First off I’d like to thank Will Wang for the donated lawnmower. He had an older lawnmower that he didn’t need anymore because he converted his lawn to xeriscape.
I wasn’t sure how long the lawnmower had been sitting so I thought I would clean it up a bit before using it.
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Donated Craftsman Mower
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Debris Build-Up
Started by cleaning up the air filter, carburetor and the surrounding area. For the carburetor I used some carburetor and choke cleaner, and put a rag in it so nothing got in it when I cleaned the surrounding area. I was kinda hard up when it came to cleaning the air filter so I used a little gas. That seemed to do it. Soapy water and a rag were used on the surrounding area.
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Dirty Air Filter
Next was oil. Surprisingly the oil was at a good level, and pretty clean. I didn’t see any type of drain plug on the bottom, and I didn’t have a pump to siphon the oil out. I’ll have to search for a manual for the engine to double check how to change that.
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Engine Oil Access
Now that the top was clean, it was time to tackle the bottom of the mower. First thing I did was remove the blade. I did this by putting a block of wood in front of the blade to keep it from moving while un-bolting it.
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Removing Lawn Mower Blade
After the blade was removed I used a flat head screwdriver and whisk broom to remove the debris. Unlike me, you might want to wear gloves for this. Luckily I saw the Black Widow before it saw me.
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Half Cleaned Up
The wheels were set too low. I removed the wheel using a box wrench on the inside and socket on the outside. Moving the wheels to the lowest hole ended up giving me 2 1/2 – 3″ of clearance.
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Lowering the Lawn Mower Wheels
This blade had definitely seen a couple of rocks. Filing it down wasn’t worth the time.
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Chipped Out Blade
Finding a match was simple enough. I just measured the length of the blade, and went to the closest Sears. The mower was a Craftsman, so I figured Sears would carry a comparable replacement. The new blade was a little over $17 with tax. Money well spent when you consider how long it would take to reshape and sharpen the old blade.
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
New Lawn Mower Blade
After installing the new blade, I added some gas and fired it up. It took about six pulls initially, but it fired up. If it didn’t fire up I was going to check the spark plug, but luckily it ran pretty smooth after starting.
Once I find the manual I’ll change out the spark plug and oil.
I guess the neighbor will be happy I’m finally cutting the lawn.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]