the battery. Use the car battery to jump-start the mower. When the battery is fully damaged, just replace it.

The drive belt

The drive belt of a lawnmower plays a significant role to move the mower forward. When the belt is torn or damaged, you need to replace it.

However, the replacing process of a drive belt is a bit difficult. We recommend you to call an expert technician to replace the drive belt.

Lawnmower wheel

A mower really becomes a useless machine if the wheel of the mower is damaged. With a damaged wheel, you can’t move the mower one step further.

If the tire or the tube of the wheel is completely damaged, then it is better to replace them. Just remove the wheel from the axle and replace the tire as well as the tube.

Final verdict

Finally, repairing a lawnmower is literally a time-consuming task. It will seem to be a troublesome task if you do this for the first time.

But repairing a mower at home really saves your bucks and increases your skills too. You know when you repair your mower regularly at home, it gradually becomes a handy task for you.

I hope this article has given you a clear concept of how to repair lawn mowers.

Go through our other articles to know in-depth about the repairing process of a lawnmower.

How To Repair Mower Deck in 11 Simple Steps

Repair a mower deck is a task that you can do with the right tools and the right knowledge. So, if your lawn mower is a little rusty, you should repair it.

Our lawn mower experts are here to help you do exactly that! In our article, we’ll give you an in-depth look at all the steps needed to get your riding mower in good shape again.

• What Are the Main Steps for Repairing a Mower Deck?

• 1. Gather Your Tools
• 2. Prepare Your Workspace
• 3. Ventilate Your Working Area
• 4. Straighten the Rusted Area
• 5. Remove the Rusted Material
• 6. Treat the Affected Parts
• 7. Time to Cut the Fiberglass Matting
• 8. Mix the Resin and the Resin Activator
• 9. Apply Your Glass Matting
• 10. Sand Your Fiberglass
• 11. Apply a Finish Paint Coat

What Are the Main Steps for Repairing a Mower Deck?

The main steps for repairing a mower deck are to gather your tools first, prepare your workspace and ventilate it. Straighten the rusted area and remove the particles, and treat the part. Now, cut the fiberglass matting, mix the resin and apply it, smooth it, and apply the finishing coat.

Before getting into the steps, the most important task to carry out is identifying the problem. It can be a structural problem, like an engine mount, or as obvious as a hole in the deck. The latter is the most common and occurs when the deck gets affected by rust. When the exposed metal on the deck comes in contact with moisture and oxygen, it forms rust.

Most of us already know what the issue is with our mower, but we just put it off till the hole gets bigger and bigger to the point where the mower just stops working, and we end up looking for a mower deck replacement. But, if you repair mower deck with fiberglass in time, you can save yourself from googling ‘mower deck repair near me.’

Gather Your Tools

After successfully diagnosing that your mower’s deck is impacted by rust; you first need to gather the right tools. The hole can seem intimidating at first glance, but with the help of appropriate tools, you can fix it effectively and efficiently. The choice of the right tools determines the success rate of the process.

The tools you are going to need are the wire brush, filer, hammer, fiberglass matting, some paintbrushes, protective coating paint, and finishing paint. You will also need some scissors, sandpaper, a container, a resin and resin activator, a mixing stick, masking tape, and some paper bags. over, you will also need some protective gear, which are goggles, protective gloves, and a mask.

Prepare Your Workspace

You need a lot of space as you need to tend to both the upper and lower side of the deck at the same time, leaving room to place the essential tools. Bring your workstation to the middle of the room, so you have plenty of space to move around and look at the deck from every angle.

The ideal space for the task is your garage or driveway, and you can even have your friend or partner on board to fix the problem quicker. Make sure that you have someone next to you if you find it necessary so that you would accomplish the task in a smooth process.

Now, tilt the mower so that you can access its lower side, and this is so that you can support the mower with the help of a paint tin or a jack stand, or anything that you know is fit to hold the deck in space. The resin dries pretty quickly, so make sure that the support is sturdy enough so that you do not go running for additional support at that time.

Before getting into the process, ensure your protective gear is nearby. Put on your gloves, mask, and goggles, so you are not exposed to the fumes. It is time to get it on and start cleaning your workspace because you do not wish to get anything that is not necessary to intervene in your task.

Note that with the help of your wire brush, clean the surface where the repair will take place. This means you should definitely dust away the leaves, twigs, grass, dirt, and anything capable of making the repair process difficult. You should have a clean and exposed deck to work on because when you are repairing and this debris gets into your work process, it would make matters go in a difficult way.

It is also important to clean the oil or grease from the mower. You can do so by taking a small amount of paint thinner on a washcloth and cleaning the upper and lower sides of the deck thoroughly. Allow the paint thinner to dry before you proceed to the next step.

Ventilate Your Working Area

If you have worked with resin before, you know how toxic its fumes are. So, make sure that your working area has good ventilation. Most of us do not have an extraction system, but opening Windows and doors serves the same purpose.

