Easy fixes for Serious Mower Issues

Issues with your lawn mower doesn't always mean a trip to the hardware store. Try these simple tips to get your old mower running like new.

Tighten the cutting blades

Turn the mower on its side and wedge a piece of wood, such as a broom handle, between the mower blade and body. This will stop the blade from turning.

Using a wrench, tighten the lock nut at the centre of the mower blade as far as you can manage. Now you're ready to restart the mower.

Stay safe. Disconnect the spark plug lead to ensure that the engine cannot start when you're working on the blades.

Clean the air filter and let it breathe

If your mower starts to blow smoke from its exhaust you probably have a clogged air filter. The filter, which is usually made from foam, is contained in an enclosure on the deck of the mower.

Undo the nut on the enclosure and remove the filter. Rinse it in water or gas and allow it to dry fully before putting it back into the mower.

Clean your engine's cooling fins

Mowers will get hot in use. Their engine casings are usually black in colour and fitted with cooling fins to help dissipate heat.

• Use a stiff brush to clear any grass or debris from the surface of the engine cooling fins. If you have a riding mower, you'll need to open or remove the hood to get to the fins.
• Some gas mowers have four-stroke engines — you'll know that yours does because the machine will have separate oil and gas tanks. If so, check your oil every month or so in the summer and top it up to the level recommended in the user's manual. Too little oil will not only make your mower overheat but will also eventually damage the engine.

Check the fuel system and tighten up the connectors

If you see or smell fuel, investigate the source immediately — leaking fuel is dangerous.

• Make sure the gas cap is fitting properly and tightly closed.
• Gas mowers have a plastic or rubber hose that carries fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Find this hose and check if there's any dampness at either end. If there is, tighten the small hose clamps on each end by turning the clamp screws clockwise.
• Check carefully along the length of the fuel hose. If it's visibly cracked or has an obvious hole, you'll need to replace it. Disconnect the hose where it meets the carburetor and drain the fuel through the hose into a suitable container. Only then disconnect the hose from the fuel tank end. Take the old hose to your hardware shop and buy a length of hose of the same diameter. Install the replacement

Before working on your gas mower, switch off the engine, disconnect the spark plug and let the unit cool down. Wear protective gloves and use a stick, rather than your hands, to remove any obstructions near the blades.

If you can't get the engine started, or if it runs with excessive smoke despite your best efforts, take it to your repair centre. If the mower needs a new engine, it's probably time to invest in a new machine. Rust can also kill a mower by eating through the deck; almost all other problems can be fixed or avoided through good maintenance.