From the bench
The spring tune-up checklist for mowers and tractors
A tune-up is a short list done in the right order. Do it once in spring and most of the no-start calls of the summer never happen.
1. Fuel first
Drain last year's fuel. Fuel older than about a month starts to varnish, and ethanol blends pull in water. Fit a new inline fuel filter while the tank is empty.
2. Air filter and pre-cleaner
Replace a paper filter; don't blow it out with an air gun, which opens the pores. Wash foam pre-cleaners in soapy water and let them dry fully.
3. Oil and oil filter
Warm the engine for two minutes, drain the oil, and spin on a new filter with a film of fresh oil on its gasket. Refill to the dipstick mark, not above it.
4. Spark plug
Replace it. A plug costs less than the time spent cleaning one. Set the gap to your engine's spec and thread it in by hand before tightening.
5. Cables and the click test
Work the blade and drive cables; a stretched cable shows up as a lever that goes slack. On riders, turn the key: a single click with no crank points to the solenoid or battery.
