Tilting Mower Video

By: Author John Cunningham. Published: 2020/10/14 at 9:41 am

Who knew there was a wrong way to tilt your mower over? Well, there is, and in this video, I’ll walk you through the process step by step.

Yes, tilting or turning your mower over on the wrong side can cause some problems, none serious but seriously inconvenient. The most dramatic symptom of tilting your mower to the wrong side is a cloud of white smoke. Other symptoms include leaking oil from the muffler, leaking gas, no start starts but stumbles, and stiff pull cord.
In this video, I’ll show you how to sidestep this common error.

Before working on your mower, be sure to remove the plug wire to prevent accidental starting; see “Repair Safety Video”

You’ll find useful resources on this page, tips, and links to tools, parts, and supplies required to complete your repair.

Tools & Parts

To nail this procedure, you may need the following tools, parts, and supplies.

WD40

This is the first tool on the list for good reason: WD solves a ton of problems. I won’t work without it, because I can’t. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Ratchet Tool Set

Before we can do anything, we’ll need tools. I’ve selected this set as I own some Craftsman tools, and while I have worn some out, they did do a lot of work. So, I expect this set will last the occasional user quite a long time.

This set carries both metric and standard sockets, and that’s important because some mowers will have both types of fastener sizes. The set includes spark plug sockets. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Gas & Oil Syphon

You’ll find this tool really useful if you need to drain the gas tank, and you will if the gas is stale. The siphon will remove it without fuss or mess, and it can be used for extracting the oil, too. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Gas Line Clamp

Some small engines will have a gas tap, which is really handy when removing the carburetor and stops gas flowing all over the shop. However, most engines won’t have one; these useful clamps simply squeeze the fuel line and prevent a spill while you perform surgery. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Gas Stabilizer

Mix this with the gas when winterizing your small engine. Gas isn’t what it used to be; it goes stale, in some cases, after just one month. Bad gas causes gumming, and that’s a carburetor killer. A stabilizer will save you money and stress in the long run. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Gas Can

Briggs and Stratton refuel can. These guys got it right; I like it a lot; it offers press button control, no fuss no-mess, and no funnel required. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Impact Wrench

I love DeWalt; they make quality tools. This heavy-duty but lightweight 1/2-inch impact wrench makes short work of stubborn bolts like flywheel nuts and rusty blade fasteners. Up to 700 ft-lbs of torque on tap, I keep one in the trunk of our family car, which makes a flat almost enjoyable. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Drill/Screw Gun

I use a DeWalt screw gun (also a drill) in the workshop to speed up the process of removing engine covers, carburetor bolts, Armature bolts, etc. It’s a brushless motor and as tough as nails; I drove over it a few times – still works great! Batteries are interchangeable, so if you have a DeWalt product already, you won’t need the battery. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Blade Sharpening Tool

Handy blade sharpening kit that fits a cordless drill includes a blade balance tool. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Blade Holding Tool

The very useful blade-holding tool is used to hold the blade steady while the blade bolt is loosened and tightened. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Wire Brush Kit

Stainless for heavy-duty and brass for and brass wire brush kit for heavy-duty and finer applications like electrical connections and softer metals. Picture links to Amazon.com.

Wire Wheel

Wire wheel and drill make life easy and the job almost enjoyable! Picture links to Amazon.com.

Torque Wrench

Teng 1/2 Torque wrench is a fantastic tool. I use it every day, and mine are still going strong. A torque wrench is advised for tightening components such as flywheel nuts and blades. The torque spec of these components is very important. Picture links to Amazon.com. If you’re buying a torque wrench, check out my review of Teng torque wrench, it’s the model I use.

Video Library