Month: May 2015

How to Change your Lawn Mower’s Spark Plug Like a Pro

Posted on by baggervance71

Changing the Spark Plug on your Lawn Mower

If you can’t get your lawn mower to start, many times it’s because of a faulty spark plug.  An old or dirty spark plug can cause your lawn mower to have problems starting.  Does your lawn mower start on the first pull?  If not, simply replacing your spark plug can usually be exactly what your mower needs.  Fortunately, replacing your mower’s spark plug is one of the easier things you can do for your mower.  Here is a step by step guide to changing your lawn mower’s spark plug in under 10 minutes!

Does your Spark Plug Need Changed?

If your lawn mower doesn’t start on the first or second pull, then it’s probably time for a new spark plug.  To decide whether or not you need to change your spark plug, first remove your old one and inspect the tip.  If it’s black or dark in color or covered in debris, then it’s time to change your spark plug.  Fortunately, spark plugs are incredibly inexpensive and super easy to replace!

You will Need:

  • New Spark Plug
  • Spark Plug Socket Wrench (These types of sockets contain a rubber insert that protects the ceramic spark plug.)

How to Change the Spark Plug

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and clean around the spark plug hole with a wire brush.

2. Using a spark plug socket, remove the old spark plug.

3. Purchase a new spark plug.  New spark plugs typically only cost a few dollars.  Take the old spark plug into your local lawn mower service professional  or hardware store to have it replaced.  All spark plugs come with the model number printed right on them, so you can be sure you’re getting the right one.

4. Install the new Spark Plug.  Insert the new spark plug into the spark plug hole.  Turn the spark plug by hand until you can’t anymore, then use the spark plug socket to tighten the spark plug into place.  Don’t over-tighten the the spark plug – applying too much pressure can crack the ceramic spark plug.  Once the new spark plug is in place, connect the spark plug wire and you’re ready to go!

Changing your Lawn Mower Blades in Less than 10 Minutes

Posted on by baggervance71

How to Change your Lawn Mower Blades

The key to a better looking lawn sometimes lies in new lawn mower blades.  If you’re noticing any missed patches of tall grass right after mowing your lawn, then it could be time to replace your lawn mower blades.   The quality of your mowing can be greatly improved by newer, sharper lawn mower blades!  Fortunately, lawn mower blades are easy to replace and inexpensive!  If you’ve never replaced your lawn mower blades – don’t worry!  Here is a step by step guide to changing your lawn mower blades in under ten minutes!

spark-plug1. Disconnect the Spark Plug

As always, be sure to disconnect the spark plug before doing any work to your lawn mower.  This will keep the engine from accidentally engaging while you are underneath the mower; which removes any chance of accidents.

2. Lift the Deck

Before you can change the mower blades, you need to be able to easily access the underside of your mower.  If you have a walk behind lawn mower, simply tilt the mower back and prop it up on its side.  Be sure to pay attention to which side your gas tank is on and avoid tilting your mower in a way that will spill gas on the engine.  However, if you have a lawn tractor or a zero turn mower, you will need to lift up the deck with a jack.

PRO TIP2Before tilting your walk behind lawn mower back, take off the gas cap and lay a plastic sandwich bag over the opening of the gas tank.  Then replace the cap, twisting it securely.  This will make sure no gas spills out during the blade changing process.

bolt3. Take Off the Mounting Bolt

After you have the mower propped up on its side, it’s time to remove the blade.  Keep in mind that it’s usually a good idea to wear gloves when handling a sharp blade.  In most lawn mowers, there are between 1 and 3 bolts holding the blade into place.  Using a socket wrench, unscrew the bolt from the deck’s mount.  Pay attention to which direction the blade is positioned, because the new blade will go on exactly like that.

PRO TIP2

PRO Tip: Before taking off the old blade, take a picture of the underside of your mower deck with your phone.  That will help you be sure the new blade goes on the same way.

4. Install the New Blade

Once you have a new blade, using the same socket wrench, attach it to the mount.  Make sure that the blade is positioned exactly the same way the old blade was.  Don’t over tighten the bolt – this can cause warping in the blade. Once the new blade is on, sit the mower back up and connect the spark plug wire!  After this, you should be ready to mow like a pro!

How to Change the Oil in Your Lawn Mower

Posted on by baggervance71

A Step By Step Guide for Changing Your Lawn Mower’s Oil

Last week, I talked about how to tune up your lawn mower and get it ready for spring.  Whether you’ve got a walk behind lawn mower, lawn tractor, or a zero turn mower, changing your oil on a regular basis is, hands down, the best thing you can do to extend your engine life and keep your mower running great.  If you’ve never changed the oil in your lawn mower, don’t worry!  Changing your lawn mower’s oil is incredibly easy and can be done in less than 10 minutes!  Here is a step by step guide on how to change your lawn mower’s oil.

Getting Started

Changing your oil regularly is the best thing you can do to keep it running smoothly year after year.  But how often is “regularly?”  In order to maximize your engine life and lawn mower performance, it’s usually best to change your oil every 50 hours, or once per year — whichever comes first.  Just to be safe, changing your oil at the beginning of every mowing season is a good habit to get into!

Before you get started changing your oil, there are a few things that you will need:

NOTE:  Be sure to disconnect the spark plug cable before working on your mower!  This will make sure that the mower doesn’t accidentally engage while you’re working on it.

Remove the Old Oil

The first step in changing your lawn mower’s oil is to drain the old oil.

