It is needless to say an air filter is a vital part of a lawnmower. You know an air filter is placed between the engine and the carburetor. And so it acts as a soldier and fights against the dirt and debris to keep the engine in a safe position.
A clean air filter blocks the dirt and debris to enter into the engine compartment. But a dirty or torn one loses its ability to save the engine from dirt and debris.
So, what can you do now? I think you assume something. Yes, cleaning an air filter can save your engine from this hassle.
But have you any idea about how to clean a lawn mower air filter? If don’t, will you leave your air filter uncleaned? No way.
In this article, you will get all the information in this regard.
Let’s dig it.
In this content you’ll learn:
Guidelines On Cleaning An Air Filter Of Lawnmower
You know regular maintenance can keep the air filter in good condition. In fact, it is always recommended to clean the air filter after 25 hours of operating the lawnmower. And you should replace the air filter after 300 hours of operating the lawnmower.
A clean air filter increases the performance of the engine and a dirty one deteriorates the engine’s performance. If your lawn is full of dirt and debris, you need to be more careful about the maintenance of the air filter.
Before going to the main cleaning process, let’s know how many types of air filter is used in the lawnmower.
Basically, there are two types of air filters used in the lawnmower. One is the foam air filter and the other is the dual air filter.
In this article, you are going to get all the solutions about the cleaning process of both filters.
Foam Air Filter Cleaning Process
Even the foam air filter comes in two types. The first one is the disposable air filter and the reusable air filter is the second one.
Now, before we start cleaning, we need some necessary tools and materials to complete the task. Let’s have a look at them.
Necessary items
- A liquid soap to clean the grease from the air filters.
- A paper towel to wipe.
- Motor oil.
- Water.
- A cleaning brush.
After Getting All The Required Tools And Materials, Let’s Dive Into The Cleaning Process In Detail.
For disposable foam air filter
Steps to follow:
Step #1: Prepare The Lawn Mower
Take the lawnmower into a flat surface for the convenience of work.
Step #2: Disconnect The Power Cable
Activate the parking mode and disconnect the power cable from the battery.
Step #3: Remove Filter Housing Top Cover
Locate the filter housing and remove the top cover.
Step #4: Install New Air Filter
Bring out the air filter and install the new one. Before buying the new one, check the user manual of the lawnmower to know about the correct size of the air filter.
Step #5: Replace Filter Housing
After installing the new air filter, replace the filter housing in its previous position.
Step #6: Reconnect Power Cable
Connect the power cable with the battery and deactivate the parking mode.
For Reusable Foam Air Filter
Steps to follow:
Step #1: Active Parking Mode
Take the lawnmower into a flat surface and activate the parking mode.
Step #2: Disconnect Power Cable
Disconnect the power cable from the battery. It will save you from being electrified.
Step #3: Remove Filter Housing Top Cover
Locate the filter housing and remove the top cover.
Step #4: Clean Air Filter
Bring out the air filter and rinse it into water. Apply some liquid soap to clean the grease from the filter.
Step #5: Remove Water Completely
After cleaning the filter, wipe it by using a paper towel. Keep wiping until the water is removed.
Step #6: Spray Motor oil
Now spray some motor oil on both sides of the air filter. Do not apply too much oil as it may damage the filter.
Excessive oil the air filter will produce black smoke when you start the mower. If you feel that excessive oil has been applied, wipe it off with a paper towel.
Step #7: Replace Air Filter and Housing
Replace the air filter and filter housing into its previous position.
Step #8: Reconnect the Power cable
Connect the power cable with the battery and deactivate the parking mode. Your mower is now ready for use.
Dual Air Filter Cleaning Process
Steps to follow:
Step #1: Prepare The Lawn Mower
Take the lawnmower into your garage or a flat surface for the convenience of the work.
Step #2: Disconnect Power Cable
Activate the parking mode and disconnect the power cable from the battery.
Step #3: Remove Filter Housing Top Cover
Locate the air filter housing and remove the top cover.
