Yard work: a visit to Steve’s Small Engine Saloon

Self-tutoring about lawn mower maintenance: the tutor mentions an interesting video.

People who mow lawns know that old grass cuttings accumulate under the deck, where the blade spins. With the mower safely off, it seems one might take a look under there to clean out debris, etc.

Yet, people who’ve done this might know that putting a lawn mower on its side seems to cause problems. Oil can leak out, as well as gas. How is one meant to do so, then?

I found this intriguing video from Steve’s Small Engine Saloon in which the proper way to put a lawn mower on its side is shown.

Here’s how I understand the procedure: Steve (I assume) first disconnects the spark plug lead for safety, then slowly pulls the start cord to a tight spot, where he stops. He explains that, at the tight spot, the piston is at top dead centre, so the valves are closed. With the piston in that position, the lawn mower can be turned on its side, exhaust-side down.

While Steve admits that some oil may seep past the rings into the cylinder, very little can, since it’s at top dead centre. Moreover, it seems, nothing spills out. Once the mower is safely back on its wheels, the spark plug lead re-connected, it may puff out a bit of smoke when started, due to the possibility of a bit of oil having seeped into the cylinder. However, that seems to pass quickly.

I had just mown the lawn before seeing the video, so haven’t yet tried out the technique. However, I plan to. It’s meant to rain today and tomorrow, so it’s likely that, by this time next week, the lawn will need mowing again. Perhaps before I commence, I will disconnect the spark plug lead, pull the start cord slowly to reach the tight spot that means top dead centre, then turn the mower onto its side, exhaust down. I have confidence the technique will work:)