This article will cover the soft fixes you can take if smoke is appearing from your petrol lawnmower.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Other coloured smoke (ie. White/Grey/Blue Coloured smoke) can be caused by overfilled oil levels, spilt/leaked oil on the engine or a dirty oil filter.
- Check and confirm the lawnmower has the correct amount of SAE30 oil by checking oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.
- Has the machine been tilted? This often causes oil to run onto the engine exhaust, in turn, causing smoke.
Resolution, procedure:
- check your oil levels.
- start up the machine.
- let it run, until all the excess oil burns off.
- the smoke will die down, gradually.
Note: If the machine fails to run at all, then there could be another, more serious, fault causing the oil leak - for example a blown gasket. If so, please consider having the machine repaired.
Checking and Cleaning the Air Filter
Sponge Air Filter
- Please check the air filter is clear of any dirt or debris.
- A clean sponge air filter would be either grey or yellow.
- If you have a sponge air filter which is dirty, you may clean the air filter using warm soapy water.
- To remove the air filter, unclip the filter cover on the side of your engine.
- Some models may use a securing screw which can be removed by hand or using a screwdriver.
- Please ensure you leave the filter to fully air dry before reinstalling.
Cartridge Air Filter
- A clean cartridge air filter would be white in colour.
- If you have a paper air filter, it is not possible to clean the air filter.
- If the air filter is dirty or damaged then you will need to purchase another filter.