Is your trusty Yard Man mower giving you trouble? Before you load it up and haul it off to the repair shop, consider trying some simple Yard Man mower repair fixes at home first. Many common mower problems can be easily troubleshot and resolved with just a few basic tools and a little DIY know-how. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top five Yard Man mower repair tasks you can tackle right in your own garage or shed.
Step 1: Replace the Spark Plug for Yard Man Lawn Mower Repair
The spark plug is a key component in getting your mower started. Over time, spark plugs can become fouled or damaged, causing hard starts, rough running, or a complete failure to turn over. Luckily, Yard Man lawn mower repair often starts with the simple task of checking and replacing the spark plug.
How do you know if you need a new spark plug? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- The mower is hard to start, requiring multiple pulls or turning of the key
- The engine runs roughly, sputters, or stalls frequently
- You notice a decrease in engine power or performance
If you suspect a faulty spark plug, here’s how to replace it:
- Disconnect the spark plug wire so the mower can’t accidentally start while you’re working on it.
- Use a spark plug wrench (a special socket that grips the plug) to carefully remove the old plug. It may require some force if it’s stuck.
- Look at the new spark plug. Check that the gap between the electrodes matches your mower model’s specifications. You can find this info in the owner’s manual. Use a gap gauge to measure and adjust if needed.
- Carefully thread the new plug into place by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten it with the spark plug wrench, but don’t overtighten.
- Once you have replaced the spark plug, re-attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Try starting up the mower. If it roars to life, you’ve completed your first successful bit of Yard Man mower repair. If not, don’t worry – there are still plenty of other fixes to try.
Step 2: Clean/Replace the Air Filter to Keep Mover Running
The air filter is another key component in keeping your mower running smoothly. Just like you need clean air to breathe, your mower’s engine needs a steady flow of clean air to run properly. The air filter’s job is to trap dirt and debris before it can get into the carburetor and engine. But over time, the filter itself can get clogged, restricting air flow and causing problems.
Signs that you may need to clean or change the air filter include:
- The mower lacks power or picks up speed slowly
- Fuel consumption seems higher than normal
- You see black smoke coming from the exhaust
- The engine is hard to start or stalls frequently
Luckily, cleaning or replacing the air filter is a quick and easy Yard Man mower repair task:
- Locate the air filter housing. It’s usually a rectangular plastic or metal box near the engine, with a removable cover.
- Pop off the cover and remove the old air filter. Some filters are paper, others are foam.
- If it’s a paper filter, inspect it. If it’s torn, very dirty, or coated in oil, replace it with a new filter. If it’s only lightly dirty, you can try tapping it gently against a hard surface to knock some dirt loose.
- For foam filters, wash it in hot soapy water, rinse well, and let it air dry completely before reinstalling. Never put a wet filter back in the mower.
- While you have the housing open, use a rag to wipe out any dirt or debris. This will keep it from falling into the carburetor when you start the mower.
- Put the clean or new filter back in place and secure the housing cover.
That’s it! You’ve completed another essential bit of Yard Man mower repair. Keeping the air filter clean is an easy way to extend the life of your mower and keep it running at peak performance.
Step 3: Sharpen/Replace Dull Mower Blades for Best Performance
Mowing with dull blades is a bit like trying to cut a steak with a butter knife – it’s just not very effective. Dull mower blades rip and tear your grass rather than slicing cleanly through, resulting in a ragged, brown-tipped lawn that’s more susceptible to disease and stress. Sharpening or replacing the blades is an important part of Yard Man mower repair and maintenance.
How can you tell if your blades need attention? Look for these signs:
- The tips of the grass have a whitish cast or appear torn rather than cleanly cut after mowing
- The blades have large nicks, dents, or visible damage
- The mower vibrates excessively or makes strange noises when running
- It’s been a while (or never) since you last sharpened the blades
If you have some experience with tools, you can sharpen mower blades yourself. Here’s how:
- Again, always disconnect the spark plug before working near the blades. This prevents any chance of the mower accidentally starting and causing injury.
- Wear thick work gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges.
- Use a wrench to loosen the nut that holds the blade in place. The blade may be stuck due to corrosion or debris, so it may take some force to break it free.
- Once the blade is off, secure it in a bench vise or clamp it to your work surface so it doesn’t move while you sharpen it.
