Signs of a Bad Lawn Mower Fuel Filter

If you’ve ever had issues with the HVAC system in your home, the maintenance guy probably lectured you on the importance of changing the filter regularly; changing a lawnmower fuel filter is just as important to the life and efficiency of your most important piece of lawn equipment — the lawnmower. Knowing what a mower fuel filter is, where it’s located, its job, and the importance of maintenance helps you get the most quality and longevity out of this relatively expensive yard tool.

What is a Fuel Filter?

The fuel filter of a lawnmower is a little piece of equipment that has a big job. It’s usually located in the fuel line or fuel tank of your mower. It has a round filter that is encased in a plastic or metal body and it’s relatively small. You can find a replacement filter wherever you purchased your lawnmower, at a discount center, at the manufacturer’s website or other another online store.

What is the Fuel Filter’s Job?

The lawnmower fuel filter’s job is to prevent foreign materials — like water and debris — from entering the combustion chamber of your lawnmower. It strains the impurities from the fuel before it enters the carburetor. If the filter gets clogged, you will likely encounter issues with your lawnmower. This can be something as simple as an annoying sputter when you try to start the mower, difficulty getting it started, or it can cause the mower to idle unevenly. More serious issues include a lack of power when you are mowing, or the lawnmower won’t start at all.

Once you start having these issues from a clogged fuel filter, it affects the way the machine runs, and if it isn’t corrected could cause long-term damage. This may cost more to repair than a brand new lawnmower. A new, well-maintained lawnmower should last you approximately 8 to 10 years, depending on the size of your yard, and the frequency of use. The key to getting the most out of any small engine or lawn tool is to maintain it properly.

The Importance of a Well-Maintained Lawnmower

A lawnmower is probably the most expensive lawn tool you’ll purchase and it should give you many years of quality performance. Many mowers come with a service agreement and if you take it in for service regularly, you’ll be able to get your money’s worth out of the small engine. After the service agreement runs out you can renew it, or you can maintain the lawnmower on your own if you are a do-it-yourself type of person.

Proper maintenance adds years to your lawnmower, keeps it running smoothly, and prevents you from having to struggle unnecessarily while starting it, or pushing the mower across your lawn. Make it a goal to replace the lawnmower fuel filter after about 200 hours of use.

Always refer to the owner’s manual before performing maintenance on the mower. Disconnect the spark plug first before beginning any type of maintenance on the machine. This prevents the mower from starting accidentally, which could cause a major injury. If you don’t feel comfortable changing the fuel filter or doing other types of maintenance on your mower, take it to the dealer where you purchased it, or to a place that works on small engines. The minimal cost of the repair helps ensure that the mower lasts you for several years by running efficiently and doing a quality job on your lawn.