Lawn mower engine overheating. Addressing an Overheating Mower

Addressing an Overheating Mower

Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a yardwork perfectionist, or even just looking for something to keep your property well-maintained, possibly the most important tool you’ll need to have is the right lawn mower. Not only does a freshly cut lawn look better, it’s also healthier, and in the long run, it’ll be easier to manage. But even the most efficient mowers can run into maintenance issues, even if you’re properly caring for them.

One common problem, especially when it’s warm out, is overheating. If you notice your zero-turn mower can’t seem to stay cool, you’ll need to know how to identify the problem in order to go about finding a solution. Harold Implement Company, Inc. has provided some common sources of overheating and ways to fix them. If you still need help, or if you need a professional to take a look, stop by our location in Corning, Arkansas, serving Paragould, Jonesboro, and Pocahontas.

Overheating Causes

Hot weather alone can aggravate overheating problems if your mower can’t properly regulate its own cooling system. If you’re having maintenance problems, your mower can be vulnerable to overheating at any time of the year.

We also want to stress that when you go looking for the source of the problem, you should wait for the engine to cool off completely first. It won’t be just a little warm—you could really injure yourself on the hot metal!

On that note, if you run into issues, start by checking the common problem areas below.

Engine Oil and Filter

Start with your engine oil. If the interior mechanisms aren’t getting properly lubricated, then there’s too much friction inside the engine, creating more heat than it’s designed to handle. If you’re noticing your engine gets way too hot or even shuts down, consider looking here first. Don’t forget to check the filter as well.

Blocked Cooling Fins

The cooling fins are placed next to the spark plugs to allow more heat to move away from the engine. In other words, they’re designed to help cool off the engine. However, clippings and debris can get stuck in the fins and prevent them from doing their job properly, so check here next and clean the fins as needed.

Blocked Cutting Deck

A similar problem can happen with the cutting deck. If clippings and debris jam up the blades, not only can this cause your mower to underperform, but it can also force the engine to work harder. Too hard, in fact. It’s probably a good idea to get in the habit of clearing the blades after every use.

General Engine Issues

These are some of the more common issues, but in reality, there are many engine problems that can lead to your zero-turn mower overheating. Your mower engine is a complex system of moving parts and intricately connected functions, all of which rely on each other to provide efficient performance. Of course, your engine and mower can get by if one of these systems fails, but not necessarily without consequence. That’s what can happen with an overheating mower engine. If the right part breaks or can’t function the way it’s supposed to, it can throw the entire engine out of whack and lead to overheating or other serious problems.

As you can probably tell, some of these problems can be solved fairly quickly and easily on your own, if you have some experience. However, this won’t be the case for all your problems. Whether you don’t have enough experience to tackle a repair, you can’t identify what’s wrong, or you simply need someone with the right tools, contact the trained technicians at Harold Implement Company, Inc. Check out our selection of zero-turn mowers for sale while you’re here! We welcome all patrons from Corning, Paragould, Jonesboro, and Pocahontas, Arkansas.

How Hot Does A Lawn Mower Engine Get? (Revealed)

If you are asking the question ‘how hot does a lawn mower engine get?’ it could be for one of two reasons.

The first is out of pure curiosity as your mind wanders whilst you cut your lawn, the second is because you are genuinely concerned that your mower might be overheating.

Well, whatever the reason we have got you covered in this article.

We will look at how hot your mower engine can get, what can affect its temperature, the dangers of your mower engine overheating and how to cool it down if you are concerned it is too hot.

How Hot Does A Lawn Mower Engine Get?

The hottest parts of a small lawn mower engine, ie the exhaust, can hit up to 400°F, on a larger lawn mower engine that figure could be higher. A more comfortable operating temperature for a mower is around the 250°F to 300°F mark. If you fear your mower is overheating, stop mowing immediately and, when it has cooled down sufficiently, check nothing is clogging its filters, etc.

What Temperature Does a Lawn Mower Engine Run At?

The temperature of your lawn mower engine can vary wildly for reasons we will go into in more detail later.

But it does depend on the mower, the mowing conditions and a range of other things.

Your mower will always be hottest near the exhaust port too, so expect high readings for a spark plug or muffler for instance.

