Mower "tune up" question.
#1
03-01-13, 09:34 AM
Mower "tune up" question.
Ok, so it that time again, I am about to get my machine out of storage and ready to go. At the end of last season, I know that I should have changed the oil before storing, but did not. So my question is:
Should I change the oil now, without starting the mower, or should I start it first let it run for a few minutes then change the oil?
And what am I risking by changing the oil without starting up the mower?
Should I change the oil now, without starting the mower, or should I start it first let it run for a few minutes then change the oil?
And what am I risking by changing the oil without starting up the mower?
#2
03-01-13, 10:48 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Start the mower and use it one time. The sediment in the oil settles out to the bottom over periods of non-use. You want to stir this sediment up as much as you can and have it suspended in the oil before you drain it.
#3
03-01-13, 10:54 AM
Assuming that you change it on a reasonable frequency, I would start it, let it warm up, in order to get any contaminates moving, and then change it. Personally, that's typically the way that I do my mower, rototiller, weed whackers, and other seasonal equipment; change it at the beginning of the season, rather than the end, so that I am draining any condensation that may have formed while it was sleeping.
#4
03-01-13, 10:56 AM
Group Moderator
I like to star the engine and let it run until I can feel the oil pan getting good and warm. Like Cheese said you want to stir everything up and get it in suspension in the oil. Then I shut the engine off and immediately drain the oil, trying to get it out before the crud can settle. The key is getting the oil warm but not so hot that it burns your hand.
#5
03-01-13, 11:46 AM
ok thanks guys. does anyone here reuse the air filter?. I bought new, but it was brought to my attention that they can be reused after being washed out with dish washing detergent.
#6
03-01-13, 11:49 AM
Group Moderator
It depends on the type of filter. The foam type I wash out, re-oil and reuse. The pleated paper type I blow out from the inside with compressed air (though I know "they" say not to) or replace with new.
