Experts share tips to keep your lawn mower engines running efficiently.

Experts say checking your engine oil daily can save you thousands of dollars in repairs in the future. (Photo: Kawasaki Engines)

To extend the life of lawn mowers and avoid costly repairs and downtime, homeowners should ensure they properly maintain their lawn mower engines.

This not only keeps the mowers running, but also leads to happier customers, more business and higher profit margins, says Jeff Turner, field sales consultant for Kawasaki Engines .

Checking your engine oil daily is essential because it could save owners thousands of dollars in repairs in the future, Turner says. Because most lawn mower engines are air-cooled, these machines also rely on a clear, unobstructed airflow that comes from the cooling fan and is directed through the cooling fins.

"Using clean, well-maintained equipment not only makes your business look more professional," says Turner, "but it also significantly extends the life of your engine because it cools more efficiently when dirt and debris aren't blocking the cooling air."

Clean Air

Operators should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for lawn mower engine maintenance, including changing the engine oil and air and fuel filters, says Steve Stenz, manager of lawn products for Kohler.

"Inspect the engine after each use and make sure it is free of debris on and around the engine, especially on the grass grille where the cooling air enters the engine and the cooling fins of the engine block," explains Stenz.

If you work in a dirty environment where the engine is clogged with debris, Stenz recommends inspecting the engine. Owners should perform oil maintenance and clean the engine cooling fins to prevent further damage.

It's also important for homeowners to think about how they clean certain rooms, says Stenz. For example, some owners make the mistake of removing the air filter and using high pressure air to remove debris.

"This is never good for the air filter and leads to small holes in the paper backing that allow dirt to flow past the filter," says Stenz. "It is best to inspect the air filter and tap it lightly to remove any coarse debris and replace it if necessary."

Check for damage

Operators should check the mower engine for loose bolts and fasteners, as well as fuel and oil leaks, says David Bush, associate director of shows, events and sponsorship for Honda Power's sports and product division . During inspection, it may be necessary to tilt the unit to view all sides of the engine and inspect the lower crankshaft seal.

"When tilting an engine, it is important to always tilt it away from the carburetor side," says Bush. "This practice prevents oil or gas from saturating the air filter and potentially causing fuel leakage."

If dirt or other contaminants get into the fuel tank, it can clog the carburetor passages and affect engine performance.

Tips for preparing engines for winter

After the final cut of the season, it's time for homeowners to prepare their equipment for winter.

"Old fuel or fuel left in the carburetor for months can cause the carburetor and intake valve to stick," says David Bush, associate director of shows, events and sponsorship in Honda Power's sports and product division. "Even fuel that is only a month old can make it difficult to start the engine."

To winterize a lawn mower engine, users should change the oil and filters, add fuel stabilizer to the tank, run the engine for five to 10 minutes, turn off the fuel, and let the engine idle until it stops, Turner explains.

"Once the engine stalls, I recommend pulling the choke and restarting it while there is no fuel left," says Jeff Turner. "This causes the remaining fuel to be sucked out through the small channels in the carburettor. Next, drain the fuel tank and lines.

EFI systems aren't as prone to fuel problems as carbureted systems, says Steve Stenz, lawn product manager at Kohler , but it's always good to use a fuel stabilizer on either system.

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