A mower that spends the winter with old fuel in the carburetor and wet grass packed under the deck is a common reason for a hard start in spring. These are general steps that apply to most mowers. Your owner’s manual covers the specifics for your engine, deck and drive system, and it comes first.
Putting it away, step by step
- Work safely. Park on a level surface, shut the engine off, let it cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire before you go near the blade.
- Take care of the fuel. Do what the manual says. Usually that means either running the engine until the fuel system is empty, or filling the tank, adding a fuel stabilizer and running the engine a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the carburetor.
- Change the oil. Many owners change it at the end of the season, while it’s still warm, so the engine sits on clean oil all winter. Use the type and capacity the manual lists.
- Clean under the deck. Scrape off packed clippings and debris; wet grass holds moisture against the steel. Tip the mower only the way the manual allows, which is usually air filter and carburetor side up, so oil and fuel don’t end up where they shouldn’t.
- Sharpen or replace the blade. Winter is a good time to get it sharpened and balanced so the first mow of spring gives a clean cut.
- Service the air filter and spark plug. Clean or replace the filter and replace a worn plug.
- Riding mowers: look after the battery and chassis. Charge the battery fully, then disconnect it or keep it on a maintainer if the manual recommends that. Check tire pressure and grease the fittings the manual lists.
- Store it covered and dry, away from furnaces, water heaters and other ignition sources.
The first mow in spring
Reconnect the plug wire (and the battery on a rider), check the oil level and tire pressure, and start the mower outdoors. If you emptied the tank, fill it with fresh gas. If it starts hard or surges, start with the troubleshooting section of your manual. If you also run a string trimmer or leaf blower, put it away the same afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave gas in my lawn mower over the winter?
Follow your owner’s manual. Some manuals say to run the fuel system dry; others say to store the mower with a full tank of stabilized fuel. Either way, avoid leaving old, untreated gas in the engine.
Should I change the oil before storage or in the spring?
Your manual’s service interval comes first. Many owners change the oil at the end of the season so the engine sits on clean oil through the winter.
Which way should I tip a mower to clean under the deck?
Check your manual. Most say to tip the mower with the air filter and carburetor facing up, so oil or fuel doesn’t leak into the air filter or muffler.
Do I need to remove the battery from a riding mower?
Many manuals recommend charging the battery and then either disconnecting it or keeping it on a maintainer in a cool, dry place. Follow the instructions for your mower.
AMSOIL products for putting the mower away
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer. AMSOIL describes it as “ideal for stored seasonal equipment such as snowmobiles, lawnmowers, motorcycles and boats” and says it “helps eliminate the need to clean or replace carburetors after long-term storage.”
- AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil. AMSOIL lists “lawn and garden equipment” among the uses and says it provides “long-term protection against corrosion and dry starts.” Use it only as your owner’s manual directs.
Product wording above is quoted or summarized from amsoil.com. Read each product’s label and data sheet for directions.
Mower engines don’t all take the same oil. Check the manual, then look up your machine in AMSOIL’s official lookup guide.