If you want to know how hot the oil gets in a small engine like a lawn mower, then you can expect it to reach around 250°F.

If you are talking about the cylinder itself, that can hit temperatures of around 300°F to 350°F, possibly bordering on 400°F right near the exhaust port.

Want to know how hot a lawn mower muffler gets? Well we have already discovered it is one of the hottest parts of an engine as it sits right at the end of the exhaust pipe. The muffler might hit 400°F or even 450°F on large lawn mower engines.

When giving you an answer like this I do always like to do a bit of research to provide you with some details aside from just my own personal experience.

So if you want to know how hot a lawn mower gets, then below is some genuine first-hand experience I found whilst preparing this article, posted in various lawn mower forums:

Person 1“Mowing in Oklahoma this morning I checked the temperature of my mower. The temperature outside was around 85°F when I was mowing. After an hour of mowing, and having just mowed the thickest patch of my lawn, the oil was 212°F, the block was 168 °F and the drives were 140°F.”

Person 2“When I mow at around 85°F, my Intek runs oil between 240°F and 300°F. When it gets above 280°F is when I start getting concerned, and if it hits 300°F I stop and let it cool down.”

Person 3“In my experience (based on a test I did on a Briggs and Stratton 6.5hp push mower engine) most small engines run at 240°F at the spark plug and around 320°F at the muffler/exhaust.”

Person 4“After about 40 minutes of mowing the filter was 157°F and the lower crankcase, where the oil level would be, was 187°F.”

Person 5“It was pushing 95°F when I mowed yesterday in Northern Alabama. The oil temperature was around 200°F after 30 minutes, 225°F after 60 minutes and 250°F after 90 minutes of mowing.”

Person 6“I’ve seen 250°F on my lawn tractor when under heavy operation too. It usually runs at around 225°F when ambient temperatures are 85°F.”

Person 7“I put an oil cooler on my Intek Craftsman, but it can still get up to around 180°F to 200°F in cold weather of around 25 to 40°F.”

So seven individual accounts there, and they are fairly consistent, so I think we can say from personal experience you can expect your mower to reach somewhere around the 250°F mark.

What Affects the Temperature of a Lawn Mower Engine?

As mentioned previously, and as illustrated by some of the personal accounts above, there are a number of factors that have a bearing on the temperature of a lawn mower engine.

• The ambient temperature outside. The higher temperature the higher the engine temperature.
• The length of time you have been mowing. The longer the mower has been in operation the higher its temperature.
• The thickness of the grass. Your mower will have to do more work to cut thicker grass and the temperature of the engine will increase.
• The make and model of your mower.
• How well maintained your mower is, ie if particular parts are clogged it could cause the engine to run hotter.

How Do You Measure the Temperature of a Lawn Mower Engine?

This is a valid question because it can be difficult to get the temperature of something that might be 300°F!

Generally there are two ways to do it:

• Get yourself an infrared temperature gun, then simply aim it at the outside surface of the oil filter. Ideally, aim it at a sticker on the surface of the filter as infrared guns don’t work effectively on shiny surfaces.
• Get an oil temperature gauge or a dial thermometer to read the oil temperature.

The Dangers of Overheating: How Hot is Too Hot For a Lawn Mower Engine?

Based on what we have discussed so far, if your mower engine gets to 300°F you want to keep a very close eye on it.

When it gets to 350°F, you want to think about stopping mowing and letting it cool down, if it creeps up to 400°F then you definitely want to call a halt to your lawn care maintenance for a while.

If your mower engine gets too hot it could lead to blown gaskets, melted parts or, in the worst-case scenario, an actual fire.

It could not only render your mower useless and mean you have to buy a new one, but it could also cause you physical harm.

How to Keep Your Lawn Mower Engine Cool

A lawn mower can get very hot, but a comfortable operating range is around 250°F on most small engines as shown by the infographic above.

If it starts getting above 300°F you want to be more careful, and anything above 350°F is when you want to consider stopping and allowing your mower to cool down.

Your engine temperature will vary depending upon the load it is being placed under, the time you have been mowing and how well you have looked after the mower.

But it is something you should pay close attention to as an overheated mower can have potentially catastrophic consequences for your wallet and potentially even your health.

