The spark plug is one of the most important components in a small engine, much like those found within a lawnmower. It provides that ever-important spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture, which in turn causes the explosion needed to produce engine power. 

When one completely dies on you, the change is instantly noticeable. This can leave you with a useless lawnmower until they can be replaced. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the signs of a spark plug with problems. Here are three of these signs you must look out for. 

1. Lawn Mower Won't Turn Over

If you're attempting to start your lawnmower but only hear a click with nothing else, then this is a clear sign that you may be dealing with a faulty spark plug or another issue that can hinder its effectiveness. One of the things that causes a spark plug not to work is stale fuel. A lawnmower sitting out for more than 30 days will develop stale fuel. This can make it difficult for your spark plugs to invite the air/fuel mixture to get the lawnmower working again. 

2. Lawn Mower Stalls Frequently

Perhaps the most common way that people find out that they have a serious issue is when their lawnmowers constantly stall. Stalling is frequently a sign that your spark plug is having a difficult time producing enough ignition for the engine to operate properly. In this instance, you must stop, turn off the engine completely, and begin to check a few things under the hood. Oftentimes, the solution is as easy as cleaning out some of the dirt and debris stuck along your spark plugs. 

3. Lawn Mower Won't Start at All

As stated above, in order for your lawnmower to begin to work, it needs the right amount of air/fuel mixture flowing through it. That can't happen unless there's a spark, and a spark cannot happen unless your spark plugs are working properly. We've spoken about other components that can cause the issue. These may include stale fuel, air filters, and dirt. But what if those aren't the case, and your lawnmower is still not turning on? A great way to see whether your spark plugs are the issue is to look at their appearance. Look at its center electrode for a second. A working spark plug should have a flat-shaped top. If the center electrode is curved, then that should be a clear sign that it needs to be replaced. Other signs include cracks, burns, and chips on the plug. 

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to look at your lawnmower’s spark plug.

Repairing a lawn mower is a delicate process that requires some level of experience. Whether you decide to tackle a more hands-on approach or hire a professional maintenance crew, you need to prevent sustaining any injury or damage to your mower components. Today's article looks at the benefits of handling DIY lawnmower repairs versus hiring a professional maintenance service.

DIY

Opting to utilize conventional DIY methods for handling your lawnmower maintenance can save you a few bucks. This alleviates the need for having to pay for professional services; furthermore, you won't be overpriced on any spares as you can seek second-hand spares at cheaper rates.

Carrying out a DIY repair gives you something insightful to do and fosters a hobby in mechanical repairs. By handling your repairs, you can get that hands-on experience, which can be a satisfying accomplishment. Besides, it allows you to modify your mower to your preference, like adding customized upgrades and a personalized paint job.

Professional

Professional lawn mower maintenance personnel have the workforce and training to get the job done instead of spending money on obtaining the required resources. Due to their extensive experience, the time taken to finish repairs is significantly cut down, and the maintenance is completed in a time-effective manner.

Not only are they efficient in what they do, but they are also convenient. They are just a phone call away, and they will tend to your repairs at your earliest convenience no matter the distance.

It's easy to overlook minor obstacles when you're carrying out your repairs. However, these small hindrances, whether it's a chisel blade or noisy motor, can tend to cause significant problems in the long run.

Professional lawn mower maintenance crew possess extensive expertise in lawn mowers to tackle even the simplest overlooked areas and to carry out your repairs in full effectiveness. In essence, hiring professionals guarantee you satisfactory lawn mower repair services.

Hiring a professional is a guaranteed way to tackle all your lawn mower discrepancies in one hurdle. Aside from their quality of maintenance, these experts have developed a keen sense of hearing, depicting even the slightest mechanical errors in your mower. Whether it's a slipping fan belt or a loud purr, they are able to prevent potential problems from occurring in advance.

Moreover, getting to the nitty-gritty part of handling lawn mower repairs can be dangerous. According to a research carried out by the John Hopkins University, roughly 6,400 lawn mower-related injuries occur each year. Professional lawn mower maintenance companies prevent you from having to jeopardize your safety when handling dangerous equipment and mower parts. Furthermore, they are well prepared to manage any chemical, physical or electrical hazards associated with the repairs.

In Summary

When it comes to handling lawn mower repairs, whether you stick to a DIY approach or decide to hire professionals, ensure to outweigh the pros and the cons.