Preparing your lawn mower for winter is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance when spring arrives. Neglecting this essential task can lead to a host of problems, from starting difficulties to costly repairs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to properly winterize your lawn mower, keeping it in top condition for years to come.
Why Winterizing Your Lawn Mower Matters
Leaving your lawn mower unattended during the winter months can lead to significant issues. Fuel degradation is a primary concern. Over time, gasoline can break down, forming gum and varnish deposits that clog the carburetor and fuel lines. This can make starting the mower next spring a real challenge, often requiring professional cleaning or even replacement of parts.
Furthermore, moisture can accumulate inside the engine, leading to rust and corrosion. This can damage critical components such as the cylinder walls, piston rings, and valves, ultimately shortening the lifespan of your mower. Taking the time to properly winterize your lawn mower prevents these problems and saves you money in the long run.
Essential Steps for Winterizing Your Lawn Mower
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies. You’ll likely need: fuel stabilizer, engine oil, spark plug wrench, wrench for removing the mower blade, a scraper or putty knife, a wire brush, a clean rag, and possibly fogging oil (for two-stroke engines). Having these tools readily available will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Fuel System Preparation
The fuel system is the most critical area to address when winterizing your lawn mower. Preventing fuel degradation is key to avoiding starting problems in the spring.
Draining the Fuel Tank
The first option is to completely drain the fuel tank. This eliminates the possibility of fuel degradation altogether. To do this, disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and allow the fuel to drain into an approved container. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and away from any sources of ignition.
Using Fuel Stabilizer
Alternatively, you can add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline in the tank. Fuel stabilizer prevents the gasoline from breaking down and forming deposits. Follow the instructions on the fuel stabilizer bottle to determine the correct amount to add to your tank. Once added, run the mower for a few minutes to ensure the stabilizer circulates throughout the fuel system. This is generally considered the easier of the two methods for most homeowners. Always use a fuel stabilizer designed for gasoline engines.
Running the Carburetor Dry
After adding fuel stabilizer (or after refilling with stabilized fuel), run the mower until it runs out of fuel. This ensures that the carburetor is completely empty, preventing any gum or varnish buildup. If you’ve drained the fuel tank, you can skip this step.
Oil Change
Changing the oil before storing your lawn mower is another essential step. Used oil contains contaminants that can corrode the engine’s internal parts over time. Fresh oil provides a protective barrier against rust and corrosion during the off-season.
Draining the Old Oil
Refer to your lawn mower’s owner’s manual for the correct procedure for draining the oil. Typically, this involves removing the drain plug (or using an oil extraction pump) and allowing the old oil to drain into a suitable container. Dispose of the used oil properly at a recycling center or auto parts store.
Adding New Oil
Once the old oil has been completely drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely. Then, add the correct amount of new oil, as specified in your owner’s manual. Use the recommended type and weight of oil for your lawn mower’s engine.
Spark Plug Maintenance
The spark plug is responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine. Inspecting and cleaning (or replacing) the spark plug is an important part of winterizing your lawn mower.
Inspecting the Spark Plug
Remove the spark plug using a spark plug wrench. Inspect it for any signs of damage, such as cracks or excessive wear. Also, check the electrode for carbon buildup.
Cleaning or Replacing the Spark Plug
If the spark plug is in good condition but has carbon buildup, you can clean it with a wire brush. If the spark plug is damaged or excessively worn, it should be replaced. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct type of spark plug for your lawn mower. When reinstalling, make sure it’s snug, but don’t over-tighten.
Cleaning the Mower Deck
A clean mower deck is less susceptible to rust and corrosion. Grass clippings and debris can trap moisture, leading to damage over time.
Removing Debris
Use a scraper or putty knife to remove any caked-on grass clippings and debris from the underside of the mower deck. A wire brush can be helpful for removing stubborn residue.
Washing the Mower Deck
Once you’ve removed the loose debris, wash the mower deck with a hose and mild detergent. Be careful not to get water into the engine or other sensitive components. Allow the mower deck to dry completely before storing it.
Blade Maintenance
A sharp mower blade is essential for a clean cut. Sharpening or replacing the blade before winter storage ensures that your mower is ready to go in the spring.
Inspecting the Blade
Remove the mower blade using a wrench. Inspect it for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bends, or excessive wear.
Sharpening or Replacing the Blade
If the blade is dull, you can sharpen it using a metal file or a bench grinder. Be sure to maintain the original angle of the cutting edge. If the blade is damaged, it should be replaced. When reinstalling the blade, make sure it’s properly balanced and securely fastened.
Battery Care (for Electric Start Mowers)
If your lawn mower has an electric start, proper battery care is essential for ensuring that it starts reliably in the spring.
Removing the Battery
Disconnect the battery cables, starting with the negative cable. Then, remove the battery from the mower.
Storing the Battery
Store the battery in a cool, dry place. Ideally, it should be stored on a wooden surface or on a battery tender. A battery tender is a device that maintains the battery’s charge without overcharging it. Check the battery’s voltage periodically and charge it if necessary.
Storage Considerations
Choosing the right storage location is crucial for protecting your lawn mower from the elements.