Regularly clean out your mower’s filters and fans as, if they are clogged up, the temperature of the engine will definitely be higher.

In the words of the Fonz, stay cool!

How to Keep the Engines In Your Equipment from Overheating

Whether it’s in a V-twin in a mower or a two-stroke in a string trimmer, the engines in your outdoor equipment can overheat when subjected to extreme summer temperatures. Left unchecked, metal parts will expand, increasing wear and possibly seizing, requiring a pricey rebuild. These tips will help you keep your equipment cool, extending the life of their engines.

Dirt

Most small engines are air-cooled. They use fins on the cylinder head and block provide the surface area needed to transfer heat from the engine to the outside air. As you use your equipment, these fins get covered in dirt. This reduces their ability to shed heat, increasing engine temperatures.

To remove dirt and dust, wipe down the fins with a stiff brush or a cloth to remove build-up. Never use water when cleaning your engine: it can get inside, causing rust and possibly hydro-locking. Some Kawasaki V-Twins have inspection/clean-out ports built into the cowling. Blowing compressed air through these ports cleans the cylinders.

Liquid-cooled engines transfer heat to coolant which passes through a radiator. This radiator has small metal fins that transfer heat to the air, just like an air-cooled engine. Kohler recommends cleaning the radiator on their Aegis engines every 100 hours of operation. They make cleaning kits that can reach the entire radiator without having to remove parts from the engine.

Air Flow

An air-cooled engine in a motorcycle sits out in the open, taking advantage of the bike’s high speeds to keep cool. The engines on your lawn equipment move slowly, and generators don’t move at all. This requires an alternate way to get air.

If you look into the screen on the front or top of your engine, you’ll see the flywheel is covered in small fins. It acts as a cage fan when the engine is running, drawing in air and pushing it across the surface of the engine. The cowling isn’t just there for looks: It helps direct this air.

To work effectively, the screen needs to be clear of grass and debris, while the cowling needs to be clean and intact.

Oil

Motor oil doesn’t just lubricate the engine, it helps transfer heat from the combustion chamber to the rest of the head and block. This helps the cooling system has an easier time removing it from the engine.

Air-cooled engines get a lot hotter than liquid-cooled engines. With the added stress of summer heat, this can burn off low viscosity conventional oils. To combat this, most manufacturers recommend using either a heavier oil or a synthetic at higher temperatures.

– Briggs Stratton and Vanguard recommends checking the oil in their engines frequently if they’re used with 10W30 or SAE30 above 80°F due to increased oil consumption. Switching to a 5W20 synthetic or their 15W50 synthetic oil prevents oil burning at high operating temperatures.

– Honda recommends 10W30 in most of their engines for all temperature ranges.

– Subaru recommends 10W40 in their single cylinder engines.

– Kawasaki recommends 10W40 up to 100°F and 20W50 up to 115°F.

All commercial duty and high-end consumer engines made today have sensors that cut the ignition if the oil level is too low. However, it’s good practice on any engine to check the oil level before startup.

Coolant

The Kohler Aegis uses a liquid cooling system for better performance over a wide range of temperatures. Like the engine in your car, it needs the right amount of clean, fresh coolant to manage engine temperatures.

Before using your Aegis-powered equipment, check the overflow tank behind the radiator. Add coolant if the level is below the “Add” mark.

Kohler recommends changing the coolant in their Aegis engines every two years or 1,000 hours of operation.

Fuel

If the engine doesn’t get enough fuel, combustion chamber temperatures will skyrocket. A lean fuel mixture will leave a white, ashy film on spark plugs.

While bad seals on the carburetor can lean out the fuel mixture, most problems are caused by needle jets clogged by stale fuel. Fuel injected engines are less susceptible to fuel issues, but both Vanguard and Kohler still recommend using a fuel stabilizer with their engines.

When it comes to two strokes, getting the right ratio of fuel to oil is critical. Using too much oil won’t improve lubrication, but it will lean out the air/fuel mixture. This leads to Rapid overheating that will shorten the engine’s life.

We Can Help Your Equipment Keep Its Cool

When you need parts, service or replacements for anything you use for landscaping, visit Shank’s Lawn Equipment. We’re an authorized dealer for a wide range of equipment and small engine manufacturers including Briggs Stratton, Honda Engines, Subaru Industrial Power and Kohler Engines. Visit our shop at

Why Could An Electric Lawn Mower Be Overheating?

