The spark plug, which is a bit like an engine’s heartbeat, is the key component that lawn mowers use to ignite gasoline and produce power. Spark plugs are like a heartbeat. They work hard to fire the engine continuously. They can become worn down over time. It is possible to replace them, but it is not difficult. lawn mower spark plug isn’t anything like learning how to perform heart surgery. All you’ll need is a few simple tools and a bit of know-how to get this job done right.
Why you might need to replace your spark plug
As we mentioned, this is a component that will eventually need replacing. While the frequency at which a Spark Plug needs to be replaced varies depending on the reason, there is a common set of symptoms (bad spark plug symptoms). The most typical reasons are: the spark plug has already been used for a season’s worth of time, oil or carbon has soiled it, or the mower has shown less power or fuel economy.
How to change your Lawn Mower Spark plug
When you actually You might be interested in how to transform your lawn mower’s spark plug, you’ll probably want to figure out what tools you’ll need first. Though you don’t need a ton of tools for this job, it helps to have the right ones. These are the essential items you should own:
- Socket wrench
- Spark plug socket
- Use a clean towel or a rag.
- New spark plug
- Insulated pliers recommended
How to remove a lawn mower spark plug and replace
Now that you’ve got all of your tools together, let’s talk about how to change a lawn mower’s spark plug. Take your time to ensure that the job goes smoothly.
1. Stage Lawn Mower
Before you get started, you’ll want to get your lawn mowerPlace the mower on a flat, level piece of ground. If you have a couple of pieces of scrap wood or small stones, it’s a good idea to block the wheels so that the mower won’t go rolling away.
Also, be sure that you’ve waited for the lawn mower’s engineAllow the engine block to cool down before you start working on this project. You’ll be working in very close proximity to the engine block and could easily burn yourself. I’d say to wait at least 30 minutes after using your mower before you get started.
2. Disconnect Ignition Cable
Now that your lawn mower is set in place you can locate the spark plug and disconnect the spark plug’s hood and wire that make up the ignition cable. This is something that you should do anytime you’re working on your lawn mowerTo prevent unexpected engine ignition.
To do this, I use an insulated pair of needle-nosepliers to grasp the hood at its center and gently lift it from my spark plug. You won’t need to use much force to grab the spark plug hood because the pliers will grip the rubber pretty easily. If this isn’t your style, you can just grab the hood with your fingers and pull it off.
3. The Old Spark Plug should be removed
Figuring out how to remove a lawn mower’s spark plug is arguably the most difficult part of the whole replacement process. Although it can be frustrating to remove the old plug from a lawn mower, the right tools can make all the difference.
Grab your spark plug socket and attach it to the wrench. Next, I place the sparkplug in my hand. This way I can check that it’s making good contact with the spark plug and won’t strip.
Next, grab your socket wrench and attach it directly to the spark plug socket. Apply a little bit of counterclockwise (lefty loosey) pressure to the spark plug at first to be sure that the socket still won’t slip.
Slowly apply normal pressure until the threads are loose. Once the spark plug is loose, it’s easier to unscrew the remaining threads by hand because there will be no resistance and you’ll have a ton of spinning you’ll need to do.
4. Examine the Old Plug
You should make sure that your old sparkplug is in good shape before you dispose of it (which can be thrown in the regular garbage). Examine for cracks or other debris.
This step isn’t exactly necessary but I would definitely recommend it. This step could be the key to finding out why your spark plug failed.
It’s also really good to know what might’ve made your spark plug stop working in case it is anything other than the usual wear and tear. Cracked sparkplugs, oily or sooty, could indicate other problems with your lawnmower, such as oil in the cylinder.
5. Spark Plugs: Clean and Install
Once you have your new spark plug unboxed, make sure it’s clean, and also wipe out the top of the cylinder where the spark plug will screw in.
Now, thread the spark plug with your hand until it feels resistance. Once you feel resistance, grab your socket wrench for the spark plug socket and tighten the bolt. You’ll want to secure the spark plug relatively tightly but don’t overdo it.
6. Reconnect the cable
Before you attach the spark plug cable cable hood and cable, make sure that the small metal terminal at the top of the spark plug is secured. Hand-tight is fine, but it’s worth noting because sometimes these little pieces come loose.
All that’s left now is to reconnect the ignition cable as it was before. You should be able to feel the spark plug hood click into place as it slides over the spark plug’s terminal.
How to Remove a Lawn Mower’s Spark Plug Without a Socket (5 Techniques)
Although a specialized spark plug socket is the most common and recommended lawn mower spark plug removal tool, there are a few things you can do if you don’t have one handy. If you have one, buy a sparkplug connector. But if you’re in a pinch, and are wondering how to remove a lawn mower spark plug without a socket, here are some other methods you can try.
Hand
You may have tried this already, but give your spark plug a firm twist with your fingers if you don’t have the right deep socket to use. Oftentimes spark plugs aren’t installed very tightly or may have loosened over time due to vibrations. If you’re lucky, you just might be able to unscrew your spark plug by hand.
Lubricants
Handymen and DIYers most commonly have WD-40 or another. Type of penetrating oils) and duct tape. In most cases, one of these two items can be helpful. Grab your lubricant and test it out.
Spray a small amount at the base of your spark plug if it won’t budge and then wait 5 minutes or so. Next, take your hand or rubber tube and grip the sparkplug. Give it a twist. This penetrating oil can make a big difference in some cases.
Rubber Hose
A short length can be used to grip the spark plug and provide leverage. You can find rubber tubing that is roughly the same width as your sparkplug or a bit smaller. Turn it around and slide it over the end.
Method of Aluminum Foil
This might work if your sockets are too large. To grip the spark plug, you can use a larger socket and shim it with aluminum foil. I’ve never tried this but have heard of it working before.
Take care not to pull the spark plug out of your cylinder or to tear up any aluminum foil.
Other Wrench (Last Resort)
Well, I would never suggest doing this unless you have a pretty dire need to remove your spark plug right this instant, but you can try gripping the spark plug’s base with a set of pliers or a wrench that you have nearby.
This is not a good idea and can often lead to more harm than good. But, if you’re especially gentle, you may just wiggle it free. Instead of trying to do this, I suggest buying a spark plug socket.
How to Change a Spark Plug on a Riding Lawn Mower – Anything Different?
Change a spark plug in your car is a simple process. riding mowerIt is the same procedure as for a push-mower. The only difference is how you prepare to remove the spark plug.
If your riding lawn mower has a keyed ignition, ensure that it is turned off and then you remove the key. Then, disconnect the battery’s negative terminal and secure it away from the battery. This is required for all riding lawn mowers. It’s actually a good idea to disconnect the battery any time you do Work on a riding mower. Follow the above steps to reconnect the device. Battery at last.
