How to Disconnect Spark Plugs on Lawn Mowers for Storage

The spark plug provides the electrical spark that ignites your lawn mower's fuel to start the engine. Properly maintaining your lawn mower includes maintaining the spark plug, which affects not only how smoothly the mower runs, but also whether it runs at all. After each year's mowing season, disconnect the spark plug before you store the lawn mower away. When you do this, lubricate the mower's engine at the same time, which will help promote a reliable start the following spring.

Pliers
Socket wrench
Spark plug socket
Motor oil

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the spark plug, which has a black wire covering it, on either the front or side of the lawn mower.
- 2
  Grip the spark plug wire and pull it off the spark plug. If it's stubborn, wiggle the wire and pull it with your hand.
- 3
  Grip the spark plug wire with a pair of pliers, if the wire is stuck. Gently pull the wire off the spark plug with the pliers, being careful not to squeeze the wire and damage it. Position the wire to the side of the spark plug.
- 4
  Install a spark plug socket on a socket wrench. Place the socket over the spark plug, then turn the socket wrench counterclockwise to unscrew the spark plug.
- 5
  Pour a small amount of motor oil, up to a spoonful, into the spark plug port. Use the motor oil that's recommended for your lawn mower, according to the owner's manual.
- 6
  Reinstall the spark plug. Tighten it with the socket wrench, turning the tool clockwise on the spark plug. Attach the wire back on the spark plug.
- 7
  Pull the lawn mower's start cord a few times, to distribute the oil through the mower engine.
- 8
  Grip the wire on the spark plug and pull it off. Position the wire alongside the spark plug. Leave the spark plug installed in the mower.

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