If you’ve ever been working on your lawn only to have your electric mower suddenly shut off due to overheating, then you know how frustrating this can be!

But why could an electric lawn mower be overheating?

This is one of the questions people ask very often, especially if the weather’s hot and humid – perfect description of the summertime! That time of the year that brings out the green thumb in many of us who are proud of our yards and gardens!

In this article, I’ll explore all the reasons why your electric mower may be overheating, and what steps you should take to prevent it from happening again.

Common Causes Of Overheating

There are a number of reasons your electrical mower could be overheating.

Blockages In The Blades Or Motor

This is the most common cause of an electric lawn mower overheating. These blockages could be due to leaves, twigs, or other debris getting stuck while working with the machine.

Poor Ventilation

Inadequate ventilation around the engine can also lead to increased temperatures within the device which will then overheat if left unchecked

Faulty Wiring

Additionally, faulty electrical wiring may create extra heat inside the body of your lawn mower due to inefficient current flow.

Poor Maintenance

Not properly maintaining and cleaning your lawn mower regularly can add up dust particles on the internal components causing them to become blocked.

Let’s discuss more on each cause, factor by factor.

Obstructions In Blades Or Motors

Sometimes, the root cause of an electric lawn mower overheating is as simple as blades or motors that have obstructions. Here are the common causes of blade and motor obstruction.

Blade Wear

Blades become dull over time due to regular use, causing blade blockages. This reduces their ability to cut grass efficiently.

In terms of motor obstructions, motors may eventually overheat if they are used too frequently without proper maintenance or repair.

Blade Clogs

Debris such as twigs, leaves, and dirt can easily build up in the blade area and prevent it from cutting properly, causing blade obstruction.

Dirt buildup in the motor can also impede its performance, causing motor obstruction, which eventually leads to overheating issues.

These types of blockages are fairly easy to identify by inspecting both the blades and motor closely for any signs of damage or debris buildup. If you find either one is causing problems, then fix it right away so your mower won’t suffer any further strain!

Now let’s move onto another possible issue – faulty electrical wiring.

Faulty Electrical Wiring

If your electric mower is overheating, it could be due to faulty electrical wiring. Here’s a quick list of things you should look for when diagnosing an electrical wiring problem.

How To Diagnose Electric Wiring Problems

• Check for loose or damaged wires
• Look for signs of corrosion or frayed insulation
• Make sure connections are secure and properly insulated
• Inspect any junction boxes or circuit breakers for potential hazards

NOTE: It’s important to take safety into consideration when dealing with electrical wiring problems on an electric mower.

• Always wear protective gear such as eye protection and gloves
• Avoid working near water sources
• Never try to fix a live wire without first shutting off power from the main breaker box.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your electric lawn mower has safe and reliable electrical wiring. Coming up next, how to maintain an electric mower!

Proper Electric Mower Maintenance

How should I maintain my mower? Here are the tips.

Tips For Proper Maintenance

• Check for blade obstruction before each use
• Inspect all electrical wiring routinely
• Make sure there’s adequate ventilation around your machine
• Clean out excess dirt from motor parts
• Perform regular oil changes according to manufacturer instructions

With these simple steps taken care of every now and again, you’ll be able to keep your electric mower running cool – pun intended! Let’s talk about ventilation as a cause of overheating electric mower.

Inadequate Ventilation

The heat of an electric lawn mower can be like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode into overheating if not given proper ventilation and cooling.

Poorly ventilated spaces are the perfect environment for this little time-bomb to fizzle out in smoke and flames. Without adequate airflow around its motor, an electric mower can quickly build up enough internal heat to cause serious damage or even catch fire.

The key is making sure that there’s plenty of air circulating around the motor while it’s running – allowing hot air to escape and cooler air to replace it.

Good ventilation is essential when using any kind of machine with moving parts, but especially so with electrical ones as they generate more heat than their mechanical counterparts.

If you’re having trouble keeping your electric mower cool:

• Try opening Windows or doors in the garage or shed where you store it
• Consider investing in a fan or two
• Or just take frequent breaks during longer mowing sessions to allow the engine some time to rest and dissipate built-up heat energy.

