How Long After a Mower Overturns Can I Drive It?

Fuel

• Wipe up any spilled fuel as soon as the mower is righted. Inspect the fuel tank for ruptures or other damage. Make sure the fuel tank and fuel lines are firmly attached in their proper positions. Replace any fuel hoses that may have contacted hot engine parts, or are deformed in any way. Wait for the engine to cool before refueling, if the tank was emptied. Replace the air filter if fuel contacted the paper element.

Oil

• Fuel may enter the engine crankcase when a mower capsizes. Check the engine oil for fuel contamination by drawing out a small sample from the oil filler hole, using the corner of a paper towel. Perform an oil change if the oil appears diluted and smells of fuel. Follow the mower manufacturer's recommendations for oil change procedures and oil levels.

Battery

• Some battery acid may have escaped the battery case in the rollover. Neutralize spilled acid with a water and baking soda mixture to minimize damage to the paint, or other areas contacted. Check the battery acid level against the marks on the case, or use the procedure recommended by the battery manufacturer. Add distilled water to restore the acid level, and charge the battery if more than 1 or 2 ounces of water was added.

Starting

• Crank the engine over once the battery is secured in position. Remove and inspect the spark plugs if the mower is hard to start, or runs poorly. Replace any spark plug that appears wet with fuel or oil. Attempts to clean plugs fouled with oil or fuel are usually futile. Set the gap of new plugs between the center and side electrodes to the manufacturer's specifications. Some exhaust smoke after a rollover is normal, but it should subside within a minute or two of operation..