When tilting your mower, the proper way to do it is to do it is to tilt it with the handlebars straight down, or if you are turning it on its side, then you need to make sure that the carburetor is facing upwards or it’s going to leak oil into the fuel filter and engine.
We’ll take a closer look at issues like this, as well as proper storage practices, how to jack up a riding mower, and more. Stay with us for the most frequently asked questions being asked every day. Let’s take a look!
Is it bad to turn a lawn mower on its side?
It is okay to turn your mower on the side, but you’ll want to make sure that the carburetor is facing upwards, otherwise you might end up leaking oil into your mower and you definitely don’t want that. Gas shouldn’t leak, but if you have a tap valve, be sure to turn it off before tipping the mower.
In most cases, if the mower is in working condition, it shouldn’t leak gas, but check for a valve just in case to be on the safe side.
What happens when you tilt a lawn mower?
There is carbon is the cap of some models and when you tilt a mower, there is a risk of fuel leaking into this cap and this will restrict the air flow in the fuel system, causing your mower not to start. If it does start, and you see black smoke, then this is definitely the issue and you will need to replace your fuel filter.
Can you store a lawn mower vertically?
Unless your mower is touted as being compatible with vertical storage, then this is not a good idea. While it’s certainly convenient, storing your mower vertically can cause oil and fuel to seep and drip into your engine and cause all kinds of damage. It is best to simply clear out space and store the mower in a standard, ‘standing’ position to avoid this.
How should I store my lawn mower?
Your mower should be stored in a standing position in a clean, dry place. You want to make sure that it is not close to heat sources, such as water heaters, furnaces, or anything that uses a pilot light. Beyond this, it is good to cover the mower with a large cloth or a specially fitted covering to further protect it and keep it free from dust.
What happens if I tip my lawn mower the wrong way?
If you forget and tip your mower so that the carburetor side is down, then you are definitely in for trouble. This can cause fuel and oil to leak into your engine and at the very least, you’ll need to replace the fuel filter and do a bit of cleaning.
Your local hardware store can likely help for a small fee if you are not comfortable doing the work on your own and it’s probably a good idea to take advantage of this, as this sort of leak can do a lot of damage fairly quickly if not properly dealt with.
What happens if you put lawn mower blades on upside down?
Upside-down mower blades will sound a little louder and you’ll definitely notice the difference in your lawn. Rather than cutting the grass, the thick and rotating blades will rip at the grass and damage your lawn. You’ll want to stop mowing immediately if you notice this, as upside-down blades can also damage your mower.
Remove the blades and look for writing, either reading something like ‘bottom’ or even just the model number. The side with the writing should be down and the edge on the blade should be facing downwards towards the grass.
Why is my lawnmower smoking white?
White smoke is a telltale sign of burning oil. If you recently filled the oil, then it’s possible that you are dealing with a little spillage or the crankcase was overfilled. In these scenarios, the mower should be fine once the excess oil burns off, but if it continues then you may need to have the mower checked for leaks.
How do you jack up the front of a riding lawn mower?
You’ll want to place word in front of the forward wheels and center your jack underneath the front of your mower, followed by rolling it directly underneath your front axle. At this point, simply twist the jack handle to raise the mower, letting the hydraulic valve do the work for you until you’ve raised the mower to your preferred height.
Why is my lawn mower turning over but not starting?
If your mower has been stored with a full tank of gas for a long period of time, then it could simply be bad gas. Other issues that may occur include no gas at all, a choke fault, or a faulty gas valve, but there is a trick you can try in a pinch.
Try spraying a little engine starting fluid into your fuel filter and if it cranks after this, then you should be good to go!
How do you remove caked-on grass from a mower deck?
The easiest way is to simply put your thumb over the end of your water hose to give it a little pressure spray (although spray-gun attachments are much easier). After the water gets the worst of it out, you can scrub the rest out with hot, soapy water and a brush, just be sure to dry the deck thouroughly once it is clean.
How long to wait if lawnmower is flooded?
If your lawnmower is flooded, the good news is that you won’t need to do anything complicated… you’ll just need to wait. Put your mower onto a level surface and let it sit there for 15 to 20 minutes and you can try to start your mower again – just don’t use the choke. Enough gas should have evaporated by this time that it will start right up.
Should I leave gas in my lawn mower over the winter?
No. Over the winter, the gas can become stale, inviting rust or potentially clogging the carburetor at a later time. Let your mower fully cool and simply siphon the gas and if there’s no oil in it, you can put it to good use in your car, or simply store it away in a metal can.
Hi, I’m John Stephens, chief editor and writer for Totalgardener.com. I’ve been gardening and raising animals for over 15 years starting with a small backyard plot in Northern Virginia where I grew corn, potatoes, squash, and using a high mulch technique called the Ruth Stout Method. I also raised ducks and small mammals for meat and eggs in a movable pen similar to the ones used by Joel Salatin. I later moved to Colorado where I experimented with growing greens using aquaponics inside. I eventually added a microgreens setup and home sprouting operation. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned plus more from the other local gardening and animal raising experts I know.
