Home & Garden
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 April 2013 20:47
(NAPS)—Performing regular engine maintenance is critical to keeping the small engine in a lawn mower running at peak performance. A mower engine tune-up takes about 30 minutes and costs under $12 for the average push mower, according to the engine experts at Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the largest manufacturer of gasoline-powered engines for outdoor power equipment.
How to Tune Up Your Push Mower in Four Easy Steps:
1. Change the mower oil
2. Replace the air filter
3. Replace the spark plug
4. Add fuel preservative to the gasoline
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A timely tune-up can help
your mower keep your lawn looking great all season long. |
Homeowners know the importance of tuning up their lawn mower engine. According to research by Briggs & Stratton, 66 percent of homeowners who purchased a new push mower will perform a tune-up at least once a season. Also, 76 percent of homeowners tune up their engine mower before the season starts. Tuning up is key in extending the life of a mower engine and can reduce emissions by up to 30 percent.
Mower Won’t Start?
Try a Tune-up
Shaw points out that difficult starting is the No. 1 problem people report having with their lawn mowers, according to company research. A tune-up could be the answer. “The source of most starting problems is old gasoline—gas goes stale in about 30 days, and the new ethanol-based fuels can be especially problematic,” she notes.
The company warns that certain gasoline blends should never be used in lawn mower engines and other small gas engines. Fuel blends containing more than 10 percent ethanol, like E15 or E85 gasoline, or gasoline containing other alcohol blends can damage small gas engines. Small engine repair required because of the use of these unapproved gasoline blends is not covered under the Briggs & Stratton warranty.
You can buy a mower tune-up kit online or at authorized Briggs & Stratton dealers and home improvement stores. In addition, the company helps homeowners recycle oil from their lawn mower engine through participating Briggs & Stratton dealers nationwide. To date, over 150,000 gallons of used engine oil have been recycled. Used mower engine oil can be dropped off in a closed container. Find a participating dealer at www.recyclemoweroil.com.