Or even better, you can work outside too! Just make sure that children or pets are not close by. The released gas would have a toxic impact on the health of a person when they inhale it, so to avoid all these hazards, it is best that get air flowing into the area or take it outside if the weather is warm.

Straighten the Rusted Area

Now that you have a clean deck and can see what you are dealing with, grab your trusted hammer and toss any loose and hanging dust off the deck. Straighten the areas where the rust has moved out of its position; you should do this so that it would be way easier for you to work on it and to have a smooth texture in the end.

Remember that you are tending to the areas where the wire brush could not reach. Just be mindful not to exert too much pressure, as the dented parts are vulnerable to even the slightest force.

Remove the Rusted Material

Now that you have cleaned and straightened most of the deck, it’s time to move to get rid of the parts that are not worth stressing over, what is else wise called the rusted parts. You need to remove all the rust off the deck so that you are left with an oxidized metal at the end.

These rusted deck portions must be removed carefully as they are very fragile, and you should be protected well, especially if your hand has a wound; make sure it doesn’t get into contact with that area. Now, note that removing the rusted parts is extremely important so that you have a firm surface to see what you are working on.

Grab your metal file or a metal grinder if you have it handy, and remove the rusted parts. You are slowly preparing your deck for fiberglass; what you must do is repeat the last two steps and take your time with the right tools to improve your deck every time, and smooth this part out.

Treat the Affected Parts

With the rusted material removed, and you have made the deck more workable, coat the tended areas with a rust-inhibiting paint and brush. Let the first coat sit and dry for at least minutes before you proceed with the second coat.

The rust-inhibiting paint contains tannic acid that converts the rust into iron tannate, which is a durable material. In simple words, the rust converter changes the rust into a black protective coating and saves you the trouble of applying a primer before painting the deck and letting it dry so that the new and repaired look would be away from this. Now, you do not reach to worry about the areas you could not reach, but if you wish to use a thinner brush, you may try doing so.

Time to Cut the Fiberglass Matting

It is time to cut the fiberglass. With the help of scissors, cut the matting to cover the hole. We suggest leaving a two-inch overlap to be on the safe side. You will have to observe the case and think accordingly, which means if the hole, or patch, is five inches in diameter, cut the matting with a diameter of nine inches so that the matting gives you a two-inch overlap all the way around.

Eight matting layers mostly give one-quarter of an overall thickness, so we recommend that you prepare at least eight pieces of the matting to help you with the epoxy repair mower deck process. Afterward, what you must do is set all the pieces aside after you have cut them for later use.

Mix the Resin and the Resin Activator

Moving to one of the most exciting steps of the process, mixing the resin and the resin activator. But, to be on the safe side, ensure you have gone through all the steps. Double-check for everything or your time and effort will be wasted.

After you have ticked off all the boxes, grab your resin, resin activator, any container to mix things up, and a mixing stick to ensure the activator works equally everywhere. Take only a little or too much of either because it is likely that you will not get the desired results.

Make sure that you would always read the product’s instructions carefully and then navigate through them. The instructions on the product are set for a specific measurement, but you can adjust it according to the size of the hole on your lawn mower deck.

Apply Your Glass Matting

Take a clean paintbrush and apply a good amount of the resin mixture at the mouth of the mower’s deck, which you need to fix. This is the step where your pre-cut glass matting comes into use. Take a piece of the glass matting and lay it on a flat surface and adjust it right.

Now, apply the epoxy generously on the glass matting with the help of the same paintbrush or a new one if you prefer it that way, and get all the ends of it. Whichever you prefer, do not hesitate and apply a nice coat of epoxy. Make sure that you would have a smooth process when patching a mower deck.

We recommend that you apply the epoxy on the alternate sides of the matting, one time on the upper side and one time on the lower side. Continue applying until you have done the same for all the matting pieces, and go all over again to ensure that no piece is left behind. You must do this one night prior so that the epoxy has plenty of time to dry up.

Sand Your Fiberglass

Once you have let the epoxy take it’s due time to dry, grab the sandpaper. Take the fiberglass and gently sand it, so the paint has something to stick to. An eighty or hundred-grit sandpaper is fit for the job.

over, you should also try to mount the fiberglass to a long upright board if you work with a large component. Use a rubber sanding block for smaller or intricate areas to help you follow the piece’s shape, and to get an even and smooth surface you may also sand the fiberglass till it has a dull finish.

However, ensure you only sand some of the ways to the fiberglass itself. It leads to two problems. Firstly, it weakens the component’s strength. Secondly, it can create holes in the fiberglass that cause it to snap through the paint later.

You can use the gel coat to guide the initial sanding to avoid such incidents. Sanding your gel coat just enough so that the appearance gets dull is a way to know that you have sanded it just to the right amount to help it stick to the paint.

Apply a Finish Paint Coat

Your job here is almost done, but you just have to know that it is time to take your finished paint coat and give your repaired deck a much-needed makeover. Make sure you select the paint color closest to the mower’s color. Matching the shades will hide the rust-scraping and sanding, making it look like you have not done anything to your mower, good as new.

