How to Service Your Riding Lawn Mower Engine

Riding lawn mower engines need to serviced regularly to insure you get the most out of your machine. Taking your riding lawn mower to a local service shop can cost up to $250. However, you can service your own riding lawn mower engine yourself for about $50. Below is a step-by-step guide to servicing your own riding lawn mower engine.

Changing the Oil
To get started servicing your riding lawn mower engine, park the lawnmower on a level surface and set the parking brake.

Start the engine and allow it to run idle for 2-4 minutes to allow the engine to warm up. This will allow the engine oil to drain easier and help remove any debris in the oil.

After allowing the engine to warm up, shut off the engine and once again, insure the parking brake is engaged.

Next, place an oil drain pan under the drain plug and remove the plug to allow the oil to drain freely. Insure that all oil is going into the drain pan to prevent messes and environmental hazards. While the oil is draining, you can save time by continuing servicing the lawnmower in other locations.

When the oil is finished draining, reinstall the drain plug securely. Refill the engine with the engine oil specified by the owners manual. Depending on the size of the riding lawn mower it may be 1-3 quarts. You can fill the engine with 1 quart of oil and then continue to add a small amount while continuing to check the dip stick until the engine oil reaches the 'FULL' line. Replace the oil cap and secure tightly.

Oil Filters: Some riding lawn mowers have spin-on oil filters that need to be changed everytime you change your engine oil. If your lawn mower has an oil filter it will be located on the side of the engine. After completely draining the engine oil, simply remove the oil filter and replace with a new one.

Checking the Air Filter
Carefully remove the air filter and check for debris. If the air filter is not seriously clogged, you can clean it yourself by simply blowing the filter from the inside out using compressed air. Check the air filter compartment to insure there is no dust or debris inside. Avoid getting trash in the air filter compartment which leads to the carburetor intake. Replace the filter and secure the compartment tightly.

If the air filter is damaged, clogged, or extremely dirty, discard the air filter and replace with a new one. Check your owners manual or with a technician at a parts store to get the correct replacement filter.

Checking the Fuel Filter
Inspect your fuel filter for debris and water every time your service your engine. If you notice debris or water, replace immediately with a new fuel filter. Fuel filters are usually $2-5 and need to be replaced annually for optimal performance.

Checking the Spark Plugs
Riding lawn mowers need to have the spark plugs checked each time your service the machine. Always check the electrode end and the electrode gap. If the electrode end of the spark plug is dirty you can clean it gently with a wire rush or replace with new ones. Check your owners manual for exact specifications on setting the electrode gap each time you remove and replace spark plugs.

Once your have changed the oil, checked the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug, you are almost finished servicing the engine. Finish by starting the engine and allowing the engine to run for 1-2 minutes allowing the oil to have time to cycle back through the engine. Shut off the engine and check the oil again to insure it is full. Sometimes the oil level will drop when the engine is started and the oil has had time to cycle through the engine.

Now that your riding lawn mower engine is serviced you are ready to start your lawn maintenance. Service your engine every 3 months or after 25 hours of operation.