Step #4: Clean Air Filter
You will find a paper cartridge attached to the air filter. Separate the filter paper from the cartridge and bring it out. Never clean the air filter using an air compressor. This can damage the air filter.
Step #5: Go Through User Manual
Before cleaning the dual filter, go through the user manual of the lawnmower to check if there is any possibility to cause damage in applying soap or oil to it. If there is any problem, then it is better to change the air filter.
Step #6: Apply Liquid Soap
If there is no problem, soak the filter in water for a while. Rinse the filter thoroughly using liquid soap to remove grease from the filter. However, take care during washing so that the filter is not damaged.
Step #7: Remove Water Completely
After washing, use a paper towel to wipe the filter well so that there can be no water remaining in the filter.
Step #8: Spray Motor Oil
This time, spray some motor oil on both sides of the air filter. Do not apply too much oil as it may damage the filter. Wipe the filter again with the paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step #9: Clean Air Filter Compartment
Clean the air filter compartment by using a cleaning brush before installing the air filter into its previous position.
Step #10: Reinstall Air Filter
Attach the air filter with the paper cartridge. Replace the cover over the air filter housing.
Step #11: Connect The Power Cable
Connect the power cable with the battery and deactivate the parking mode.
Done! Now the air filter of the lawnmower is ready to take the pressure of the dirt and debris.
Cautions:
- Avoid solvent washing materials for cleaning foam air filters.
- Go through the user manual of the lawnmower to get the appropriate cleaning instructions.
Final Verdict
I think you will agree with me that cleaning an air filter is a simple task if you just follow the above-mentioned process. And of course, regular cleaning of the air filter increases the durability of the engine as well as the lawnmower.
I hope from this article you have got a clear idea of how to clean a lawn mower air filter. Now it’s your turn.
Clean the air filter, increase the durability of the mower, and enjoy your leisure time by mowing.
Based upon one incredibly lousy experience, I would never purchase or use any Snapper product.
I have the grim misfortune of owning a Snapper lawn mower which my future wife purchased new from a dealer in 2016. The model # is 12ALC3B3707 per a label on the mower chassis and 1696628 per the owner’s manual that came with the mower.
Said product is a total piece of crap. If OSHA and the EPA possessed any level of competence, they would order a recall of this product.
The mower has one good feature – the single lever mechanism to raise and lower the mower deck. This one feature is far outweighed by many its worthless features, among which are:
(1) The design of the grasscatcher attachment to the mower is unacceptably poor. During operation, the grasscatcher frequently falls off and becomes a tripping hazard.
NOTE: I mitigated this defect by installing a chain on the catcher and a knob on the rear discharge door (RDD). This work around is an annoyance to use but is better than the risk of injury.
(2) When “properly” mounted, there is a 1” gap between the catcher and the RDD. During the brief period that the grasscatcher remains attached to the mower, the mower throws a continuous stream of clippings and dust into the face of the operator.
NOTE: I mitigated this defect by mounting a shield on the catcher bonnet. Like the chain, this work around is an annoyance to use but is better than the risk of eye or lung injury.
(3) The mower leaves a substantial trail of clippings in its wake even when the grasscatcher bag is empty. The mower leaves more clippings than it collects after the bag is a third to half full. My old Toro is much better.
(4) The automatic start feature is a joke. One must leave it on the charger overnight to get one decent start. If the mower should stall during operation, forget autostart. One must use the pull cord.
(5) The self-propulsion feature is unacceptably poor both in terms of operation and reliability.
a. The various settings appear to regulate torque to the wheels rather than speed – to wit, a higher setting is required to provide any assistance at all on even the gentlest upward slope. On the same setting the mower takes off like a bat out of hell on level ground or on a gentle downward slope.
b. The self-propulsion feature requires frequent servicing. The lower “speed” settings essentially stop working after 3 or 4 lawn mowings.
It is no mystery to me that there are so many lawn equipment dealers in Iowa who formerly sold Snapper products but no longer do so.