Export thread

My engine is sputtering. The gas is fresh and contains no alcohol. I can tap on the accelerator with my foot and
it keeps running. It has been dusty last couple of times I have mowed.

Thanks ole33solo
.

Great question, replace air filter at least once a year, remove filter & inspect visually holding up to sunlight, can you see light from inside out, if not replace it. You may also have a foam pre-cleaner around filter, a small amount of liquid soap & warm water will do the trick, rinse thoroughly & squeeze dry & let air dry. An engine needs fresh air to breathe to function properly, air filters are probably the most neglected & least expensive parts on an engine.

Take off the air filter, am
and wipe off all of the loose dirt and then start the engine. If it runs better, then you need a new filter. Don't run it long or drive it with a filter, but just to see if it runs better or not.

For the low cost of filters why in the world wouldn't you change them to the very least once a year. Or if you have any question if they were bad??? I would think for less then 20 dollars you can change all your filters, air, gas, and oil.

To be certain it needs to be replaced test it with a water manometer comparing its reading to a new filter reading.

SeniorCitizen said:

To be certain it needs to be replaced test it with a water manometer comparing its reading to a new filter reading.

Click to expand...

Don't know what a water manometer is but I would bet a new filter is cheaper to buy then a water manometer. Then on top of that if the filter reads bad you will still have to buy a new filter. So why not buy the new filter in the first place and be done with it.

I would just buy all of the boys involved a drink at the nearest "Mammary" bar, and the spare change the dancer dropped would pay for the new filter.... If you brought the manometer onstage, things would get expensive!!!!

reynoldston said:

Don't know what a water manometer is but I would bet a new filter is cheaper to buy then a water manometer. Then on top of that if the filter reads bad you will still have to buy a new filter. So why not buy the new filter in the first place and be done with it.

Click to expand...

No idea what your monitor shows for a subject of this thread but mine clearly states:

QUOTE: How to tell when the air filter on my riding mower needs changing?

If you can afford a 4 ft. length of clear plastic tubing from Ace hardware you have the most expensive part of a water manometer. Other components would include a few table spoons of water and a drop of food coloring of your choice for easier visibility.

Other uses - check crankcase vacuum on your pickum up truck / car, set the gas pressure on your furnace or hot water heater just to name a couple.

SeniorCitizen said:

No idea what your monitor shows for a subject of this thread but mine clearly states:

QUOTE: How to tell when the air filter on my riding mower needs changing?

If you can afford a 4 ft. length of clear plastic tubing from Ace hardware you have the most expensive part of a water manometer. Other components would include a few table spoons of water and a drop of food coloring of your choice for easier visibility.

Other uses - check crankcase vacuum on your pickum up truck / car, set the gas pressure on your furnace or hot water heater just to name a couple.

Click to expand...

As I recalled I said i had no idea what a water manometer is. No idea how it even works or do I care. It just sounded expensive to me. Yes when by all means make one and test your air filter. What I have done on some motorcycle paper style air filters which I couldn't find replacements is to wash them with dish soap and water and then let them dry. I would guess if you didn't want to buy a new air filter you could do the same with a lawn mower filter. I had better stay out of this thread because I can see its way over my head, because I don't test air filters in my shop.

Re: How to tell when the air filter on my riding mower needs changing

Hi Guys: I replaced the air filter. My real problem was water. The Sears mechanic emptied & replaced Gas Filter. Emptied the bowl of the

carburetor. Emptied the gas tank. He also cleaned and adjusted the carburetor. There was also a leak at gas filter line. He trimmed

the line. Sears warranty does not cover damages caused by water.

The EPA is the worst enemy of small engines. I have been using gas with no alcohol in it. Gasohol is death to a small engine

Thanks !!! ole33solo

Well, no. If you had alcohol in the gas, it is there to mix with the water and burn it through, which is why those bottles of "Fuel Dry" are nothing but bottles of alcohol...

Fish said:

Take off the air filter, am
and wipe off all of the loose dirt and then start the engine. If it runs better, then you need a new filter. Don't run it long or drive it with a filter, but just to see if it runs better or not.

Click to expand...

If you had done this an gotten back to us, then Sears wouldn't have $300 of your hard earned money!!!!!