Lawn mower engines use one of three types of air filters: paper, foam, or dual element. An air filter plus a filter cartridge and pre-cleaner will ensure that your small engine runs smoothly. Changing the air filter regularly will keep dirt and debris out of the engine and keep your mower running efficiently. Learn how the different types of air filters protect your mower and how to change them regularly.
Before performing any maintenance on your lawn mower, refer to your owner’s manual for maintenance instructions and safety information. Maintenance instructions vary by model, so depending on your lawn mower model our instructions may vary slightly.
Before changing the air filter on your mower, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting. Clean the engine of your mower and remove any dirt and debris. Remove the air filter cover and remove the air filter from the housing.
Paper Filters
Paper air filter elements allow any air that is intended to enter the combustion chamber of the engine to pass through a filtering device made with microscopic holes in it. Paper filters trap dirt and debris on the outside of the element.
How to Change a Paper Air Filter
- Loosen the cover screw and tilt the cover down.
- Remove and discard the paper cartridge. Install the new cartridge with the paper pleat out.
- Close the cover and tighten the screw to secure it.
Foam Air Filters
Foam air filters trap dirt and debris by motor oil spread throughout the oil foam holding medium. A dry or non-oiled oil foam filter will trap only the largest particles.
If the air filter element is foam only, it must be oiled and serviced regularly. Foam filters need to be replaced every 3 months or after 25 hours of use. If you work in dry and dusty conditions this should be done more frequently.
How to Change a Foam Air Filter
- Remove the air filter screw. Remove air filter assembly and discard foam. Clean all the metal assembly parts.
- Saturate the new foam filter with fresh engine oil. Wrap the foam in a clean cloth and squeeze to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the foam filter so that the lip extends over the edge of the body. Reinstall the assembly carburetor.
Dual Element Air Filters
The foam portion of dual element air filters is used as a pre-cleaner for the paper element. Pre-cleaning the air increases the life of the paper element. Air passes through two types of filtering mediums, allowing them to provide clean air for the engine.
If you have a combination air filter with pre-cleaner, replace the pre-cleaner every 25 hours of use and replace the cartridge every 100 hours. If you do not have a pre-cleaner replace the cartridge every 25 hours, and more often when working in dusty conditions.
How to Change a Dual Element Air Filter
- Remove the cover screws and cover. Make sure to keep track of any screws or bolts that are holding the cover in place.
- Remove the foam pre-cleaner, if necessary, and the cartridge.
- Dual element air filters consist of an outer foam portion or pre-cleaner, which covers an inner pleated paper core. Clean the pre-cleaner and paper core, or replace if necessary.
- Reinstall the cartridge, pre-cleaner, cover, and all screws or bolts. Replace the screws and bolts if they are dirty, damaged, or don’t fit properly.
Use our illustrated parts diagrams to locate any replacement parts you may need for your lawn mower.
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Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
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