Keeping your lawn mower’s air filter clean is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do to keep your mower running efficiently. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can lead to a variety of problems such as loss of power, increased fuel consumption, and excessive emissions. However, there comes a point when the air filter gets so clogged with dirt, dust and debris that no amount of cleaning will restore it to optimal condition. At that point, you need to replace the air filter. Here’s guidance on when to clean vs. replace your mower’s air filter.
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When to Clean the Air Filter
In general, you should check and clean the air filter after every 25 hours of mowing. Here are some other signs it’s time to clean the filter:
- You notice a decrease in the mower’s performance
- The engine starts smoking or emits black exhaust
- Mowing the same amount of lawn takes longer than usual
- The engine runs rough or sputters
- Unburned fuel is discharged from the exhaust
Cleaning the air filter when you notice these signs can often restore the mower’s performance. The key is to inspect and clean the filter regularly before it gets excessively dirty. Follow your mower manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning the filter. Typically, this involves tapping the filter to remove loose debris, then spraying it with an air filter cleaner and allowing it to fully dry before reinstalling.
When to Replace the Air Filter
There are a few situations when you’ll need to replace the air filter instead of just cleaning it:
- The filter is very dirty and clogged with debris that cannot be removed by tapping and spraying.
- The filter is coated with oil or fuel due to a leak.
- The filter is torn, punctured or otherwise damaged.
- The filter is several years old and has reached the end of its service life.
Most mower manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter at least once per year or after 100 hours of mowing. If you mow in very dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to replace it more frequently. A properly maintained filter should last approximately 2-3 mowing seasons with regular cleaning.
Don’t try to wash foam air filters with water or detergent, as this will damage the filter. Paper filters should only be tapped and sprayed with filter cleaner. Replace foam or paper filters when they become too dirty, soaked with oil/fuel or are otherwise compromised.
Signs You Need a New Air Filter
Watch for these signs that indicate it’s time to replace your mower’s air filter:
- The filter is caked with dirt and debris that won’t come off with tapping/spraying.
- You have cleaned the filter several times recently with no improvement in mower performance.
- The filter is torn, warped, punctured or otherwise damaged.
- You notice small tears or holes when holding the filter up to the light.
- The filter has reached the recommended replacement interval per the mower manufacturer.
- The mower emits black smoke even after the filter has been cleaned.
- The engine runs rough, sputters or backfires even with a freshly cleaned filter.
Replacing a severely contaminated or damaged air filter is the only way to restore proper airflow to the engine. Continuing to reuse a filter that should be replaced puts excessive strain on the engine and can lead to bigger problems down the line.
Benefits of Proper Air Filter Maintenance
Here are some benefits of properly cleaning and replacing your mower’s air filter as needed:
- Optimizes engine performance and power output.
- Improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
- Prolongs engine life by preventing premature wear.
- Reduces risk of needing expensive engine repairs.
- Prevents buildup of debris that can cause engine damage.
- Enables mower to properly mulch clippings.
- Decreases mold and grass buildup under the mower deck.
- Saves time and money by avoiding engine problems.
Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for air filter maintenance ensures your mower engine gets the proper airflow to operate efficiently. Taking good care of this simple component goes a long way in maintaining your mower’s performance.
Replacement vs. Cleaning Cost Comparison
When deciding whether to replace or clean your mower’s air filter, the costs involved can inform your decision. Here’s a comparison:
| Cost Factor | Replace | Clean |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Cost | $10 – $20 | $0 |
| Cleaner Spray | $0 | $8 |
| Labor Time | 5 minutes | 10 minutes |
As you can see, cleaning is initially cheaper since you don’t have to buy a new filter. However, cleaning takes more time and you have to buy filter cleaner regularly. Replacing more frequently avoids spending time repeatedly cleaning a worn filter. In the long run, the costs are comparable and both cleaning and replacement are affordable maintenance options.
DIY vs. Professional Service
Cleaning or replacing a mower air filter is basic maintenance you can easily do yourself. However, if you prefer, you can pay to have it done professionally. Here’s a comparison of DIY vs. professional service:
| DIY | Professional Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheap (parts only) | $20 – $50+ |
| Convenience | Have to do it yourself | Drop off mower at shop |
| Time | Less than 30 minutes | 1-5 days at shop |
| Skill required | Easy for anyone | Mechanic handles |
For most DIYers, the small upfront cost is worth handling this simple task themselves. But those short on time or mechanical skills may prefer the convenience of professional service.
Conclusion
Cleaning your mower’s air filter after every 25 hours of use will maintain good performance in most mowing conditions. But inspect the filter at least seasonally and replace it if very dirty, damaged or at the end of its service life per the manufacturer. Proper air filter maintenance prevents expensive engine damage and keeps your mower running efficiently for years to come.