You also need to cover the rest of the parts of the mower with the help of paper bags. To ensure that the paper bags do not budge, secure them to the mower with the help of masking tape.

Paint the upper side of the deck and allow it to dry before moving to the lower side. For the lower side of the deck, we recommend using a two-part epoxy, high-durability paint so that the protective coat lasts for a long time. It can be a little heavy on the. but it is a good way to prevent your lawn mower from rusting soon.

Conclusion

You are now geared to expertly repair your mower’s deck using the information you obtained from our article!

Before you leave, here is a recap of the main points once more:

• The right choice of tools is a very important factor that helps you set the pace for rusted mower deck repair.
• Having a clean and ventilated working area allows you to see properly what you are dealing with.
• Get rid of all the debris from the mower, so you can easily see the affected area and then fix it.
• Make sure not to sand your fiberglass all the way through. Sand it to the point where it takes on a dull appearance.
• Finish the task with high-quality paint and save yourself from ending up at the paint shop again and again.

Now that you have all the recommended techniques, you can repair your lawn mower’s deck expertly. Get your tools and protective gear and start repairing. Check out for more information if your mower deck is from nexite or steel.

Lawn Mower Repair The How to Guide to Fixing It Yourself

Despite care and maintenance, machines can suddenly develop a problem that needs to be fixed. Your lawn mower is a hard-working machine and sometimes that hard work results in damage that needs to be undone.

Knowing how to do minor repairs on your lawn equipment yourself can save you some time and money. With that in mind, we’ve created this guide on lawn mower repairs for you. To get your lawn mower serviced by experts, come to one of our John Deere dealership locations throughout Central and Southern Florida.

Starting Problems

If your mower isn’t starting or starts and stops, then you probably have a clogged carburetor. The most common way to end up with a clogged carburetor is to leave fuel in the mower when it’s not in use for a long time. The liquid parts of the fuel evaporate, leaving behind a sticky, gooey mess that clogs your carburetor and prevents the engine from starting. Use a carburetor cleaner to clean it thoroughly.

Another culprit behind starting issues in lawn equipment is a damaged spark plug. Check to see if it has any signs of wear or damage. Use a spark plug tester to check if it’s defective; if you don’t see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals then it’s time to replace the spark plug. If there is carbon buildup in the electrode, an electrode is damaged, or the porcelain insulator is cracked, replace the spark plug.

Battery Problems

If your lawn mower battery keeps dying on you, one or more cells in it may have died. Use a charger to charge the battery. If it doesn’t hold the charge, you need to get a new battery. Sometimes, though, it may be that other components are at fault, not your battery. Use a multimeter to check that the charger is giving proper voltage output. A multimeter will also let you check the alternator which recharges the battery and gives voltage to your mower when in use.

Blade Problems

If the blades on your lawn mower do not engage, you could have a problem with the PTO switch. A multimeter will let you check if the switch is damaged and needs to be replaced. If your switch is fine, the problem may lie in your PTO clutch. This clutch manually disconnects the engine from the blades. When the clutch solenoid is powered, it uses the drive belt to move the rotation of the mower blades. If there is anything wrong with the PTO clutch, it will need to be replaced as it can’t be repaired.

Gas Leak Problems

One common lawn mower repair involves gas leaks. To determine what you have to fix, you need to check where the leak is happening. If the bottom of the carburetor is leaking fuel, the carburetor bowl gasket might be missing or dried out. Replace this gasket. Another reason behind a gas leak could be the float needle not shutting off fuel. This needle opens and closes the float valve to allow fuel into the float bowl. If it’s damaged, the fuel will fill the carburetor until it overflows. Replace it if it’s damaged.

If neither of the above is the problem, examine the fuel shut-off valve. The fuel lines should be tightly affixed to the valve and shouldn’t have any cracks, tears or holes in them. If a fuel shut-off line or the fuel shut-off valve is leaking, replace it immediately. Do not attempt to patch or cut and rejoin a fuel line.

Overheating Problems

Overheating is another common issue that occurs in lawn mowers but it is easily avoidable with a little care. Your mower has an air-cooled engine with cooling fins fixed into the engine’s cylinder head and short block. These fins keep the engine cool while your mower is busy at work. Sometimes bits of grass, leaves, and debris can clog these fins so you need to clean your mower at proper intervals or after heavy use to ensure this doesn’t happen to your machine.

Smoking Problems

It can be scary to see your lawn mower start to expel thick black smoke but what this indicates is that your carburetor is ‘running rich’, i.e. it is getting too much fuel. Check to see if the carburetor float is jammed in the open position and fix it if it is. Another reason behind black smoke is the carburetor choke valve being closed. It needs to be open once the engine is running or the engine won’t get enough air to create the right fuel-air mix.

We hope this list helps you identify and perform common lawn mower repairs. If you can’t really tell what’s wrong with your mower or want to purchase quality lawn equipment, come to Everglades Equipment Group at one of our 17 locations in Florida. We’re always happy to whip old machines into good shape and help people choose the right machines for their needs. We are proud to serve the areas of Central and South Florida!