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

[ole33solo]

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
.

 

[mechanic mark]

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.

 

[Fish]

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.

 

[reynoldston]

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.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

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

 

[reynoldston]

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

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.

 

[Fish]

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!!!!

 

[SeniorCitizen]

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.

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.

 

[reynoldston]

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.

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.

 

[ole33solo]

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