Remove the lawnmower spark plug is the task that you should perform at the right time to help the engine perform its best.
If your lawnmower behaves unusually, like heating up more often, or having trouble starting up, you should remove the spark plug and change it.
Our article is here to help you see more into the matter and solve your queries, as we will give you an in-depth look at all the steps needed to help you solve the crisis.
How To Remove Lawnmower Spark Plug in Simple Steps?
To remove the lawnmower spark, you must gather your tools, purchase the right kind of spark for the plug for the mower, and park it on a flat surface. Then, disconnect the cable, examine the old plug but install the new one, and disconnect the cable.
Lawnmower plugs are the first to get affected when the machine’s engine is not starting or running rough, making it necessary to remove them. They can be removed easily with the right tools and plugs best suited for your mower.
– Gather Your Tools
The first and foremost step of the process is gathering the right tools. You will need pliers, a sparking tool for the plug, and a wrench or socket the size of your lawnmower plug socket like the maxpower 339066 spark plug wrench, Arnold spark plug wrench 490-850-0018. You will also need a replacement plug, engine oil, a magnet, and of course protective gear.
These tools help to get everything done quickly and save you any extra effort. You do not need an extensive list of tools, just enough to get the job done and the ones you already have in handy.
– Purchase the Right Kind of Plug for Your Mower
There are many kinds of plugs that fit all kinds of lawnmowers, but if they are different from the right kind, the performance of your mowers can be highly affected. An easy way to know the kind of plug for your mower is to match the ceramic with the brand.
There are plenty of options available online to help you pick the right one if there is nothing in the mower’s manual to solve your query, but make sure the one that you invest in is a proper fit for your machine.
You can also visit your nearest lawn mower spark plug home depot and ask the staff to assist you in choosing a plug for your mower, or you can source it through the lawn mower spark plug screwfix facility. Furthermore, using a plug specific to your mower is not a compulsion if you cannot find it.
Moreover, remember that there are plenty of generic options available in the market with the same size and type your mower needs. Most gardeners recommend using a Briggs and stratton lawn mower plug as it adapts to almost all engine types, and this is a significant feature.
– Park Your Lawnmower on an Even Surface
Place your lawnmower on a leveled surface, so it is easy to access the underside of the deck. It also helps the engine oil to reach back to its place if you have the mower quite a bit, especially on slopes or other uneven places.
When you constantly move your mower, the oil can enter places it should not, leading to other major issues. In order to have a proper look at the issue, your machine should also be on a stable surface, which means it should move because when it does, it will scratch.
Allow the mower to cool down if you have been running it for a while. People often make the mistake of tilting the mower without realizing the consequences. Turning the mower to its side allows the oil to run to the other engine parts from the reservoir. To stop the oil from entering places, you should not apply the parking brakes.
– Disconnect the Ignition Cable
Now that you have parked your mower on an even surface, it is time to disconnect the spark plug wire and hood that makes the ignition cable. This step has immense importance; therefore, you should take it very seriously, and doing so would lower the chances of unexpected engine ignition.
But before going ahead, ensure that you wear your protective goggles and gloves, as safety comes before everything else. You can easily carry out this step with the help of pliers. Just grab the hood’s middle and slowly take it off the plug.
Moreover, you do not need a lot of force to get a hold of it, and the pliers have the ability to grip the rubber easily. If you do not feel comfortable using the pliers, you can simply pull off the hood with your fingers, the easiest way how to remove a spark plug.
– Pull the Spark Plug Out
The plugs of a lawnmower differ in size from an automobile. Usually, the thread size is between ten to twelve millimeters. An ideal socket size to remove them is mostly around three-quarter inches, like the power care extended spark plug wrench 490-850-h011, so ensure that the wrench is approximately the same size.
Now, remember that you must know that there are no special circumstances; a typical box-end wrench fits the job. You can also get the task done with an open-end or adjustable wrench, like the Briggs & stratton spark plug wrench 5402k, though many people prefer to use something other than it.
Most often, the wrenches have the same role, tightening and loosening, as sockets and ratchets. An open-end wrench fits across the fastener rather than over it, meaning you can easily slip it into an area with less room for a socket.
If you use an adjustable or a box-end wrench, also known as a nut wrench, you need to turn the plug in an anti-clockwise movement, and this is very simple to do. There are two imperative things to note here: first, ensure the wrench size is the same as the threads to have a secure connection, and the second point is you need to be very careful while using the wrench, as the craftsman lawn mower spark plug threads can easily deteriorate.
If you are having trouble pulling out the plug with a wrench, even with good vibrations 140 spark doctor spark plug wrench & tune-up tool, you can try using a plier. A ‘nose’ plier is recommended instead of the regular pliers. It has elongated metal strands instead of the regular thick ones; basically, all you must do is just to grip it around the spark plug’s nut part, and with a bit of force, you can easily pull out the plug.
However, even the adjustable wrench cannot help you reach the tricky spot if you have spark plugs deep in your lawn mowers. You can use something as simple as a magnet at the tip of your wrench or even a screwdriver. Bring it near the terminal; since the plug is magnetic, you can easily pull it off; see how this is an easy solution on how to remove lawn mower spark plug without socket.
You can also use a lubricant, like a small amount of engine oil, if you are having trouble getting the plug off. The plugs get blackened, and the lawn mower spark plug gap of the terminals reduces over time. A good quality lubricant improves the engine’s health, thereby increasing lifespan.
If the plug leaves black deposits, it can indicate that it is a victim of rust and can get stuck in its position. You can spray a lubricant on the plug to tackle such a situation. Allow the spray to sit for at least two to three minutes, and then try opening the plug.
– Examine the Old Plug
Before you get rid of the worn-out plugs, look closely at their condition. Check for any debris, cracks, or burns it may have. This step helps you identify why your spark plugs failed in the first place.
Note that it is also good to know what could have stopped it from working other than the usual wear and tear. The oil, sooted, or cracked plugs indicate other major issues in your lawn mower, for example, oil in the cylinder.
– Install a New Plug
After you have taken the new plug out of its box, make sure you wipe it and clean the place thoroughly where it needs to be screwed in. As you would do so, remember to gently rotate the plug on the threads until you feel some resistance.
At this stage, what you need to do is to grab your spark plug socket and wrench it and screw it tightly the rest of the remaining way. Be careful, because you would want to ensure that the new plug is tight, but do everything right.
– Reconnect the Disconnected Cable
Before you place the hood and connect the cable, make sure that the metal terminal, located at the top of the plug, is screwed tightly. Hand-tightening it is fine too, but there is always a chance of such parts becoming loose.
All you are left to do is reconnect the cable you disconnected before. You know you have secured it back when you hear a soft click as it glides over the terminal.
Conclusion
Now, you are geared to remove the plug and have even learned how to change a spark plug on a riding lawn mower, using the information you obtained from our article.
But before you leave, here is a quick recap of the main points once more:
- The first thing to check is the plugs whenever your mower behaves a bit unusual.
- Gathering the right tools saves you time and effort and helps your mower in the long run.
- The plugs can be tricky to pull out. But you can use a wrench, a magnet, or a lubricant to do the job.
- Before getting around to removing the plug, always disconnect the ignition cable first.
- You must match the plug with your engine’s type or a generic one that best suits your mower.
Now that you have all the recommended tips and tricks at your fingertips, you can remove a spark plug the expert way. Get your tools and protective clothing and get to the job.
References
https://www.uti.edu/blog/industry-relationships/everything-about-motor-oil
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