  1. Put an oil-safe container underneath your lawn mower.
  2. Locate the drain plug if your mower is equipped with one. (Most walk behind lawn mowers don’t come with a drain plug — you’ll have to tilt the mower back so oil can drain out the fill tube.)
  3. Using a socket wrench, turn the drain plug counter-clockwise until oil comes out.
  4. After oil is completely drained, recycle the oil properly at your local oil recycling facility.  Be sure not to dump any oil down the drain or on the ground.

Replace Oil Filter

If you have a riding lawn mower or zero turn mower, chances are, your mower is equipped with an oil filter.  Changing the oil filter at least once a year is recommended.  Here is how to change your oil filter:

  1. Locate your Oil Filter (If your mower is equipped with one.)
  2. Twist oil filter counter-clockwise to remove from oil filter adapter.
  3. Clean the seal of the oil filter, and apply new engine oil to lubricate seal if needed.
  4. Screw the new oil filter into the adapter.

Refill Engine Oil

The last step in changing your oil is refilling the new engine oil.

  1. Locate the oil fill tube.
  2. Pour the recommended amount of oil down the fill tube. (Most walk behind lawn mowers hold either 18 or 20 ounces of motor oil — consult your manual.)
  3. If your lawn mower has a dip stick, wipe it clean before inserting it into your oil fill tube.  Remove the dip stick and check the oil level to see if you have the proper amount of oil.

With regular oil changes and proper maintenance and service, your lawn mower should run smoothly year after year!

How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Posted on by baggervance71

How to Add Value to Your Home and Improve Curb Appeal

If your house has been on the market for a long time, it can be discouraging.  In honor of Coldwell Banker’s Curb Appeal Week, we are going to share some ways you can improve your home’s curb appeal so you can get it sold quickly!

Did you know landscaping and having a well kept lawn can have a direct effect on the resale value of your home?  A poorly landscaped yard can discourage potential buyers!  If someone pulls up to a house and notices that a yard is a disheveled mess, they will probably assume the same for the inside of the house.  Curb Appeal is extremely important!  It’s also an inexpensive way to drastically improve the appearance of the outside of your home without having to spend a lot of money.

“Good landscaping can add up to 28% to the overall value of a house and even cut its time on the market by 10-15%.”

– Landscape Economist John Harris

Last week, we gave you some insider tips on how to get a golf course quality yard.  This week, we’ll tell you how you can easily increase the value of your home and it’s curb appeal so you can get your house sold!

Screen Shot 2015-05-05 at 3.46.28 PMLandscaping

First and foremost, landscaping is key to maximizing your curb appeal.  Taking care of your lawn is an extremely inexpensive way to make sure the exterior of your house looks great!  Well manicured lawns make a home look crisp, neat and symmetrical.  In order to achieve a perfectly manicured lawn, some necessary steps include:

  • Take Care of Your Grass – Make sure your grass is thick and green.  If your yard is brown and dry, here are some ways to achieving a green, beautiful lawn.
    • Edge – using a weed trimmer, edge along curbs, driveways and fences.
    • Mow –  Striping Kits can help give your yard a neat, ballpark effect.  Striping can be just what your lawn needs.
    • Clean Up After Yourself – After you have trimming, edging and mowing, be sure to use a leaf blower to clean grass clippings and other debris off of the driveways and sidewalks.

accent doorDress up the Entryway

Along with a well manicured lawn, the first thing that a buyer looks for in a home is the front entryway.  Because of that, the key to an aesthetically pleasing home is an elegant entryway.  Here are some easy ways you can improve your home’s entryway.

    • Accent the Door by painting it a bold color.  If your homes exterior doesn’t draw the attention to the entryway, a bold colored door can be just what it needs.
    • Incorporate some potted plants or other greenery to either side of your door to give your entryway some added symmetry.
    • Add new light fixtures.  If your outdoor lighting is outdated, replace them with some newer fixtures.
    • If your front porch is starting to look drab, then repaint or refinish the porch and/or deck.

Screen Shot 2015-05-05 at 3.21.49 PMAdd Some Greenery

Greenery such as potted plants, trees, and an elegant garden can make sure your front lawn radiates a welcoming environment.  Here are some ways to use greenery to make your home seem more inviting:

    • Adding flower boxes to front facing windows.
    • Making sure your garden is in top shape.
    • Pruning trees.
    • Trimming Hedges.
    • Putting down new mulch.
    • Planting a few trees.
    • Sprucing up your front entryway with potted plants.

Screen Shot 2015-05-05 at 3.24.32 PMAdd some Accents

One more thing that can spruce the your home and add tons of curb appeal is to add a few accents.  Incorporating a few, simple decorative items can be the added touch that your home needs.  However, remember that less is more! Some ideas of elegant accents include:

  • Outdoor lighting
  • Updated House Numbers
  • A New Mailbox
  • Shutters
  • A small fountain or pond.

Get a second Opinion

As a homeowner, you might tend to overlook some of your home’s imperfections.  We get so used to seeing imperfections such as chipped paint and cracks in the concrete, that we don’t even see them anymore.  Because of this, it can be a good idea to get a second opinion.  Invite a friend or realtor over to take a look at your home and point out glaring issues.  Here are some easy fixes that you might have overlooked in your home.

  • Pressure-wash the porch, deck, and siding.
  • Fix cracks in steps and driveways
  • Prune trees and trim bushes
  • Repair Gutters
  • Repaint faded or chipped doors or siding.

Taking care of your lawn and landscaping is the easiest, most inexpensive way to both improve your curb appeal and raise the value of your home. When your home sends a warm, inviting message, then you can be sure that your home will be sold in no time at all.