Petrol Mower home service, how to?

[Chef_uk]

We've had our mower now for 18 months and I've yet to give it a service. During yesterdays mowing it kept cutting out like it was losing power over the thicker stuff. I've never changed the oil so am guessing it might be due to that but i think it could do with a thorough clean out before it goes away for 6 months. Any advice for a beginner would be much appreciated?

[geoff]

Haynes produce a manual for lawn mower service; ask your library if you don't want to buy it

Find someone who's interested in cars or motorbikes. The engines on lawnmowers are fairly basic, and anyone with a mechanical knowledge should be able to find their way around them

Go to your local lawn mower dealer and ask nicely; you might be able to pick their brains and/or buy a service manual for your model. Similarly, contact the manufacturer, they should have a service manual

Surf The Net

[jacob marley]

Change the oil using the recommended oil usually sae 30 grade and change the air filter or wash it out if it is possible if sponge warm soapy water other than that it could be that jet in the carb wants cleaning there aint much that can go wrong clean the spark plug of course good luck..jacob

[rana]

Keep the blade sharp - it helps if the mower is cutting the grass rather than tearing it.

For poor starting I use an aerosol that contains ether. Take out the air filter and squirt directly into the carb, then pull the starter cord - it works every time