The mower will almost certainly be a 4 stroke, probably a Briggs & Stratton engine (possibly Tecumseh or Honda, but they are all similar). The sump should have SAE 30 oil in it, or SAE 10W-30. It is good practice to change the oil each year. They have a simple lubrication system, and if you have tipped the mower up at an angle, the oil can get into the cylinder and oil up the plug making it hard to start.
Mowers seem particularly susceptible to stale fuel. Make sure you run the fuel empty over winter, and use fresh fuel in spring.
I've had a few mowers from the dump that have only needed an oil change and fresh fuel to get them going.
BTW. With 2 stroke engines on garden equipment, I always empty the fuel tank and run the engine dry before putting them away. I also make sure fuel is fresh and well shaken before I fill the tank.
Ahhh, see ive never bothered with that.
Spark plug was put in last, and pulled the cord a few times to make sure it was all out.
We never bothered with it enough to change the oil before, my brother was in charge of it but he never bothered.
It started fine after and ran well, if a little underpowered at first but it could do with a new plug to be honest.
why are you mowing the lawn at your age? you'll be going to wist drives with one of those tartan shopping trolleys and taking up crown green bowls next.
No, i gave that up.
Seriously.
I played it for years since i was young and only stopped at the end of last season because i just couldn't be arsed with it, after wanting to give it up for quite a few years before that.
I mow the lawn because the lawn mower is in my shed with bikes on top of it or leaning against it. Someone else touching my bikes or going into my shed
Plus it is good walking and nice to do after a ride in the summer.
Do you even have a lawn? Or even a lawn mower? I could just image you being a spod of lawn mowers and lawn length.
yes a large one and we have got a fairly bourgeouis lawn mower, i don't use it though, my dad likes doing it too much for me to have to bother... I did have to change the blade on it though cos nobody else knew how (it's just one bolt holding it on )
Oh yeh, mines a
Champion mower, 3.75BHP and is fully sick.
Changing the blade is easy, i needed to change mine the other year(had trouble finding a blade the right size) and my only worry was starting it up the first time and hoping i had done the bolt up enough and it was staying put.
All i need to do now is pimp my lawn mower, lights, chrome, chrome wheel trims, bigger exhaust maybe side pipes or stacks, CD player, DVD.................