Scrib

I didn't do it last year as I only got a cut or two out of the thing before it was time to stop. I added some STABIL... That's about it.

This year... I figure I need to drain the oil. Even replace the spark plug? Or is that not necessary? The plug has only been used for a little over one cutting season.

Other than that... Check the blade. Clean out the deck.

Anything else I'm missing?

doopstr

Rather than leave gas in the tank with stabilizer, I generally run the gas out of engine. I don't think there is any issue with doing it your way. If you don't drain the gas or add stabilizer you risk f'ing up the carb if the gas turns to shit. The spark plugs are cheap, so no reason not to replace it every year. It is recommended to change the oil every year, but since my POS looks like it is going to burn oil I just add fresh as it goes down.

If you have extra gasoline laying around you should put stabilizer in that too.

If you want your mower to look nice, slap a coat of wax on the deck.

GreenMonster

That's about it...

Stabil. You'll want to run the motor after you add stabil to insure it gets into the gas filter and gas lines.

Clean the deck. Clumps of dried grass will retain moisture and rust the deck.

Change the oil. Some people say it's better to store a motor with clean oil. I'll sometimes just change it in spring I've got old junk, but if I had new, I'd probably change it now.

Check for loose bolts, nuts, fasteners...

This stuff can be part of the spring tune up.

Check spark plug. Clean or replace (check gap).

Check Blades. Sharpen (or replace) if necessary.

Check air filter. Clean and re-oil or replace if necessary.

Check gas filter.

TBone2004

Pretty much what has been said.

There are numerous debates if it is better to drain tank or put stabilizer in tank. If you run tank dry the argument is the seals and gaskets will dry out. Leave it in and take risk that stabilizer does not do trick and your carb becomes a sludge pit. I have done both ways and no probs. I think I ran it dry last year and she was all good this spring. I will probably drain it again this year - no sense having all that gas in the garage just waiting for a match or something

fsttyms1

I typically run the mower out of gas before storing. Then in the spring i change the oil and plug. changing the oil Before winter isnt good. Moisture will build up from sitting and its nice to drain the old out and have fresh stuff in the spring. Other than that like the others said

bigwilliestyle

Also disconnect the spark plug wire.

I also change the air filter every spring, and if you're really into your lawn, should get your blade sharpened or replaced once a year.

Fibonacci

I've owned the same mulching lawnmower for seven years and have never done anything to it. Maybe I'm lucky or dumb, or a combination of the two - but I've never had a problem starting it each spring.

GreenMonster

I've got a cheap yardman 4.5hp push mower that I got for nothing... Thing has been left out in the rain/snow for 3 years (brother in-law owned it). I know that nothing has been done to it for years. I changed the spark plug ($2) and replaced the throttle control cable ($11) and it's back in business...

I think it deserves an oil change, blade sharpening and deck cleaning/painting, so I'll probably run it dry so I can bring it in the basement to play with this winter.

Slooo97CL

iTrader: (1)

what if you were going to use the 42-inch Two-Stage Snow Blower on the front of the deere, is there a winterizing process? Run the gas empty each time?

Disway

well, I have never done it to my lawn mower but was just told to do the following:
* replace oil
* maybe clean the filter
* either run the gas out or fill it up, then put a sheet of plastic between the cap and the tank to block the air
* sharpen the blades

I'll try to do this to my mower, first in 3 years!

GreenMonster

If you have the owners manual, they will probably suggest a summer blend of oil, and one for the winter...

soopa

do nothing and buy a new one when it dies?

joedokes28

Yep...I'm on my 4th year with the same oild that came in the motor from the factory.

I check it periodically and add oil, but a lawnmower engine isn't exactly hi tec nor does it have close tolerances.

Changing the oil would be good, but moving is bad enough so screw it.l