Skip to content 
Find out how to oil lawn mower air filter, avoid common mistakes and extend your mower’s life with this comprehensive guide
Image credit: Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay
First let’s get into how to actually oil the lawn mower filter. Later in the article, we’ll talk about common mistakes many people make during the process.
Tools Needed
- Screwdriver
- Small Brush
- Needle Nose Pliers
Materials Needed
- Bucket with Warm Water and Dish Soap
- Foam Air Filter Oil
- Rubber Gloves
- Safety Goggles
- Clean Rag or Paper Towels
Safety Precautions
Always disconnect the spark plug before starting any maintenance on your lawn mower.
When oiling air filters, make sure you’re doing it in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any potentially harmful fumes from the oil itself.
Wearing safety goggles is also advisable during this process.
Additionally, using gloves will prevent skin contact with oil, which can cause irritation for some individuals.
Step-by-step Guide (6)
Step 1 – Preparing Your Lawn Mower
To begin with, find yourself a nice flat surface to work on and park your lawn mower there. Flat ground will ensure that oil doesn’t drip from one component to another and create issues.
Use a dry cloth, or even some soapy water and a sponge to eliminate dust and dirt from your lawn mower. This is important because we don’t want anything to get into the air filter compartment when removed.
Step 2 – Removing the Air Filter
Most lawn mowers have their filters located in easy-to-reach areas, but it could still be a bit of a puzzle if you’re new to this.
Locate the air filter housing which typically looks like a small box and is usually near the engine. A metal or plastic cover held by screws or clips protects this housing. Carefully remove these without applying too much force and voila!
Wear gloves if possible because this part could get grimy! Hold on to one edge of the filter and gently pull it away from its seating area. So, now you have successfully removed your lawn mower’s air filter!
Step 3 – Cleaning the Air Filter
Before getting into “how to oil lawn mower air filter”, you have to clean it.
Get yourself a simple bucket or basin and fill it with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Gently squeeze the filter in the soapy water solution. This will work wonders in removing oil residues and dust.
Keep going until you’re confident that all the oil has been cleaned out from your lawn mower’s air filter. Afterwards, make sure to thoroughly rinse the foam under running water until all signs of soapy residue are gone.
Thereafter, gently squeeze out excess water from the foam – do not wring or twist! Then place it on a clean towel and leave it out there. Preferably in an airy spot where there’s plenty of sun – allowing it dry naturally over time.
It is crucial for your air filter to be completely dry before moving on to its next step: oiling.
Step 4 – Oiling the Air Filter
If your air filter is torn or excessively dirty and washing doesn’t restore it to an appropriate level of cleanliness – consider replacing it. However, if your foam type filter is intact after cleaning, then you’re ready for oiling!
You’ll want to be judicious with your use of oil. Too much can actually harm more than help in this case! To begin with, pour some clean oil onto the foam. You can use a small container for this purpose which will help control how much oil is being used.
Similarly squish and squeeze the foam until all parts have an even coat of oil on them. Make sure you squeeze out any surplus oil till no more drips out.
Step 5 – Reinstalling the Air Filter
Reinstalling the air filter is honestly just as straightforward as taking it out. But, there are a few key steps that you’ll want to keep top of mind.
First things first, you’re going to want to ensure that the area where your air filter resides doesn’t have any dust, or any unwanted particles on it. A quick wipe with a clean cloth should do the job here.
Next up, take the cleaned and oiled foam air filter and carefully slot it back in its place. Be gentle when doing this.
It should fit snugly inside the housing without any undue force needed. Once in place, replace any coverings or housing components you originally removed to access the air filter area.
Step 6 – Final Checks
There are a few final checks that you really shouldn’t overlook after you’ve reinstalled everything.
First off, make sure there’s no excess oil on or around the air filter. Too much oil can restrict airflow and choke your engine. So if there’s any surplus, simply squeeze out the unnecessary amount.
Next up is the dust check. It’s important to ensure that no dust has accidentally fallen into your clean air filter during oiling or reinstallation process.
Also take a moment to visually inspect the area around where your lawn mower air filter is housed. You’re looking for any signs of wear and tear indicating that a replacement may be needed sooner rather than later.
Give your lawn mower a test run and pay attention to how it sounds and operates with its newly cleaned and oiled air filter in place. If everything seems normal – congratulations!
And that’s how to oil lawn mower air filter!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-oiling the air filter. This is a common mistake made by beginners and it’s important to remember that when it comes to oiling air filters, less is more.
Another typical misstep involves not properly cleaning the foam of the air filter prior to oiling.
Reinstalling a wet foam filter right after cleaning is another error that some people make. In their eagerness to finish up, they miss ensuring that the foam has completely dried after washing it. This can trap moisture inside your lawn mower, leading to potential rust issues down the line.
Many people tend to use the wrong oil for this process so really make sure that you’ve got it right by checking your manual or manufacturer.
FAQ
Why do I need to oil my lawn mower’s air filter?
Oiling the air filter helps trap dust and debris more effectively, preventing them from entering the engine and causing damage. It ensures the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
How often should I oil my lawn mower’s air filter?
Typically, you should oil the air filter every 25 hours of use or at the beginning of each mowing season. Refer to your lawn mower’s manual for specific recommendations.
What type of oil should I use for my lawn mower’s air filter?
Use a high-quality foam air filter oil, which is specifically designed for this purpose. Avoid using motor oil, as it may not provide good filtration and can damage the filter.
How do I know if my air filter needs to be replaced?
If the air filter is torn, excessively dirty, or damaged, it should be replaced. A clogged or damaged filter can hinder engine performance and cause long-term damage.
Next Post >>
