DIY Tecumseh Lawn Mower Repair

Tecumseh lawn mower repair requires some basic tools and an understanding of engine components. Typically, it involves making sure the start and grass-cutting mechanisms function properly. Always remember when starting to repair any piece of gas-powered machinery to disconnect the spark plug wire. This prevents any accidental engine starts. The spark plug attachment lead is outside the engine and is covered by what looks like a black rubber hood. Remove the connection and the engine will not run until the spark plug is reconnnected

Gas-powered yard machinesare subjected to lots of dirt and twigs that can get into the gas tank or air filter. Cleaning these two engine components can often get the motor running again. The air filter is housed in a plastic box on the side of Tecumseh lawn mower engines. Remove the cover and take out the foam sponge air filter. Wash it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. You don't want any water sucked into the motor from the filter. The fuel tank is a attached to the back or side of the engine, depending on the model. Make sure the rubber hose from the tank to the engine is clear of all obstructions. Inside the tank is a screen to keep any contamination from getting into the fuel line. Make sure this screen is clean. You will have to drain the gasoline to do this. To drain the tank, just crimp the rubber fuel line, disconnect the clamp holding the hose to the engine and put the hose into a container large enough to hold all the gasoline. Release the crimp and your tank will be dry.

Tecumseh lawn mowers start by pulling a starter cord that generates a small electrical current to power the spark plug. Once the motor starts, the engine rotation generates it's own current to power the spark. Remove the start cord cover and make sure the starter cord is properly attached to the engine. Sometimes a simple screw coming loose will render the starter cord useless. Also, make sure the wire that leads from the starter to the spark plug is connected correctly on both ends. Repairing the starter component (located on the motor opposite the air filter) is more trouble than just replacing it with a new unit. The starter unit is very inexpensive, but it is available from any small engine parts supplier. Just remove the screws, slide out the starter unit, insert the new unit and reconnect the wires.

Tecumseh lawn mower are like any other machine that uses a sharp edged piece of steel for cutting: the blade can get dull. When this happens grass is just broken instead of cut. Check the blade for a sharp edge. If it's dull, sharpen it with either a metal file or a rotating sharpening stone attachment for a power drill. Install the stone and run it back and forth a few times over the blade. While under the mower, make sure the blade is attached securely to the drive shaft and clear away any wires, strings and other trash that might be wrapped around the drive shaft.

Larger mowers have a drive belt between the drive shaft and the cutting blade pivot. When the belt gets stretched or broken it needs to be replaced. Simply place the belt around the cutting blade and onto the belt wheel. Place the belt as near as you can to the drive shaft belt wheel. Slowly turn the cutting blade wheel and rotate the belt onto the drive shaft wheel as if you were putting a chain back on a bicycle sprocket. Wear work gloves to do this and avoid getting your finger(s) pinched between the belt and drive shaft wheel while it stretches into the groove. Check to make sure the new belt is taught. Pulling the starter cord slowly will turn the drive shaft and insures the cutting blade will also turn.