Taking these precautions will help ensure that your beloved electric mower doesn’t become victim to excessive temperatures before its job is done.

Conclusion

Purchasing an electric lawn mower can be a great way to keep your yard looking neat and tidy. But it’s important to keep in mind that an electric mower can overheat if it is not properly maintained or used on wet grass.

To avoid this issue, make sure you’re selecting the right type for your needs and checking for any signs of wear and tear before each use. Replace blades regularly, don’t overload with too much grass at once, and only use the machine on dry surfaces.

As the saying goes “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” take some time now to ensure your electric mower doesn’t give you any trouble down the line!

Overall, investing in an electric mower can save you time, money, and energy when compared to traditional gas-powered models. With correct maintenance and usage practices in place, you can rest assured that your electric model will last season after season without overheating. So, get out there and start tackling those weeds like a pro!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Electric Mower Should I Buy?

There’s no clear-cut answer to this. The choice is all yours! But there are a few issues you should consider to ensure you make the best choice for you.

When evaluating different models, consider factors such as cutting width, speed settings (if adjustable), noise levels, weight capacity, ease of use/maintenance, warranty coverage and price point. If possible try out several before committing to one model – this way you’ll get a good sense of how well they perform in real life situations.

Also take into account any accessories included (batteries/chargers) as these may influence your overall decision too.

Finally don’t forget about quality customer service – if something goes wrong down the line make sure that technical support is easily accessible should any issues arise whilst using the machine.

What Is The Best Way To Store My Machine?

Storing an electric or lawn mower is essential for safety and longevity. For anyone who owns one of these machines, this means taking the time to understand proper storage techniques and implementing them properly. With the right steps, you can ensure your electric mower remains in top condition all season long.

Start by cleaning off any debris from the machine before storing it away. This includes clearing grass clippings, leaves, dirt, and other items that may have gathered throughout the cutting process.

When it’s time to store the mower, make sure you place it in a dry place with plenty of ventilation as moisture buildup could cause rusting or corrosion over time. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight since extreme temperatures are never good for electronics either. If storing outside cover the unit with a weatherproof tarp so no rain or snow falls on it directly between uses.

Additionally, if you’re planning on keeping your mower stored for more than a few weeks consider plugging it into a surge protector which helps maintain battery life and protect against power outages or fluctuations in electricity levels.

How Often Should I Replace The Blades?

For the average homeowner, it’s best to replace those blades every year, or every few months if you have a large yard. If left unchanged for too long, they could cause serious damage to both your lawnmower motor and your lawn itself.

Luckily, it’s not such a difficult task. First, you’ll want to locate the screws that hold the blade cover in place and remove them with a screwdriver or wrench. After that, take off the old blade and check if there are any nicks on its edge – replacing worn out blades will give you more bang for your buck when cutting grass!

Once you have checked and installed new blades properly, put the blade cover back on and secure it with screws. Be sure to double-check everything to ensure that all parts are securely fastened before powering up the mower again.

How Much Power Does An Electric Model Use?

Different models of electric mowers use different wattage or voltages, so it’s essential to check the specs before purchase. The wattage of an electric mower will determine its overall energy consumption, or draw from the electrical outlet when in operation.

But generally, most electric lawnmowers require between 600-1000 watts per hour, depending on their size and functionality.

You’ll want to make sure the voltage of the electric mower matches what’s available at home – usually 120V or 240V. If it doesn’t match up then your mowing job could be cut short by a power outage if the voltage isn’t compatible!

Can I Use An Electric Mower On Wet Grass?

Yes, but it depends on the type of electric lawn mower you have and the conditions in which you plan to operate it. Despite popular belief, there are certain types of electric mowers designed specifically for cutting wet grass. These models are equipped with special protective features such as waterproof casings.

The key here is making sure your particular model of lawnmower was created with wet-grass mowing capabilities in mind. Many brands now offer models built just for this purpose, so make sure to do some research before investing in one if that’s what you need.

But even if yours isn’t made for damp conditions, most conventional electric lawnmowers will still work fine provided that the ground isn’t too soggy and doesn’t cause them to get stuck while trying to navigate through thick patches of turf. Just remember: if in doubt, keep away from moisture!