Ideal Storage Location
The ideal storage location for your lawn mower is a cool, dry place, such as a garage or shed. Avoid storing it outdoors, where it will be exposed to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Protecting from the Elements
If you must store your lawn mower outdoors, cover it with a waterproof tarp to protect it from the elements. Make sure the tarp is securely fastened to prevent it from blowing away. Raising the mower off the ground on blocks can also help prevent moisture damage.
Additional Tips for Winterizing Your Lawn Mower
Consider these additional tips to ensure your lawn mower is properly prepared for winter storage:
- Consult your owner’s manual: Your owner’s manual contains specific instructions for winterizing your particular model of lawn mower.
- Lubricate moving parts: Apply a light coating of oil to moving parts, such as cables and levers, to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Consider fogging oil: For two-stroke engines, consider using fogging oil to protect the cylinder walls from corrosion.
- Label cables and connections: Before disconnecting any cables or connections, label them to make reassembly easier in the spring.
- Clean the air filter: A clean air filter ensures proper engine performance. Replace it if it’s very dirty.
Taking the time to properly winterize your lawn mower will pay off in the long run. By following these steps, you can ensure that your mower starts easily and runs smoothly for many years to come. This meticulous care also saves you money by avoiding costly repairs and prolonging the life of your equipment.
Why is it important to winterize my lawn mower?
Winterizing your lawn mower is crucial for preventing costly repairs and ensuring its longevity. When left unattended during the off-season, fuel can degrade, leading to carburetor problems and starting difficulties. Additionally, moisture can accumulate in the engine, causing rust and corrosion that can severely damage internal components.
Proper winterization, including fuel stabilization, oil changes, and spark plug maintenance, protects your mower from these issues. By taking these preventative steps, you ensure that your lawn mower starts reliably and operates efficiently when spring arrives, saving you time, money, and potential headaches.
What type of fuel stabilizer should I use?
When choosing a fuel stabilizer, opt for a product specifically designed for small engines and that is compatible with the type of fuel you use (gasoline or ethanol-blended fuels). Read the product label carefully to ensure it treats the appropriate amount of fuel in your mower’s tank. Some stabilizers also offer additional benefits like cleaning fuel systems.
Look for stabilizers with additives to combat ethanol’s harmful effects, particularly if you regularly use gasoline containing ethanol. Ethanol can attract moisture, leading to phase separation and corrosion in the fuel system. A good fuel stabilizer will help prevent these issues and keep your fuel fresh for extended periods.
How often should I change the oil in my lawn mower?
The recommended oil change frequency for your lawn mower typically depends on usage, but as a general rule, changing the oil at least once a season, or every 25-50 hours of use, is best practice. Refer to your lawn mower’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations, as different models may have varying requirements.
Changing the oil removes contaminants and debris that accumulate during operation, preventing engine wear and ensuring optimal performance. Clean oil also provides proper lubrication, reducing friction and heat within the engine, extending its lifespan. Regular oil changes are especially important before storing the mower for the winter.
Can I skip draining the fuel tank if I use a fuel stabilizer?
While a fuel stabilizer significantly prolongs the life of fuel, it’s not a substitute for draining the fuel tank completely for long-term storage, especially if the fuel has a high ethanol content. Fuel stabilizers primarily prevent the fuel from breaking down and forming gum or varnish, but they can’t completely eliminate the risk of moisture absorption and phase separation.
Draining the fuel tank eliminates the potential for any remaining fuel to degrade over the winter, preventing carburetor issues and ensuring a clean start in the spring. While some stabilizers claim to prevent all fuel-related problems, completely emptying the tank provides the best protection and eliminates any uncertainty.
How do I properly store my lawn mower battery?
Properly storing your lawn mower battery during the winter months is crucial to prevent damage from cold temperatures and self-discharge. First, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (-) terminal, to prevent accidental shorts. Then, clean the terminals with a wire brush to remove any corrosion.
Store the battery in a cool, dry place, ideally where temperatures remain above freezing. Avoid storing it directly on a concrete floor, as this can accelerate discharge. Consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the battery fully charged throughout the winter, preventing sulfation and extending its lifespan.
What should I do with the spark plug during winterization?
Inspecting and maintaining the spark plug is an essential part of winterizing your lawn mower. Remove the spark plug and inspect it for any signs of wear, damage, or carbon buildup. If the spark plug is heavily fouled or damaged, it’s best to replace it with a new one according to your mower’s specifications.
If the spark plug appears to be in good condition, clean it with a wire brush or spark plug cleaner to remove any deposits. Reinstall the spark plug, ensuring it’s properly tightened. Consider adding a small amount of oil to the cylinder through the spark plug hole to protect the cylinder walls from corrosion during storage.
Is it necessary to clean the mower deck before winter storage?
Cleaning the mower deck before winter storage is highly recommended to prevent rust and corrosion. Grass clippings and debris can trap moisture against the metal, leading to significant damage over the winter months. Accumulated debris can also attract rodents and insects that may further damage the mower.
Thoroughly clean the underside of the deck with a scraper and wire brush to remove all grass clippings and dirt. Consider using a garden hose to rinse the deck, ensuring it’s completely dry before storage. Applying a coat of rust-preventative paint or lubricant to the underside of the deck can further protect it from corrosion during storage.