- Use a metal file, grinder, or specialized blade sharpening tool to carefully hone the cutting edge to a 30–45-degree angle. Follow the original angle of the blade – you’re just refreshing the edge, not changing the shape.
- Make sure to sharpen both ends of the blade evenly to maintain balance. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and potentially damage the engine.
- When finished, reattach the blade, making sure the nut is fully tightened.
If the blades are badly nicked, bent, or worn down to the point where there’s not much metal left to sharpen, it’s better to replace them entirely. You can find replacement blades at most hardware stores, home centers, or small engine repair shops. Just make sure to get the right size and style for your specific Yard Man mower model.
Well-sharpened blades are the secret to a clean-cut, healthier lawn. Make blade maintenance part of your regular Yard Man mower repair routine and your grass will thank you.
Step 4: Unclog Deck for Yard Man Lawn Mower Self Propelled Repair
A Yard Man lawn mower self propelled model uses the spinning motion of the blades to power the drive wheels and move the mower forward. But if the mower deck (the housing around the blades) gets clogged with wet grass, leaves, and debris, it can bog down the blades and bring your forward progress to a halt. A clogged deck can also cause clumps of grass to drop on your lawn or lead to an uneven, raggedy cut.
Signs it’s time to clean your mower deck include:
- The mower leaves trails or piles of grass clippings rather than dispersing them evenly
- The lawn looks uneven or scraggly after cutting, with some spots of grass much taller than others
- You notice a burning smell or see smoke coming from the deck area – this indicates trapped clippings getting hot!
- The mower is harder to push or feels like it’s lost power, especially in thicker grass
To clear a clogged deck and get your Yard Man lawn mower self propelled model moving again:
- Start by turning off the mower and disconnecting the spark plug wire. Never work around the blades while there’s any chance the mower could start.
- Carefully tilt the mower on its side so the carburetor and air filter are facing up. This keeps gas and oil from leaking into places they shouldn’t. Put down a tarp or piece of cardboard first to catch any debris.
- Put on some work gloves and use a putty knife, wire brush, or specialized deck scraper tool to loosen and scrape away the caked-on grass and gunk from the underside of the deck. Be sure to clean around the blade mounting area, shaft, and any pulleys or belts.
- For a really stubborn buildup, try soaking the caked-on spots with a hose or spraying with a deck cleaning solution first to help loosen the debris.
- Once you’ve removed as much of the clog as possible, set the mower back upright and reconnect the spark plug wire.
To prevent future clogs, consider spraying the underside of the deck with vegetable oil or silicone lubricant after cleaning. This coating helps prevent grass from sticking and makes the next cleaning easier. You can also avoid mowing wet grass whenever possible, as it’s much more likely to clump and clog than dry clippings.
Regular deck cleaning should be part of your Yard Man mower repair and maintenance routine. Preventing clogs early on can save you from headaches later on!
Step 5: Fix Fuel System – Clogged Fuel Line & Dirty Carburetor
If your mower is hard to start, sputters and dies while running, or leaks gas, the problem may lie in the fuel system. Over time, gas can degrade and form sticky deposits that clog fuel lines and gum up carburetors, especially if you forget to drain the tank over the winter. Tackling fuel system issues is another common Yard Man mower repair task you can try yourself.
Signs of fuel system trouble include:
- The smell of gas or visible fuel leaks
- Sputtering, surging, or stalling, especially at high speeds
- Difficulty starting the engine or keeping it running
- Black smoke from the exhaust
If you suspect a clogged fuel line:
- Start by clamping the fuel line to prevent gas from leaking out when you disconnect it. You can use specialized hose pinch pliers or even a pair of vice grips in a pinch (just don’t squeeze too hard and damage the line).
- Place a rag or small container under the clamp to catch any drips. Then carefully remove the clogged section of the fuel line – it’s often a short length rubber hose connected to the gas tank or carburetor.
- Take the clogged line to a home center or auto parts store to find a replacement of the same diameter and length.
- Attach the new line in place of the old one, securing the ends with hose clamps.
- Wipe up any spilled fuel before reconnecting the spark plug and starting the mower.
