What Spark Plug To Use For Lawn Mower?

Is your lawn mower not working with the same efficiency as before? Well, then it's about time you consider changing the spark plug!

As an avid gardener, I enjoy spending time amidst nature, and you'll never hear me complaining about spending long hours in the yard trying to get a precision cut. I believe mowing the lawn regularly is the best way to keep it healthy and green.

I leave no stone unturned when it comes to lawn maintenance and pay particular attention to the upkeep of the mower, frequently oiling and cleaning its filters. However, the thought of cleaning or replacing the spark plug never occurred to me until a few months ago, when the mower became increasingly difficult to start and would stop working midway.

The silver lining in this situation was that spark plugs are widely available and are pretty easy to replace - all you need to know is the type of plug required for your mower.

Hi there! I'm Stacy. And I've curated this guide to tell you about the type of spark plug you need and when is the right time to replace it.

So, without further ado, let's begin!

What Spark Plug To Use?

Replacing a spark plug is a simple fix and one that won't burn a hole in your pocket. That said, there are a few essential considerations that you must keep in mind while making a purchase.

For starters, make sure they're the right fit for your engine and fit perfectly into the gap. In addition, it should have the recommended thread count range (10 to 12mm).

Usually, you'll find a code number on the spark plug and should buy a replacement accordingly. The best part about these plugs is that they are compatible with different brands.

In this section, I'll talk about how to decide what spark to use for lawn mower.

1. Check The Old Plug Specifications

The simplest way to buy a new spark plug is to check the specifications of the old one. To remove the old plug, disconnect it and twist it out with the help of a wrench. Look for a unique code number on the side, and you can ask a local hardware shop for the same configuration.

2. Refer To The Manual

In case you have misplaced the old spark plug, look for the lawn mower manual. You'll find all the plug types that'll be compatible with the device right there. Once you know the engine specifications, a store owner can guide you through the rest.

Besides choosing a compatible spark plug, there are certain other ways to enhance the performance of the engine. Regular cleaning of the plug with the help of a wire brush and a specially designed cleaner spray will eliminate the carbon and soot buildup on it.

Maintenance is essential to retain the efficacy of the product. But sometimes, it's best to replace it. Ideally, you should replace the spark plug once a year.

When To Replace A Spark Plug?

A spark plug is a vital component of any lawn mower, and its malfunctioning can hinder the overall performance. Now that I’ve told you how to find a compatible spark plug, it’s time to highlight a few tell-tale signs that'll let you know when it’s time to replace it. Let's take a look.

1. Tough To Start

If starting your lawn mower isn't as easy as it used to be and requires multiple tries, then it is one of the most apparent signs of a faulty spark plug.

For instance, if you have a lawn tractor, then you'll need to turn its key several times before the machine starts. Similarly, your regular push mower will require more pulling than usual to get to work.

In such cases, the plug is not producing powerful sparks that'll kindle the fuel and get the machine to work smoothly.

2. Excess Fuel Consumption

Do you find yourself refilling the gasoline tank of the mower more than usual between mowing sessions? Well, the spark plug is to blame. As I've mentioned earlier, a malfunctioning plug doesn't create powerful sparks to burn fuel efficiently.

Consequently, the fuel efficiency of the mower drops, and it consumes more fuel than necessary. In addition, you might also notice the odor of raw gasoline emanating from the engine.

3. Poor Engine Performance

Are you tired of re-cranking your engine? If the answer is yes, then it's time to replace the spark plug. A defective plug makes the device difficult to start, and even after you start it, it will stop abruptly and require frequent re-cranking.

Unreliable spark plugs stop the device midway because they cannot burn sufficient fuel to keep the engine running. Rewinding the motor can get tricky since the mower produces a lot of heat during operation.

So, if poor engine performance is an issue, replacing the plug is a surefire way to solve it.

4. Physical Appearance

You can tell a spark plug is defective from the very looks of it. So, remove the plug and examine it well to spot signs of damage. Ideally, the porcelain sheath shouldn't have any cracks, and the center electrode should have a flat top.

If you notice rusting or deformity, then your spark plug has run its course, and it's time to replace it.

However, sometimes all your plug needs is a thorough cleaning. Carbon accumulation, oil deposits, and a plug wet with gasoline are all signs of poor maintenance. The good news is you wouldn't require a replacement. Some quick cleaning will restore your spark plug to its original glory.

Conclusion