If the mower still won’t start or run smoothly, the issue may be a dirty carburetor. The carburetor’s job is to mix air and fuel in the proper ratio for the engine to run. But if it gets gunked up with sticky fuel deposits, it can’t do its job correctly.
To clean a carburetor:
- Start by removing the air filter housing so you can access the carburetor.
- Spray the exterior of the carburetor with a specialized carburetor cleaning spray or aerosol brake cleaner. This will help dissolve and loosen some of the exterior buildup.
- Let the cleaner soak in for a few minutes, then wipe away any loosened grime with a rag.
- If the mower still won’t run correctly, you may need to remove the carburetor and disassemble it for a more thorough cleaning. The process can get complicated, so consult your mower’s manual or purchase a carburetor rebuild kit specific to your machine.
To prevent fuel system problems in the future, always use fresh gas treated with a fuel stabilizer. At the end of the mowing season, either run the mower dry or drain any remaining gas from the tank before storing it away for the winter. A little preventative care can save you a lot of Yard Man mower repair headaches down the line!
Bonus Yard Man Mower Maintenance Tips
While these five fixes can solve many common mower problems, the best cure is always prevention. Incorporating a few simple maintenance tasks into your regular Yard Man mower repair routine can help keep your machine running smoothly season after season:
- Check the oil level before each mowing session and change the oil at the start of every spring. Clean, fresh oil lubricates the engine and helps prevent overheating and wear.
- Keep the underside of the mower deck clean. Even if you’re not experiencing major clogs, grass and debris can build up over time, promoting rust and making the deck harder to clean.
- At the end of each mowing season, drain any remaining fuel from the tank or run the mower dry before putting it away for the winter. This keeps the gas from degrading and leaving harmful deposits in the fuel system.
- Inspect the air filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed – at least once per season is a good rule of thumb. A clean filter promotes good engine air flow.
- Keep the blades sharp for the best cut quality and to reduce stress on the engine. You can sharpen them yourself or take them to a local repair shop.
Conclusion
With these Yard Man mower repair tips and a little DIY spirit, you can keep your loyal mower working like a champ for years to come. While some jobs are best left to the professionals, many common mower problems have surprisingly simple fixes you can handle yourself with just a few tools and a free afternoon. So, the next time your mower starts acting up, break out this guide and see if you can troubleshoot the problem at home before hauling it to the shop. Your wallet (and your grass) will thank you!
Need expert help with your Yard Man mower? Skip the DIY and call Greg’s Small Engine. With pickup, repair and delivery services, plus years of experience, we will make your mower running like new in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I sharpen my Yard Man mower blades?
It’s a good idea to sharpen your mower blades at least once per mowing season, or more often if you notice signs of dullness like ragged grass tips or increased mower vibration. Sharpening at the start of each spring is a smart part of your regular Yard Man mower repair and maintenance routine.
My Yard Man mower won’t start at all. What should I check first?
If your mower won’t start, the first things to check are the spark plug and air filter. A fouled spark plug, or clogged air filter are common culprits behind hard starting. Try replacing the spark plug and cleaning or replacing the air filter as your first steps in Yard Man mower repair troubleshooting.
How can I prevent my Yard Man self propelled mower from getting clogged?
To keep your Yard Man lawn mower self propelled model moving smoothly, try to avoid mowing wet grass whenever possible, as damp clippings are much more likely to clump and clog the mower deck. After each mowing session, use a hose or leaf blower to blast any debris or stuck clippings out from under the deck. You can also spray the underside of the deck with vegetable oil or silicone lubricant to help prevent grass from sticking.
I think my Yard Man mower’s fuel system is clogged. Can I clean the carburetor myself?
Yes, cleaning the carburetor is a Yard Man mower repair task most handy DIYers can handle. Start by spraying the exterior of the carburetor with a specialized cleaner to remove buildup. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to remove the carburetor and disassemble it for a more thorough cleaning. Consult your mower’s manual for specific instructions or look for a carburetor rebuild kit for your model.
What’s the best way to store my Yard Man mower over the winter to avoid repairs in the spring?
Proper off-season storage is key to avoiding Yard Man mower repair headaches when spring rolls around. Before putting your mower away for the winter, be sure to either drain any remaining fuel from the tank or run the mower dry. This prevents the gas from degrading and gumming up the fuel system over the winter.